Carol Marra CRS e-Pro

About 2 years ago I decided not to take listings that would not "bow" to my pricing expertise. After all, I am the professional know-it-all who every seller needs to sell their home. Guess what - I had very few listings then. What I failed to realize is that you can never get sellers to reduce their price if you don't have their listing. Now, I don't take listings that are way over the mark. But if the sellers need to satisfy themselves that what I am saying is true then I take their listing at a higher price and let them go through the (painful) process of reducing their pricing until they sell. I always send them current comps of other homes that go into pending and sold that compare to their home. Then they see for themselves why their home is not also getting an offer. I have come to realize that a listing is a process and not a quick destination. And I have had sellers thank me that I did not try to shove a very low price on them just to make a quick sale. These same sellers have told me that the reason I got their listing was because I listened to their needs and was patient with them. I know it is hard for agents to have patience with demanding sellers but a little goes a long way.

My personal opinion is...This real estate market has farther to go before we see the light of day. I guess the real question for sellers is do you really need to sell? If not, it would be wise to sit on the sidelines for awhile and let those who really need to sell to get on with their lives. Certain life events require a change of address - ie. I lost my job and the only one I can find is in another state. This person needs to move to make a living. Or you have just had a child and you live in a one bedroom 3rd story condo. Who wouldn't want to have more space and a yard?

Anyway, the only way this market will get back to some equilibrium is to have less inventory. The over abundance we have now just confuses and scares most sellers. As an agent I try to get buyers to focus on their needs and get the best home from a short list that I provide. If they really don't see anything they like we look at the next 10 homes. If after 3 times out I do not find them a home we need to sit down and go over their needs again because I must be missing something.

All things considered this is a great time to buy - great interest rates and great prices. If you are a first time homebuyer what are you waiting for?!

I'd love to hear your comments - buyers and agents welcome!!

PS I am from the Sarasota/Bradenton Florida market