There’s always something to howl about.

I Have Some Good News – And I Have Some Bad News

“I have some good news – and I have some bad news.”

That was what what an agent in a fellow broker’s office stood up to announce at their weekly meeting.

“I just picked up a new listing.”

And the laughter ensued.

Many of you know why… ’cause you get it. For the rest of you – here’s the reason:

Listings cost time and money – make no mistake. Unless you’re one of these agents who take a listing – stab a sign in the yard – hang a lockbox on the door – and then get back to work prospecting for your next listing… you’re going to be spending precious time and money attempting to sell the property.

Another broker was telling me that the number of listings she is holding is at an all-time high. A couple of years ago, this would be welcome news. Today, however, it is not. It is indicative of a slow resale market.

Many listings that were held by good, responsible agents end up expiring – and turned over to the next agent… who – oddly enough – also cannot sell the property at the price the seller wants.

I get many requests for CMA’s (comparable market analysis) each week… and the sellers, for the most part, don’t like the numbers I give them. So sorry. I am not trying to woo anyone with faulty data or promises. The market is what it is.

And the costs for the agents continue to go up. Look at Russell Shaw’s post regarding Realtor.com. Everyone has their hand in the agent or broker’s pocket – tempting us with the latest method to either acquire new business – or sell our inventory.

So to all you sellers out there – I have some good news and some bad news:

The good news is that if you’re serious about selling your home – it can be done.

The bad news is that it probably won’t be at the price you were hoping for.

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