When to fire a Real Estate agent.

Question

Well, I listed a property with an agent with the main purpose of saving myself time and headache.I live in the same neighborhood where the listed property is and 3 times now the sign has been down. The first time, I put it back up... the 2nd time I let them know and now the 3rd time. Poor pics taken, mls listing that I had to re-direct the wording.. etc etc.I almost feel like I am giving all the input to market this property. What is going on here? She is a nice lady and so am I,  but I am not here for nice, I need to sell. What are a seller's options if they feel the agent is not representing them well? Thanks.

Jeff Keller · Answer

The first step would be to tell your agent you want to schedule a meeting with her to resolve problems with how she is marketing your property. You want to focus on what needs to be done rather than assigning responsibility. Tell her the pictures need to be better. The sign is not being kept up. Point out examples of better pictures. Tell her you want to receive a weekly status from her.

If your agent fails to do anything, contact her broker and tell her broker you had a meeting with your agent already, and the results are not satisfactory. Ask him if he will assign another agent or if he will cancel the listing agreement. Most likely the broker will want to talk with your agent before making any commitment about what he will do.

Keep a simple log of what is wrong (sign down etc.), what was done to fix the problem, and email it to both your agent and her broker on a regular basis. Pictures are nice but not necessary. Don't make your log a series of accusations but rather a simple statement of events which show your property is not being marketed appropriately. I can't imagine either an agent or a broker who will not respond to a methodical log of problems.

If the results are still poor, tell the broker you want him to cancel the listing agreement. If he refuses tell him you are going to file a complaint with the local board of realtors, that the fiduciary duties owed to you are  not being met.

Brandon L. · Answer

@Christine Mwai sit down and tell the agent exactly how you feel. stop with the "subtle hints" the agent is not a mind reader. Selling a home takes time, and there is no such thing as saving yourself from a headache. The process can get stressful.

Out of curiosity, What percentage did the agent take the listing at? and what price point is your home at?

Mike Cumbie · Answer

@Christine Mwai,

Oh I am in no way saying that you shouldn't be getting great service on an 85K house by any means (If it was an 8K mobile you should have good pictures and signs in good repair). I am just saying that since there is a contract you need a history of communication if there is a hope that you can get out of it. Because if you just try and say "I am done with you" the odds are good that the broker will come after their cut if you try and sell it to someone else. If you can show a history of you trying to get it resolved then the odds of them letting you break the contract are better.

Showing, signs down on the fourth, I called to have them fixed, had a meeting on the eighth where we discussed strategy, did not receive my marketing report on the 13th as we discussed, called broker to get another agent on the 17th.....

Hope it works out for you!

Christine Mwai · Answer

Thanks @Brandon L., @Mike Cumbie for your input. Yes, I'm sure she's not a mind reader:). I did state my expectations very clearly when I engaged her services... anyway, I will work on being more direct now, no more "subtle hints". Yes, selling has it's own headaches, true, but are there not some basic expectations when using an agent?...Like the sign should be steady and STAY up, the mls listing should focus well on the attritutes of the property and its location?... The pics Must be decent?...otherwise, I might as well sell it myself..

Mike Cumbie · Answer

I agree with @Jeff Keller and @Brandon L.

Be specific and schedule a meeting to go over what you are expecting and what you are experiencing. If you do not have improvement talk to the broker. They will do something to fix it, if not ask to be let out of the contract. They may or may not (in their eyes they have money in marketing it) They may ask for some of that back/they may not. It really depends on how close your perception is to their perception.

Good luck on selling it quickly!

Christine Mwai · Answer

To answer your q @Brandon L., this is not an expensive property, it is mid -range for this area being that it is a townhome. It is a great city and desirable neighborhood. The price range for a 2/2 townhome in this area is 85-100k....I am asking 85k.. And offering 2k at closing for any cosmetic changes. I own it free and clear and have had it as a rental for 3 years. Bought it as a foreclosure for 54. It rents consistently... rental range is $900-925. Only reason I am selling is to invest in another business venture. Now, I know the commission is not big on 85k, but, I would rather someone tells me that to my face rather than give me questionable service... afterall, in the big scheme of things, they also get marketing from listing the property, and referrals, future listings from me if they do a good job?...win-win situation?

Christine Mwai · Answer

Thanks for your response and advice @Jeff Keller. So far, I have very nicely made suggestions to the agent and given subtle hints that I thought would work. She does listen, but I really have no time to babysit right now... I know that seems harsh, but, today I am quite frustrated with her performance. I have been more than patient. I was hoping to not involve her broker, so I hope she remedies the concerns. If not, it happens, no hard feelings. Thanks again for your great points.

When to fire a Real Estate agent.

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