“10 . . 9 . . 8 . . 7 . . 6,” or, Killing Two Birds With One (Marketing) Stone
It’s a high-quality problem to have, as they say: every time my client would go to their long-time family home to pack up, empty things out, etc., neighbors and even passersby headed to/from nearby Cedar Lake would knock on the door to buttonhole them about their plans.
When would the house be available, how much — and frequently — whether they’d be interested in selling it to their best friend/brother-in-law/contractor neighbor.
Welcome attention, to be sure, but also time-consuming, awkward (“what’s your real bottom line?”), and a bit overwhelming for someone who doesn’t sell real estate.
Making the Realtor the Lightning Rod
My Realtor solution: 1) have the owner sign an MLS Withhold form, allowing me as their listing agent to keep the home off the market after they formally hired me but before they’d finished their prep; and 2) put a 
“For Sale” sign in the front yard announcing that the home would be available, soon, and providing my contact information.
Did it work?
I’ve logged over two dozen inquiries about the home in the last 10 days — most from people heading to/from Cedar Lake’s biking and walking trails just one-half block away.*
Meanwhile, the number of neighbors and passersby ringing the doorbell dropped to a trickle.
“Please Contact Our Agent”
Per my instructions, my client has dutifully told everyone in the latter group the same thing: “our agent, Ross Kaplan, is handling the sale. Here’s his business card if you want to contact him, or, if you leave your name and number, I’ll have him contact him you.”
And I have . . .
P.S.: In case you didn’t notice, the difference between the two “For Sale” signs (besides the greener grass in the upper photo, taken later) is that one says “Coming in 2 Weeks!” and the other says “Coming in 1 Week!”
*Exposure on Edina Realty’s proprietary “Network One” generated another 8-10 inquiries.
See also, “Have House/Need a House.”
