Generic Answer: ‘It’s None of Your Business!’ First, a confession: when I’m swamped — as I am now — promptly turning around listing agents’ “showing feedback forms” is not my highest priority. Taking care of clients is. That said, “customized” feedback forms which pose open-ended questions — and lots of them — certainly don’t help matters...Read More
What Should the Runners-Up Agents Say to the Listing Agent? Assuming that the listing agent (representing the Seller) conducted multiple offers openly, fairly, was communicative throughout, etc. — vs. selling the home to their own Buyer* at midnight for $20k less than the highest offer — what is appropriate for the runners-up agents to say...Read More
“Powell Doctrine” vs. “Kaplan Doctrine” Military action should be used only as a last resort. However, when it is used, it should be overwhelming and disproportionate to the force used by the enemy. –Powell Doctrine (my paraphrase) Buyers who have serious interest in a home should stay off the listing agent’s radar until such time...Read More
Ok, so there are only three zeroes attached — or sometimes just two (vs. Wall Street’s five or six), but more and more MLS listings these days are dangling bonuses in front of the Buyer’s agent (called the “Selling Agent” once the deal has closed). Unlike a fatter commission payout, which the Buyer’s agent has to split with...Read More
How Much Is a Strong Realtor Really Worth? So, which offer did the Seller of this new-to-market St. Louis Park rambler choose to work with the other week? (Yes, multiple offers can and still do occur in today’s housing market, albeit only for homes in good locations, that are well-priced, and in move-in condition). Was it the highest offer?...Read More
Test your knowledge of today’s real estate market, and answer the following question: Does dangling a fatter commission to the Buyer’s agent — what Realtors call the “listing payout” — result in a faster sale, for more money? A. No. B. Yes. C. Sometimes D. It depends on how much. Answer: “D.” (credit also given for...Read More
