No one has been looking at my house lately - Is it my Realtor?

**Dirch** · 10-20-2011, 07:49 PM

I'm trying to sell my house in a suburb of Pittsburgh, PA. The house is in fine shape and in a nice neighborhood. No one has even looked at the house though in almost 2 months. I can't figure out why because 2 other houses sold on my street but through different real estate agencies. Is there something more my real estate agent could do to get people to look at it?

The agreement I signed with the agent is for one year. Is that very binding? I think I might want to try someone else since I'm not getting anywhere with this realtor. Any advice and answers would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Dirch

**Greg** · 10-21-2011, 04:56 AM

A one year binding agreement is too long. Next time don't sign for more than 6 months.

You did not say how much the other houses sold for. Ask your agent for an update of the sold properties. If they were listed for sale for less than yours then you are over priced. If they were priced the same as you then it is your agent. Make sure you factor in the size and condition of the other houses when you compare the solds.

Don't even look at what is for sale. Looking at what other people are asking for their houses means nothing in this market and will just cause you to make the same stupid mistakes others are making.

Just guessing here but if properties are selling and no one is looking at your house you are most likely overpriced.

**Destin2008** · 10-21-2011, 06:28 PM

Agree with Greg, most common mistake - overpricing.

**jumpingspidermedia** · 10-24-2011, 08:26 PM

The binding is indeed to long. I would say that the possibility of an over priced is on the side!

Talk to your Realtor and discuss your concerns to them,they'll definitely have explanation. Then decide if you'll still want to stay or look for another agency!

**CC Lifestyle Realty** · 10-25-2011, 08:20 AM

Agree that the binding is too long. Our typical length is 60 or 90 days. If the house doesn't sell in that time for the listed price there can be several factors.

First, everyone claims price is high and that is true, but realize that the visual appeal of the house both inside and out will influence what someone is willing to pay. We have access to numerous companies that help renovate, upgrade and update a home. You can easily spend $1000. The return for that investment is far more than what you spend. As an example we just listed a home for rent at the same price as three competitors. The only difference was the changes we made to the outside and removing all the clutter. It was under contract in two days. The other two homes have been on the market for months.

Second, declutter the home. People who view the home or see your pictures only see your stuff. They don't see the home. The need to feel like they can live there and visualize their stuff in the house.

Third, what is your competition and what is currently being sold? You need to understand the market and how your house fits into that market. I am not talking about marketing, but instead understanding the type of buyer who would seek your house and what price range do they typically seek. In our area we have a large number of relocations due to our big oil industry. Their desires in a home are different than someone who has lived in the community for years and is seeking to move up.

**Carla Hailey** · 10-25-2011, 10:00 AM

One year is indeed too long. Aside from this, make sure your home show well since it is competing with houses in your area.

**Johnny Brooks** · 10-26-2011, 02:18 PM

The housing market is difficult for many homeowners, there are a low number of serious
buyers available. It is very unlikely this is the fault of your agent, you have to make your
home attractive price wise to entice the few buyers that are actively looking.

**RealtyRon** · 11-10-2011, 09:23 AM

Also agreed that pricing is usually the culprit. Where is your Realtor advertising the home? Have you had any open houses? Also, a huge issue I usually see is curb appeal. Make sure everything looks great from the road. If a house looks bad on the outside, many people will not contact anyone to look inside it.

**aymes** · 11-10-2011, 05:00 PM

Also, are you allowing buyers to see your house at their convenience even if it is not convenient for you? Are you allowing every possible agent to show your house, and do you leave when they are showing it?

Many buyers are put off my the homeowner being home.

Do you insist on appointments rather than letting an agent show the house at the last minute? This cuts down on showings.

Is there a lockbox? Do agents have to call first so you can remove a pet? If they call you, do they have to reach you or can they just leave a message saying when they will be there?

Last but not least - Is your house on MLS and all other real estate websites? Many homeowners think giving an office exclusive listing is better.

I agree with all the previous agent's posts but just thought I'd add another perspective.

**BrittonBrown** · 11-14-2011, 01:16 PM

Today's market is more like a beauty contest and a pricing war.
The problem I have found is that in most cases it usually comes down to a home that the REALTOR has allowed to be overpriced from the get-go. I tell homeowners all the time that there are two things that sell homes; price and marketing. However, all the marketing in the world will never overcome a pricing issue.

With that said, I think the biggest issue I hear in your situation is the fact that you seem to be clueless when it comes to whats going on and that my friend is not right.

You are welcome to visit our website where you can find some very helpful tips on what you can do to get top dollar and sell your home more quickly. You can access the our website by googling AREA Real Estate Consultants.

Feel free to contact us if you need any help, our services are always free!

In the meantime, if this was at all helpful, you could do me a favor by becoming a fan on our new business page on Facebook by going to facebook and searching for us at AREA Real Estate COnsultants. Thanks in advance!