If the brochure box is empty... they notice
If their brochures still show the original price after two reductions... they notice
If their agent hasn't done in an Open House in six months (or ever)... they notice
If no feedback cometh after showings... they notice
If there haven't been any showings in a month... they notice
If their Craigslist ad hasn't been refreshed... they notice
If their agent hasn't updated them on market activity... they notice
If their online photos are from two seasons ago... they notice
If the only time they hear from their agent is when he calls to ask for a price reduction... they notice
Just because a seller doesn't complain doesn't mean he's happy. And just because he's not complaining to his agent doesn't mean he's keeping quiet elsewhere. Trust me on this. If his agent doesn't seem to care about selling his home... the seller notices.
Coming soon - 16 Ways to Keep Your Seller Happy
I am learning this very thing the hard way. Communication is the key.
Kari - Yeah... the good news is (I guess it's good news) is that it's really not hard to impress a seller, either. Just stay in touch, show up to work and remember that his home sale is really really important to him!
"Just because a seller doesn't complain doesn't mean he's happy."
Absolutely. Communication heads off complaints. And I still struggle with recognizing that sellers would just as soon get bad news as no news.
Very true. I've been fortunate this year that none of my listings have stayed on the market very long. However it still means I have to communicate as the process doesn't end when the house goes under contract.
SWelling is such a big and personal thing we as agents who do this a lot often forget that fact. Good post and something we all should remember
It's really no different than customers at a store. Poor service will cause them to leave (or not renew in the case of real estate agents) and most won't tell the store or you the reasons why they don't come back.
Mike - Me, too. But at least if an agent communicates, the seller might think they actually care.
Cindy - For me, it's easier to communicate during the contract-to-closing period. But I actually have nightmares where I've forgotten about a listing and left them hanging for months! Unfortunately, for many sellers... this is their reality.
Charlie - I'm not sure what SWelling is - but I'll trust you that it's important! ;-]
Yes they notice. I ask my sellers to please call when we get low on the drop box. I will bring them new ones. I tell them we are a team in selling their home, so we must communicate. Giving weekly updates and calling to just say hello is important.
Excellent Jen! You are so right, yes they do notice.
I love this post!
Another superb post, Jennifer! I agree wholeheartedly but I always wonder why sellers re-list with agents whose signs are always falling over, whose info boxes are always empty and whose ads are always full of typos, misspellings and punctuation problems.
Even of there's nothing positive to report, an update on the market is important. Seller's want to believe that they gave the listing to the best choice, they don't want to be counting the days until it expires.
Hi Jennifer. You are correct.
I think I need to refresh a couple listings today on Craigslist!!!!
Thanks for the reminder,
Ken
Hi Jennifer,
You are right the facts are the facts. Communication is the key and they do notice when they are not getting any!!
Great post Jennifer. We tell them on our initial Listing Appointment what to expect and how often they'll hear from us. Communication from the start.
Nothing says lazy more than snow on a roof in July! But worse ---- NO PICTURE, I hate that.. Just saw a few today when fishing around realtor.com
Jennifer, and they notice when you put up a new sign rider that they don't understand. My seller called today to ask about the Home Warranty rider that I put up on the weekend.
Jennifer - so true! It's so important to set expectations with the sellers in the beginning and to FOLLOW THROUGH! It also helps to anticipate a sellers' reaction to take care of the situation before it becomes an issue (however small).
I have a seller that noticies everything, from the good to the bad, but will only mention the bad. Sometimes I hear the good by mistake...
Communication is always the key, you are never bothering the client, they feel lost without interaction from the agent.
Jennifer, these are great reminders on how important communication is for our clients.
Excellent post. I am going to print this out and make sure to keep it handy, Just as a reminder :)