Q: What’s a difficult but important topic to discuss with sellers?
The one lesson I have learned this year is to put everything into writing. We can have discussions and agreements with the sellers, but when they hand over the keys and the issues they promised they would take care of aren’t done, this will ultimately affect the sale of the home.
Gay E. Rosen, CRS, Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty, Larchmont, NY
I inform my sellers at my listing appointment that when they hire me as their listing agent, I will be brutally honest with them and go through their home to inform them what needs to be done or corrected before I will put it in the MLS. Yes, I can even tell them that the home smells, if need be … 99 percent of them do appreciate your honesty.
Donna Hazlewood, CRS, CRS Realty Masters of Florida, Pensacola, FL
When dealing with a seller, it is always best to be honest about a dirty property. Making sure windows are clean, things are put away and that the home is nice and tidy are important. I showed several properties today and [my clients chose] one that was priced right and very clean and smelled good.
Barbara Powell, CRS,Coldwell Banker Chicora & Estate Sales, Myrtle Beach, SC
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