Family Real Estate Drama

Dear Phyllis,

I have four siblings and am the executor for my parent’s home, and there is too much family real estate drama. After my mom passed, my brother wanted me to list the home with one of his high school friends. I interviewed his friend but hired an agent with many more listings and frequently mails to the neighborhood. My parent’s home has been listed for two months. It’s vacant, so it’s easy to show. My agent hired a photographer; the home is listed in the MLS. Each day I get a call from either my bother or one of my sisters asking if we have offers. Of course, my brother is blaming me for not hiring his friend. What else should our agent do to get this home sold?

Thank You,
I can’t take the family drama

Dear One,

Has your Realtor® had a broker’s open house? New listings are available for the real estate community to view weekly. If the home has not yet been on a broker’s tour, your agent should do so now (better late than never). If the broker’s tour is months after the fact, your agent should offer an incentive for agents to come: refreshments, lunch, raffle, etc.

Has the home been open for weekend open houses? In the meantime, as the home is vacant, there is no reason it should not be held open every weekend. This is simple enough if your agent works for one of the larger real estate companies. Additionally, agents always want to hold weekend open houses in hopes of obtaining new clients. Weekend open houses make it easy for buyers who have seen your parent’s home online to visit in person.

The internet has changed how buyers search for homes. Buyers no longer canvas neighborhoods. Your first showings are online (good that you have professional photos). Ask your agent to improve the marketing description; perhaps you can give him some ideas.

Unfortunately, listings quickly become “stale,” and the longer the home is on the market, the less exciting it becomes. Moreover, your agent should explain what they are doing to get your parent’s home sold. It’s your agent’s job to inform you and tell you why the home has not sold. Ask your agent to update you on his efforts and market assessment. Which homes have sold while you have been on the market? Ask your Realtor® why he thinks those homes have sold, not your parents. You hired this Realtor® and insist that he do his job: sell the home or explain why it hasn’t sold.

Best of luck with your sale and ending your family real estate drama.

Call Phyllis @ 818 790-7325 or email her at [email protected] with your real estate questions.

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