Family Real Estate Drama
Dear Phyllis,
I serve as executor for my parents’ estate with my four siblings, and I feel overwhelmed by ongoing family conflict over the sale of their home. After my mother passed away, my brother pushed me to list the property with one of his high school friends. I interviewed that agent, but I chose a different Realtor who had stronger production, more active listings, and consistent neighborhood marketing.
The home has now been on the market for two months. It sits vacant, shows easily, and my agent hired a professional photographer and placed the property in the MLS. Despite this, my siblings call me every day asking whether we have received any offers. My brother continues to blame me for not hiring his friend. I feel exhausted by the constant pressure and family drama.
What else should our agent be doing to get this home sold? Tired of the family drama
Dear Family Drama,
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. As a result, buyers no longer canvass neighborhoods. Instead, your first showings happen online (it is good that you have professional photos). Therefore, ask your agent to improve the marketing description; in addition, you may want to give him some ideas.
Unfortunately, listings quickly become “stale,” and the longer a home stays on the market, the less exciting it becomes. Moreover, your agent should clearly explain what they are doing to get your parents’ home sold. In fact, it is your agent’s job to keep you informed and to explain why the home has not sold. Consequently, ask your agent to update you on their efforts and overall market assessment. For example, which homes have sold while yours has been on the market? In addition, ask your Realtor why those homes sold instead of yours—not why your parents’ home has not sold. Ultimately, you hired this Realtor, and you should insist that they do their job: sell the home or clearly explain why it has not 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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