(From West Bank Living) For the last couple of days I've been working with a fabulous military couple who will be relocating to the West Bank as a result of an assignment to NAS JRB New Orleans. Their home in another state is currently on the market for sale, so they know what it's like to be the seller.
- They know that sometimes appointments aren't at the most convenient time and they may have to leave their house when they would normally be having dinner
- They know that it's a pain to be sure the beds are made and no dishes are in the sink every time they walk out the front door
- They know that buyers are not as plentiful as they were a few years ago
- They know that they are facing tough competition from the other homes in their area and price range
Imagine their disappointment when we couldn't see a home they were very interested in this week because the sellers would not allow any appointments to be made while they had out of town company.
Now, I understand that they are in the middle of entertaining guests, which is stressful enough. Making sure everyone is fed, feels comfortable in your home, has a place to sleep and planning any tourist activities is hard work. I understand that they would rather put aside the fact that their home is on the market this week.
But, what if this is THE ONE? What if this is the perfect family for their home? What if, when they are 
ready to make appointments again, the buyers have already made an offer on another house? Are they willing to take that chance when turning down a showing request? Apparently so, because we tried again today to schedule a showing - sorry, no appointments until Thursday.
Gee, that's too bad, because on Thursday my buyers will be headed out of state with a contract on another house.
For professional West Bank Real Estate advice and services, contact Lisa Heindel.
I'm so sorry to hear this. Usually the people out her are really good about making their house available at all times.
Lisa - I know exactly what you mean. Lately scheduling appointments I have been amazed in this market at how many sellers make it impossible to schedule an appointment to see their home. Even if you tell them that it is the only day that the client will be in town. Last week I was unable to show a particular home even though it was the only home that this particular client wanted to see. I guess they didn't really want to sell.
That is so frustrating!!!! That seller will be the same seller that blames the listing agent that their home didn't sell too.
I have to agree. Lately is has been a challenge to get into some of these homes. I hate to say it but i find myself telling the listing agent that my buyers will pass on their home and buy someone elses property. The sellers should be kissing my buyers feet in this market.
I hate when sellers make things difficult! I've been having to decide if we're going to make a move to Austin, and so many sellers declined our showings, and they actually had the nerve to call a couple of days later asking when we would reschedule to which I would say, we are no longer in town. Silly silly sellers. Do you want to sell or not?
Unfortunately we run into this all of the time. Sellers need to realize their home needs to be available. I have sellers that have guests but they work around that. I explain to the showing agent that the place will be a little more messy than usual. We go ahead and show it. I have, however, tried to show homes and been told no for various reasons. I guess they really don't want to sell.
This usually happens around the holidays, but not so much smack dab in the middle of summer! Sellers like to think that if the buyer is really interested they will wait to see it. I hate to burst their bubble, but the buyer has umpteen other houses to choose from. If you can't accommodate a showing, your house won't even be in the running.
Lisa I had a listing where I actually trimmed the plants so it would look better. Finally sold it this month after eight months having it listed. I worked hard for that one.
Isn't it amazing the number of homes on the market that owners believe that they want to sell, but don't want anyone inside?
I had one family that wanted me to list their home for sale without looking at it. I had sold them the house so they thought I should remember it. I passed.
Lisa, we are dealing with a client that is very similiar, if not worse. They have went as far as to require the lock box to be removed - 24 hour notice - must be present when seller's agent arrives. Needless to say they have not had many looks. Cannot help them to understand why though.
Those sellers are just playing hard to get. They think if they act all coy with the goods that anticipation will build like an after Thanksgiving Sale.
Kim, most people here are too, which is why I was so surprised that even after they were told my buyers had a limited amount of time to look they still refused to allow the house to be shown.
Pam, that's the conclusion we came to about this seller too :(
Assist-2-Sell, gee I hope not! The agent tried very hard to get us in, it just didn't work.
Steve, there is no sense in berating the agent - he tried hard. This is all on the seller.
Donna, apparently NOT is the answer :)
Ray, we offered to overlook any disarray - didn't work.
Kelly, absolutely right. My buyers were disappointed, but this is not the only house on the market, that's for sure!
John, congrats on your sale!
Lenn, they didn't even want to let YOU in? Oh my - can you imagine the nightmare scheduling showings would be?
Tim/Pam, it might be time to let one go when it expires. What good is a listing you can't show or sell?
Amanda, I'm sure it will still be there at Thanksgiving at this rate :) I wonder if we can get in at 5am on Black Friday?
Surprisingly, we have run into this issue a lot here. I guess motivation is not part of the sellers reason for selling.
This amazes me when it happens. So many competing homes on the market. I agree - silly sellers. And some sellers just don't get that we are selling 'a house', not 'their home.'
Jeremy, LOL!
Virginia, too true. I always give my sellers the "this is not your home anymore - it's a product" speech. That doesn't mean they always listen :)
I'm lucky that i have a listing in contract with the seller not wanting a lockbox on it and always wanting to be there. It makes it hard even for a market like ours.
Sally, we saw others that the seller needed to be there for and they were very accomodating. It's the idea that we couldn't get into this one AT ALL that makes me frustrated. How are they ever going to sell if everytime they have something going on the house is unavailable?