List To Last! Why Are You Just Working With Buyers?!!!

Ever since the market started tumbling I've heard agents complain about the expense and problems of working with sellers. Not work with sellers! Are you crazy?

Their reasoning, in a market where home sales are virtually non-existent, one good qualified buyer is worth two sellers. Well I'm here to tell ya--- that type of business approach is doomed for failure. Ever hear that Ole' adage 'list to last"? If you haven't, you are probably headed out the proverbial real estate door and if you have---you're probably sitting on a couple listings that have been collecting dust. What a dilemma.

So---how does one "list to last" in a market where homes are sitting for hundreds of days? Why have a listing that isn't selling?

1) Having listings on the market ensures that your phone will ring. Maybe not as regularly as years past but it will ring and having the opportunity to speak to and possibly procure buyers is what it's all about right?

2) Having listings on the market shows buyers and sellers that you are a motivated go-getter with area expertise.

3) Having listings on the market shows the neighboring property owners that you have been selected to represent that owner. This, in and of itself gives you a huge advantage over other agents who may be considered to list homes in that neighborhood in the future.

Now---The only thing you must do is educate the sellers about proper pricing so the home sells. Easy right? Keep the sellers informed about the current market so they are prepared to remain competitive with value adjustments. Another easy task. Keep the neighborhood informed so they do not think you just listed the home and vanished. Again---simple.

The "list to last" principle is not one that focuses all marketing and sales efforts on the listing aspect of the real estate market. it is merely one of many ever changing assortments of tools we have at our disposal. As we progress through these tough times it's my opinion that agents should use every tool available. Work with buyers. Work with sellers. Work with everyone who needs the services of a professional real estate agent. Only then will you capitalize on every available possibility.

If you do not have listings---you are missing a very fundamental element of the "list to last" priniple.....The"List" part. Without it you can not "Last"...