milo, name him and the co he works for, this sort of thing does not happen often, also let his boss know how happy you are with his work

Gerty Dancer wrote:

---

We met a quite a few d***head salesmen when trying to choose our van, so I understand Milos feelings about this one. He may only be doing his job, but some of 'em dont even do their job!

We are considering putting our house on the market when we get back from this trip, and already are wondering what basis to choose our real-estate saleman. Would appreciate any experienced advice?

---

Hi Gerty, among my many talents at one time I was a top real estate salesman (modest too), however am a bit rusty now but some things in general never change, I have also bought and sold a number of my own properties;

Get at least three free appraisals of your property if that is the way they do it over your way, but don't sign anything.  Just tell them you are thinking of putting it on the market but are still thinking about it, if you do you will let them know if their company gets the job.

Don't be swayed by the highest price, some "buy" the listing (give a higher price to get your business) and then later ask you to drop the price.  Best thing to do is to ask what they think it will sell for, add the three prices together and divide by three and that will give you an approximate idea of what you may get.  Also see which salesman appeals to your most as being the most upfront and trustworthy.  Most are ok but there are a few sleazy ones around.

Ask what are the total costs involved in selling, including any advertising, signs etc, and what settlement costs are.  Some have their own settlement agents, usually one they have shares in (will tell you the settlement will go smoother/quicker if you use theirs etc). Good idea to use an independent settlement agent if you can, also check what they charge as a total upfront for settlement.

As the sales rep to show you the results of recent sales in your area, also visit a few homes open to see what they are like and if similar to yours and a similar area what their asking price is.  You can also sus out their sales people to see if you like one of them.

Home are not like chocolates and unless your home is in an area that is in demand or exceptional it may/could take a few months to sell (or even longer) but you may be lucky and it could sell quickly too.  A home only needs the right buyer through, a saying was there is a buyer for every home, in other words what doesn't suit one may suit another.  

As an example, another agent and I had a home (listing) for sale opposite each others.  We had agreed on a conjunctional sale (he would let me show potential buyer through his if I would do the same for his buyers) in that case the sales. commission was split 50/50 between the two companies if one sold the others. 

My client hated the home I had for sale, but loved the other agents, so through me we made an offer through the other agent for the other property which the owner accepted.  

The other agent had a client that hated his listed property but loved the listing I had, and through me made an offer which was accepted by the owner. 

So we both made sales on each others properties and both clients and owners were happy.  You just never know what people will see in one property but not in another.  Again, there is a buyer for every property.

If you have a home open, make sure you lock any valuables away and don't leave anything of any value laying around.  Your agent may be present but can't watch everybody coming through.

If you want to ask me anything you think I can help with please ask.  Please note I am only familiar with home sales in WA and my comments are based on this state only.

No worries Gerty,

Just remember salesmen are not your friend (albeit friendly) and are out to make a living, most either are on commision or part commission only, no sale no eat, so have more reason than most to make a sale any way they can.  

I was one of the honest ones (modesty again) and got a lot of people and their friends coming back to me again because of the way I dealt with them, there are others like that out there too but also plenty of ruthless ones.   Like car sales, caution is the best way to go at all times.