If you're selling, just curious what type of relationship you have with your realtor. Do you leave everything up to them or stay involved in the process?

It floors me to see listings with bad pics, mis-information, or missing important details. Don't people look at their own listings? Question the info?

Maybe I'm overinvolved but I make sure the listing is in the publication, check on the pics, readily give the info and double check that it's listed properly and stay on top of it. I also take the advice they give and make changes as needed. I know the realtor is the expert but I'm the one who has the absolute greatest interest in the sale.

I am shopping online and see listings without kitchen pics though ad states nice updates, wrong schools listed, fuzzy or bad angles in pics, and vague info or one line about the house. We need an extra room in the basement and most listings don't include that though I know specific models do have that feature. Frustrating as a buyer and I can't understand why buyers don't follow up on their own listings.

I totally agree, Steph M! It does seem like a lot of sellers aren't very attentive to what their listing actually looks like - once they have entered into the listing contract with their agent - and what it actually says re the actual facts, the bad spelling, grammar and photographs.

Word to the wise, sellers, not all real estate agents are proficient at their job - check out your own listing and make sure it reflects your home and its assets accurately.

Definitely agree with Idaho - there are some awesome realtors out there, but some..... not so much. But - as the seller - one would have to be daft not to be looking at realtor.com and figuring out how it looks. Also, sometimes there are little typos where the facts might not be exact, and you can catch it early.

There could be another explanation, Steph, WRT missing details. Almost without exception, when I tour homes that were posted with either certain missing interior photos or none whatsoever, the omitted rooms/info are the absolute worst part of the home.

Realtors post photos and info to entice and encourage buyers to visit their homes - not discourage them. So, those sellers and their realtors probably made a conscious decision to omit that material. They're basically putting their best foot forward, so to speak.

Needless to say, I generally make the assumption that anything omitted is bad. All, JMHO.

P.S. I understand the flip side of the argument, too. Why invite buyers to your home only to disappoint them? If you're honest and upfront, you'll only receive showings from interested buyers. Why waste your time? If you're truly selling a fixer, then sell it as a fixer.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SurfNow,

Steph M, depends on how well your Realtor is doing his/her job but you might be unintentionally causing problems if your agent feels like you are second guessing what they are doing.

Yes, you have the biggest stake in the transaction, but how often do you buy or sell a house?

With that said, some agents stink at marketing. They post lousy photos if any, but that is a different story, and they frequently do not have good write ups and as you mentioned incorrect information.

About missing photos - just because there is only an outside photograph of a property do not assume there is something wrong inside - it could very well be an investment property with a tenant and the agent could not take photos.

At the first meeting with your agent have an open discussion about your expectations and listen to the marketing plan presented for your home. If comfortable with the plan, make sure your agent follows up and if you do see something that is not correct or you think is a problem bring it up. In today's market many Realtors skip the tradional Homes magazines and rely on on-line postings.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Charming,

Steph, I was only speaking of my own experience comparing listing photos to the actual, physical condition of numerous properties toured. And it's been numerous over years, BTW. I made no claim that every buyer and/or touring agent or other RE professional would have that same experience.

WRT omitted photos of rental properties occupied by tenants, we could have some lively discussions about the typical, physical condition of those interiors - if that was the topic. (Their condition's usually not so good to put it mildly, in my experience.)

My exact words were "could be" another explanation.

JMHO.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SurfNow,

Have noticed this myself WRT omitted info. Besides that, it makes sense to me. Human nature to accentuate the positive plus the realtors and sellers naturally want to increase showings. Appears to be a deliberate part of their marketing plan -

This message has been edited. Last edited by: BearCat49,

The sellers and their Realtor are a team and should feel that way. At onset, at listing, if a good communication is not reached their is no listing or relationship.
A good listing appointment includes input from each of the parties as to expectations.

Most Realtors welcome ideas and suggestions from sellers. A seller expects a sale and it is the Realtors' job to get to that point.
However heeding the advise of the expert is essential.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: real estate lady,