Hi - new here, but would like get the experts' opinions on whether the following facts create a picture of a reasonable listing agent or one which tend to create questions about the listing agent's committment to the selling process:

1. Our home has been listed for approx 7 weeks in a very hot market; no offers. During this period, several other nearly-identical houses have sold in our neighborhood despite being listed for shorter period of time.

2. Agent has at least 4 times misrepresented the existence of the placement of advertisements (i.e., "oh, we put an ad in the paper last week," yet no advertisment) as well as updates to realtor's website.

3. Agent held 3 open houses, but I have held the last two b/c realtor busy; other members of firm not available or do not want to participate. Realtor attitude is that "open houses do not sell houses."

4. Potential buyer called and informed me that he put offer in on another property (down the street) b/c our realtor was dismissive of him at one of the 2 open houses the realtor hosted. (This killed me!!!)

5. Not proactive - places ads, updates flyers, etc., only if pressed by us. Even then, represents that actions are undertaken when they are not. (E.g., no updated brochures on reduction of price and new carpet that occured 3 weeks ago.) Only contacted agents who had viewed the house to get feedback after we suggested doing so.

Fundamentally, my wife and I feel as if we are a low priority for this person, who typically lists houses over $1M. We do like the realtor, but are pulling our hair out. Are our concerns/frustrations reasonable? If so, that raises the entire issue of attempting to terminate the listing agreement, yet another thrill.

Were I in your place I would be calling my agent in for a frank chat about your concerns and asking what he could and would do in the future to increase my comfort level with his work.

Failing a satisfactory answer I would then be having a talk with the principal broker of the firm and getting his or her thoughts about the possibility of assigning my listing to another agent in that office who might be more attentive and proactive.

If a satisfacory answer was not forthcoming from one or both of these folks I would then be asking for a release from my listing and hunting for another listing agent in another firm. Hopefully it won't come to that and your meeting will serve as a wakeful call you're not pleased at this point.

It sounds like the agent could be doing more to help you. Sounds like you need to talk to them and, if they don't shape up, their broker. You may ask to be let out of your listing agreement if you don't see some improvement.

This is why sellers should ask for performance guarantees or satisfaction guarantees. If an agent is willing to actually give one, they will more often perform as they'd promised. If they aren't willing to give one, then they may not really have good service.

Thanks to you both - very helpful.

Holy smokes. I would just call his broker. It's not like he doesn't understand what your expectations are of him.

i am new to this business but in my opinion i think you need to let your agent aware of your concerns. your agent is right about one thing though. i think the odds of your house selling to someone from an "open house" is like a 1% chance. open houses are mainly for the agent to collect prospecting clients.

The 4 thing that control any sale are:
Price
Terms
Condition
and Exposure.

Is the price competitive?

Is the condition of your property in good repair?

Are you allowing reasonable access to show the property?

And... finally,
Are the terms offered in line with the competition?

Not only to the buyer, but in line with what is offered to the agents?

That is where most people miss the boat. You have to be competitive in regards to compensation to not only the listing agent, but also to the agent that procures the buyer. Sometimes even upping the brokerage fee a point or two will help entice more activity by all the agents in trying to "sell" your home

Re-evaluate the above four items, adjust, be competitive and good luck.

You're, right Campion, but the problem here is that her agent made promises they aren't keeping. They did a big song and dance routine to get the listings and now doesn't want to follow through.

The open houses, classifieds ads, etc. won't sell your home, but the fact is that you paid for them when you hired the agent. If they weren't going to do them, they should not have promised. They need to give you what they said they'd do, regardless of whether or not it works. If you knew they weren't doing those things and still wanted them you probably would not have chosen them in the first place.

Call the Broker and DEMAND a new agent based on the listing presentation and expectations. The bottom line is DUMP THE BUM!