No BS. No Fridge Magnets. No Such Thing as a Bad Question.
HOMEROOM
A Weekly Advice Column from the BREL team.
October 3, 2024
Dear HOMEROOM,
I feel like our realtor has consistently given us bad advice. Did I expect too much from them?
I have no idea how to handle this, and I’m spiraling. Should I jump in and try to rescue the sale of my home, myself? Who can I speak to if I don’t trust their advice?
– Frustrated Seller
Dear Frustrated Seller,
First off, no, you didn’t expect too much. You’re paying them to guide you through the world of real estate, not to steer you in the wrong direction.
Before you go nuclear, take a moment to evaluate all of your realtor’s advice so far. Is it consistently off-base, or did they just make a couple of questionable calls? Sometimes the market throws curveballs that even the best agents can’t predict.
If you feel like your agent has been giving you bad advice, it’s time to have an honest conversation. You might say something like, “Hey, I feel like we’re not on the same page here. Can we discuss your strategy?” This way, you’re opening the door for a productive dialogue instead of throwing them under the proverbial bus.
Push them to explain the “why,” not just the “what,” i.e. why is this the best strategy for your property in this market?
If they can’t give you a solid answer or the conversation doesn’t yield the results you’re hoping for, it might be time to consider alternatives. While you can jump in to take control of your sale, make sure you know what you’re getting into. You’ll need the time and skills to price your home competitively, stage it, market it, show it to potential buyers, and negotiate offers. It’s not always as easy as it looks.
Ultimately, if you’re not feeling your realtor’s vibe, trust your instincts. It’s your home; you deserve someone who aligns with your vision and goals. Selling your home is an inherently stressful process. Your realtor should help manage the stress not contribute to it.
Before you decide, you need to review the terms, details, and obligations in the Listing Agreement you signed with the brokerage representing you in the sale of your home. Check out the RECO Information Guide if you have any questions about representation. If you are in Ontario, you should have received a copy of the Guide from your realtor before you received any services from their brokerage. If not, you can find it here.
If you decide to part ways, start exploring other agents who have a track record of success in your area. Look for someone with great online reviews, a solid marketing plan, and who seems to understand your needs.
A good realtor should be your ally, not an anchor weighing you down.
Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself—after all, you’re the captain of this ship. If your current realtor isn’t steering you in the right direction, it’s perfectly okay to look for a new navigator or even take the wheel yourself for a bit. Just make sure you’ve got a map.
Trust your gut. You’ve got this.
the BREL team
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No BS. No Fridge Magnets.
No Such Thing as a Bad Question.
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