It never seizes to amaze me how some real estate agents conduct business and list real estate property.
I have to give credit where credit is due first; Hoboken real estate agents, and even downtown Jersey City agents are for the most part very professional, responsive and do a good job marketing property and getting feedback.
However, the Heights is a completely different story, and I'll even stretch and say that the same rings true for agents in Union City.
Here is a classic example, I just got off the phone with an agent who does not have any interior pictures of a property he is marketing listed anywhere, not on the MLS, not on the internet, nothing. So of course, it is my job to call him and ask specific questions about the interior and condition of the property. As an agent, I don't like to take my clients to properties they won't like. I, like consumers like to browse through pictures to get a sense of a property before taking my buyer to it.
So, I asked 'what kind of condition is this in'? His response, "good." Me - 'what does the inside look like? Is there a newly renovated kitchen and bath? Hardwood floors? Tile?' He said there aren't any pictures so you just have to see it. The owner is home he'll let you in.' Me - long sigh.
Really.
Another example of lack of professionalism. I'll call xyz typical realty in Union City, and get an answering machine or worse no answer. If I get a machine I'll have to call and leave a message then stalk the office for days until I get someone on the phone. This is usually a week process and is extremely frustrating when trying to make appointments to show your prospective buyers property in these areas..
These agents and agencies need to step it up and service their customers. After all they too are paying their agents to sell their home. And that means calling people back promptly to make appointments to get as many buyers and their agents through homes as possible.
I want to bring up three major points that keep properties from selling.
Number ONE - No pictures!
Buyers AND agents will skip over your property because you don't have any pictures. I can not say this enough. In addition to having pictures, you need good, quality pictures. See my previous post on do's and don'ts of pictures.
Number TWO - Seller home for showings. Another big no no.
This is a huge deterrent for buyers and agents. This can go along with agents having to accompany showings.
Why is this a bad idea?
Many reasons. To start, buyers are instantly uncomfortable when seller's are home for showings. The reason agents stage and neutralize property, and ask that sellers are not home for showings is to make the buyer feel like they are in their own home, to picture themselves there and spend as much time as they like previewing a home.
Sellers, when you are home, the buyer will feel like the are intruding on your home. They feel uncomfortable, will rush through the appointment and become annoyed that they couldn't see the house they way they would've liked to - through their eyes.
In addition to making your prospective buyer uncomfortable, some sellers give them a hard sell. Every buyer has an agent that they are working with for a reason, and the agent knows what features to point out to their buyer based on what they know about their client.
Why do people hate car salesman? Because everyone hates being "sold".
Seller's, if you must be home, it is to your benefit to step in a hallway, or find a space where you are out of sight so that you give the buyer a chance to experience the house as if it were theirs.
Don't follow around the buyer and their agent, and don't feel the need to describe your home and all of the work you did or how great your neighbors are - this will just give the buyer the feeling that you are pushing too hard and maybe there is something wrong with this place. I can't tell you how many times I've heard someone say to me in this case, "if it's so great why are they moving?"
And lastly number THREE: Hard to make an appointment.
This may sound obvious, but sellers, when you are interviewing agents here is a test you need to conduct. Call the agents and their offices as a prospective client and take notes of how long it takes for you to receive a call back. Then call back and act as a prospective agent and see how easy or difficult it is to make an appointment.
Both are important, because although yes it's buyers you want, but buyer's typically have agents and it's the agent's who make their appointments.
If you own a home or condo in Jersey City Heights, Union City or any of the neighboring towns, I would think twice about the impulse to call a local agency. If they don't seem professional to you, then call a real estate office in Hoboken or downtown Jersey City and enlist a professional who is familiar with your area and homes similar to yours. One important tip in this case: you'll need to ask that your agent install a lock box in a safe location, because the one drawback to having an agency from Hoboken for example list your home in North Bergen, is gaining access to the house. No agent wants to drive 20 minutes out of their way to pick up and drop off keys, so make sure it's easy for them by having a spare set at home. If you are not comfortable with this, then again, do your homework and find the most professional office in your area.
A view from inside a 10 line. One of the few left with an actual terrace - all glass, lady Liberty in the background
