Just a note on open houses: they aren't really to find a buyer for your house. They're mostly just so your agent can find other clients. That's according to at least 4 completely separate agents I know.

If you do go with an agent be very clear on exactly what you expect. They will try to sell with as little out of pocket as possible. They'll put you on the MLS because they're already paying for that. But if they can get away with not having to pay for newspaper or flier advertising they will. So if you expect it to be in the paper from the first week on the market then discuss that with them.

Buyers are often struggling to come up with the cash for a down payment, so consider creative ways to help them conserve cash. if they express needs during the showing, a remodel of a room, or redecorating, consider offering to prepay work with a contractor prior to closing in exchange for a full price offer, vs the normal %discount most people are accepting in your area off list price.

Price the house 5 to 10k more than you are willing to take, and indicate willingness "to work with" a buyer who seems interested but wants something done to the house to make it just right for them.

good luck!

Please accept my most sincere apology. I don't mean to hurt you or insult you.

This answer is not ranting or insulting. It doesn't violate any of the guidelines.

You're entitled to your opinion. I'm entitled to mine.
This is my opinion – AND I truly believe the opinion of A WHOLE LOT of folks in the real estate AND legal professions.

In spite of the current mortgage mess and economic conditions, you know what the properties are selling for in that area.

You know you're maximum price is too low.
I AM NOT singleing you out. There are millions of folks who want to do what you're trying to do. Collectively, you are what's known in the real estate business as "bottom feeders".

Investors or "wannabe homeowners" like you want to take full advantage of a bad situation – the Seller's predicament.

For as many reasons "Why" people don't buy a property, there are just as many reasons "Why" people do buy a property. Its strictly in what the Buyer and Seller are looking for.

In real estate there are three very old expressions:
1] You [the Buyer] names the price.
They [the Seller] names the terms.

You [the Buyer] names the terms.
They [the Seller] names the price.

Somewhere in the middle there might be an agreement on price and terms.

You want to name the price AND the terms. I'm sorry to tell you, it simply doesn't work that way.

2] A property – any property – is ONLY worth what the Buyer is willing to pay for it AND what the Seller is willing to sell it for – not one dollar more or less!

AND, when financing is involved, what the lender will appraise the property for and lend money for the mortgage.

THE ONLY way you're going to find out what a Seller's bottom line is, is to make a written offer on any of those properties.

In your particular situation, the Sellers' agents are doing their job:
Under the current economic conditions and situation, they are DOING THEIR VERY BEST to get the highest price from qualified Buyers – ready, willling and able to complete the sale by going to escrow for any one of those properties.

When you submit written offers, then the agents and Sellers have something to work with.

3] The last very old real estate AND law expression:
"When it isn't in writing, it simply doesn't exist."

Thanks for asking your Q! I truly enjoyed answering this your Q – even though I didn't want the 2 points!

VTY,
Ron Berue
Yes, that is my real last name!

If you dont want to pay for another vauation and you want o do some research yourself. Go on to nethouseprices.com, enter your postcode and have a look at what properties have sold for on your street. The prices stated are the actual selling price not the marketing price so it can give you a good idea of what your price should be. (all estate agents and surveyors use this as a tool)

If this still doesnt work you could always say to the company you're not happy with the valuation and they may send a different person round

Hope this helps

They do have less incentive to market your house though, and you're usually better off going with a full service brokerage.

If you list with an agent, they can lower your list price when ever you want, by however much you want. Listed in the MLS this will catch the eye of other Realtors as well.

To be honest, if I get a flyer for a FSBO, unless I can think of someone that is looking for that just that house, they go in the trash. Too many headaches to deal with.

As for the cash-back, banks will not go for that anymore. You could offer to pay their closing costs as an incentive.

That said, she’s a hottie.