home sale Archives - Page 2 of 18 - Real Estate News and Commentary

July 4, 2025July 4, 2025

When Your Home Isn’t Selling

When Your Home Isn’t Selling: Should You Withdraw the Listing or Change Agents?

It can be frustrating and even disheartening when your home isn’t selling and sits on the market without meaningful offers. At some point, you may start to wonder: Is it time to pull the listing, or would switching agents make a difference?

Here’s how to navigate that decision with clarity and confidence.

Why your home isn’t selling

Before taking drastic steps, it helps to examine common reasons a home lingers unsold:

Pricing: Even in strong markets, an overpriced home will have trouble. Buyers today are savvy and have plenty of data at their fingertips. Buyers often know value better than we think.
Condition & Presentation: Today’s Buyers shop online first. Poor photos, clutter, or deferred maintenance can easily turn them off.
Market Dynamics: Interest rates, seasonal patterns, and local supply and demand all play a role AND affect buyer urgency
Marketing Reach: Not all agents/teams use customized strategies. Digital exposure, staging guidance, and proactive outreach to other agents matter.

Should you withdraw the listing?

If your circumstances have changed, perhaps you’re no longer ready to move, or you want to wait for a better market, withdrawing your MLS listing might make sense. Just keep in mind:

Some MLS systems track the days on market, so relisting later doesn’t always give you a fresh slate.
Buyers and agents may notice previous listings, so timing and presentation are key when you return to market.

Is it time to change agents?

Sometimes, a fresh perspective and renewed energy are exactly what’s needed. It may be time to consider other agents if:

You feel your listing was not aggressively marketed.
Communication was lacking, you weren’t getting honest feedback, clear updates, or strategic advice.
The agent or team did not deliver what was promised, whether that was availability, professional photography, staging help, open houses, or specific advertising commitments.
The agent or team was simply difficult to work with, adding stress to an already demanding process.
You suspect pricing guidance wasn’t in line with current local realities.
A new agent can often bring different tools, marketing channels, and negotiation strengths to reposition your home for a better result.

Bottom line

Whether you decide to withdraw your MLS listing and wait for a better time, or switch agents to get renewed energy, make sure your decision is driven by facts, not just frustration. A thoughtful strategy, informed by data and market insights, will put you in the best position to sell on your terms. A seasoned real estate professional can help you assess the data and chart the best next steps.

What are pricing trends in your neighborhood?

What’s your home worth?

By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2025

Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.

April 28, 2025April 28, 2025

Private Listing – What you need to know

Deep Dive Real Estate Podcast – Private Listings

The Truth About Private Listings: Why Sellers Should Think Twice

In today’s competitive real estate market, sellers are constantly looking for an edge. One tactic that’s often pitched as exclusive and elite is the private listing—also known as a pocket or off-market listing. While it might sound appealing on the surface, this sales model could actually hurt sellers more than it helps. And it has the potential to raise red flags when it comes to fair housing.

What is a Private Listing?

A private listing is a property that is for sale, but not listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Instead, it’s quietly marketed by a real estate agent to a small group of select buyers or investors, often within their own network or brokerage. The general public and even other agents may never know the home is available.

Sellers are sometimes told this strategy will protect their privacy, generate a sense of exclusivity, or attract high-end, cash-ready buyers. But the truth is, private listings come with serious downsides—especially for the seller.

What’s the Potential to Hurt Home Sellers?

1. Limited Exposure = Limited Offers

The MLS is where most buyers—and their agents—go to find homes. Not listing your property there drastically reduces its visibility. With fewer eyes on the home, sellers are less likely to get multiple offers or competitive bidding that drives up the price.

2. Potentially Lower Sale Price

When fewer people know your home is for sale, you’re far less likely to achieve top dollar. Data consistently shows that homes listed on the MLS sell faster and for more money compared to those sold off-market.

3. Reduced Transparency

The private listing model makes it harder to verify whether a seller truly got the best deal. Without an open and competitive market, there’s no way to know if the offer that was accepted was really the strongest one available.

Potential Legal and Ethical Gray Area

Perhaps even more concerning is how private listings can intersect with issues of fair housing and discrimination.

Exclusion by Design – Private listings can limit access to a home to a small, curated group—often based on an agent’s personal or professional circle. This process can unintentionally (or intentionally) exclude qualified buyers, particularly those from minority or underrepresented communities.

Fair Housing Act Implications =The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status (state and localities have additional protected classes). While private listings aren’t illegal on their own, if they result in exclusionary practices or disparate impact, they could violate federal or state housing laws.

Final Thoughts

As a home seller, it might sound enticing to keep things quiet and “exclusive,” but a private listing is more likely to hurt your bottom line and limit your home’s potential. Beyond the financial risks, there are also serious questions of fairness and equity.

In real estate, exposure equals opportunity. If you’re thinking of selling, don’t keep your home a secret—give it the platform it deserves. Open marketing through the MLS ensures your property reaches the widest audience, invites healthy competition, and stands up to both ethical and legal standards.

If you’re curious about how to get the most out of your home sale—or you’ve been pitched on a private listing and want a second opinion—reach out to a trusted real estate professional. A transparent, ethical, and results-driven sale is always in your best interest.

What’s your home worth?

By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2025

September 5, 2023September 5, 2023

Home sale gimmicks?

Over the past fifteen or so years I’ve written a few articles about home sale gimmicks. And not surprisingly, it’s another year with a new real estate gimmick. In the past I’ve explained and debunked the effects on a home sale of various ploys such as under-pricing, creating buzz, throwing the block party open house, etc, etc, etc. And yet it just doesn’t seem to end. Instead of being honest and straight forward with a solid common-sense strategy, some real estate agents are just good at devising ploys to entice unsuspecting home sellers to list with them.

This year’s shiny item is a nationwide “auction” site that is marketed to sell a home fast for more money. It is used in tandem with the MLS. This is how it works…

The home is listed as usual in the MLS with descriptions, photos and all the accoutrements. The home is simultaneously listed on the “auction” site. The MLS listing has the “list price.” Buyers and agents are redirected to the “auction” site for price and terms that are acceptable to the home seller. This gimmick strategy is sold as encouraging multiple offers on the home. Agents make their offers on the site. The seller chooses an offer and goes under contract.

This sounds like the old tried and true MLS home sale listing with extra steps!

I get it though. The old tried and true home sales model is boring. Post the listing in the MLS with your price and terms. Post terrific photos. Maybe even add a floorplan and a video. Possibly have an open house. And this year (2023), with the average days on market being seven, select one of the multiple offers you’ve received and ratify the contract.

Do gimmicks get your attention? Do you utter some oohs and aahs? But does it really make sense?

In my experience, most home sellers want to sell their home quick and for top dollar. Research into some home sale gimmicks have concluded that it could actually harm your sale by either getting a lower net price, longer time on market, or worse – a lower net price and a long time on market!

For a solid result, stick with the tried-and-true home sale experience. Don’t rely on gimmicks that promise activity on your listing, higher sale prices, etc. Work with an experienced licensed real estate agent who can present a comprehensive and coherent home sale marketing plan.

By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2023

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January 11, 2023January 11, 2023

Make More Listing with an Agent

Should you hire a real estate agent when selling a home? During any recent sellers’ market, there are many home sellers who opt to sell their home “for sale by owner” (also known as FSBO). The recent sellers’ market is no exception. Many home sellers sold FSBO with the perception of saving money by not paying a real estate agent commission. But did they really save money? Can you make more listing with an agent?

Over forty years ago, it was theorized that technology would replace many service professionals. Over time, the prediction manifested. However, the exception has been real estate agents. The role of the real estate agent has and continues to evolve. Real estate agents continue to demonstrate their value, and provide a valuable service.

Seasoned real estate agents are sales and marketing specialists. Experienced agents understand the market and use home sale data to determine a price, as well as suggesting when to list your home. Professional agents can suggest how to prepare and present your home to attract potential home buyers.

Regardless, there are many home sellers who feel they are saving money by selling without an agent (including those who sell to investors). Nonetheless there’s a body of research that has demonstrated that hiring a seasoned professional real estate agent yields a higher sales price and shorter time on the market. And a recent study reveals that selling your home FSBO could actually cost you.

Can you make more listing with an agent ?

Research by Miller, Sanchez, Sklarz, and Vamosiu investigated price differentials in FSBO and agent listed home sales (Saving Real Estate Commissions at Any Price: Does Having a Real Estate Agent Influence the Sales Price of a Home?; Journal of Housing Research, 2021, vol 30, no 2). They point out that although MLS premiums are no longer a factor, the study indicated that FSBOs sold for significantly lower sale prices than agent listed home sales. However, the amount of price differential depends on the type of home and region.

If you’re planning a home sale. Hire a professional for a smooth transaction with little drama. However, if you’re leaning toward a FSBO sale, consider all the factors. Although it may seem easy to sell a home on your own, the idiom “the devil is in the details” holds true. Even in a sellers’ market, when home buyers are competing for homes, you could be losing out if you’re unable to procure, manage and negotiate multiple offers prudently.

By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2023

December 21, 2022December 21, 2022

Selling to a real estate investor

Needless to say, real estate investing has become popular again. Selling to a real estate investor was even embraced by tech companies that are called “iBuyers.” To get your attention, real estate investors post road signs, send direct mail, and inundate social media with a promise of getting cash for your home. But real estate investors are not all the same, and their intentions are not always fair: which begs the question “Should you sell your home directly to a real estate investor?”

Selling to a real estate investor

When most people think of a real estate investor, they think of someone who will renovate and resale the home. This is commonly called “flipping.” However, another type of flipping has become popular, where the investor, also known as a “wholesaler,” flips their purchase contract to another buyer (usually at a huge profit for them). Also, there are investors who buy and then keep the property to rent.

What’s the catch?

The typical lure from the real estate investor is a quick sale. Although many can close quickly, others not so much. The reality is that real estate investors offer the quick sale in lieu of a huge reduction in their sale price. After all, they never promised you top dollar. The truth remains that real estate investors pay a fraction of what you can likely sell your home on the MLS (and the irony is that the MLS buyer is likely to be to an investor).

What about the promise of cash? Although investors offer cash for your home, you won’t literally be getting cash at settlement. Rather, just like any real estate transaction, you’ll either get a check from the title company or a wire to your bank.

Many real estate investors tout “no Realtor fees.” Sounds good, right? Not so fast. Many real estate investors charge premiums and/or miscellaneous fees. Some make you pay their closing costs. In truth, your unexpected fees can exceed the average agent commission.

Real estate investors also promise “no contingencies.” However, many investors use a “study period” in lieu of specific contingencies for various reasons, including obtaining the funds to close. Wholesalers use the study period to find a “buyer” (usually another investor) for their contract (you may not have assurance that the assigned buyer has the ability to complete the purchase).

Due diligence

Before you sell directly to the real estate investor, consider your goals with the pros and cons. Due diligence on your part will help you obtain your goals. Don’t be afraid to approach a local real estate agent to understand the value of your home. Compare an investor sale to the MLS sale (which is typically getting your money a few weeks sooner for a fraction of the value). You should consult with an attorney to review the purchase contract to ensure you understand what you’re signing.

By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2022