The Secret Listing - Less is Not More in the Connecticut Multiple Listing Service
February 3rd, 2008 categories: Home Sellers, Real Estate Listings
Is your home a “secret listing?” As a home seller, your listing sheet should have all the information a buyer needs when deciding to see your home. If the information isn’t there, buyers may just pass by your listing or move it to the bottom of their list. Think of your listing sheet as you would a business card: without key information, buyers won’t contact your agent to buy your house.
How would you know if your listing is a “secret?”
If you recently listed your home for sale, did you ask for a copy of the listing as it appears in the Multiple Listing Service or the CT MLS as it’s called in Connecticut? If you haven’t seen the sheet and looked at it objectively as a buyer would, then you should ask your agent for a copy. Make sure it has as much information as possible, or your listing may remain a secret.
Here’s What Your Listing Must Contain
- Room Measurements (this one is ignored far too often)
- Room Descriptions - location, features
- Maximum Number of Pictures (Currently Ten)
- Decent Directions
- Schools
- Annual Heating Cost (This info is left out of most listings but I think that if the numbers are good, it should be advertised.)
- All disclosures attached in a .pdf file
- Showing Instructions
- Any information that you want communicated to buyer agents (in agent to agent remarks)
- Any important info you want communicated to buyers such as your ability to close, items you are willing to negotiate, etc.
- Accurate information - taxes, lot size, square footage, etc.
- Anything that makes your house unique - location, features,
For more on this issue, read:
Trouble Selling? Your Listing May Not Be Attracting Buyers or Their Agents
Agreed! It amazes me that some agents don’t pay attention to listing as much info as possible and that sellers don’t insist on actually seeing how their house is being presented. Full disclosure means painting a clear picture for potential buyers of what is for sale.
Thanks. It seems to me that some agents intentionally leave out information so other agents or buyers have to call them. If this isn’t the case, then the only alternative is that agents leave out info because they just didn’t make the effort to find out the answers or input it.
I would think listing all the info is necessary to provide the person looking with as much info to make there short list on homes to view. I think asking your realtor for a copy is a great idea to assure you home is being marketed to it’s best ability.
Wow! I am a Realtor in Florida, and I see these same problems! It really is frustrating when helping a buyer shop the listings, and also disheartening to think that other real estate agents do not put enough pride or effort into their work. I am sorry to hear you have these same issues, but kind of thankful to know that it is not just our area!
As the seller, I definately agree with “Melbourne homes for sale”…you should always ask for a copy of the listing and request to add any addittional info you find pertinant to the home that may help the sale along.
There isn’t much room on a listing, so pack it with as much useful info and as many pictures of the property as possible!
When choosing an agent and asking how they intend to market you home this is the time to let them know you want a copy of what the public will see regarding the house. As you said if you look at it and info is not correct or missing bring this to his attention and have it corrected. Exactly true when looking at a MLS and missing info one moves on and falls in love with another that talks of the ammenties that your looking for.