Hi, I've had 8 offers on my house, but they've all backed out. Sometimes I wonder if it's due to my agent. My agent is very abrasive and dismissive. She turns people off and I wonder what she's saying to the potential buyers. How do I bring up these concerns? Or do I cut ties with her and find a new agent?
Asked By Michelle Johnson | Mount Prospect, IL | 413 views | Buying | 1 year ago
As a Real Estate Broker with several agents on our team I have run into this situation. Not everyone is a good fit. If you have these concerns I do believe the best thing for you and the agent is to discuss them in person and be honest and respectful. The Realtor has put time and money into the sale of your home. They should at least be able to address your concerns. If after you address the concerns and you are still not happy with the situation, then you should begin looking for an agent that is a better fit. My guess, your agent will handle it like a professional and use the feedback to grow to become better at what they do and help you to a successful home sale:). Best of luck.
If you feel as though this agent might be confrontational in person or on the phone then I would advise calling their office and asking to speak with their Designated Managing Broker. Explain your feelings and facts to them and ask to be reassigned or have the listing agreement be cancelled so you can go another route. As for eight offers all backing out, there has got to be a reason for that. The hard part is nailing down what that is exactly. Some options could be an inspection issue, changing markets, changing life events for them or (and I hate to say it) maybe it is your agent. If you do go with another agent, I do recommend interviewing a few and ask them if they notice anything with the house that might account for eight buyers backing out, fresh insight could be very helpful.
The best place to start is by asking your agent for her opinion as to why buyers are backing out. There could be several reason. In the current market interest rates have an impact on the buyers purchase power and it is possible that they were priced out of the market with the latest rate hike. Although agents sometimes do not want to work with one another they usually put those feelings aside in the interest of their client. Lastly, make sure that you ask to see all offers that are sent in writing.
That is a tough situation to be in for a seller. As a seasoned agent, I share all feedback with my clients, the good, the bad and the ugly. While I may be sharing things a seller does not want to hear, open, straightforward and honest communication with clients is key to a great sale. I would ask you agent why things are falling through? I am a Chicago Burbs agent, what we have seen in our market is a flurry of activity, homes selling in hours or days and unbelievable bidding wars. Statistics are showing that buyers have remorse at offering so much over listing prices, esp in a shifting market, home inspection issues came up, buyers could not qualify with rising interest rates, or homes are not appraising. I know it can be very frustrating for you and most likely your agent. Did you have your home staged, did you have professional photos taken? It does not sound like the marketing is an issue, just getting a buyer to stick. There are a few ways you can go about this, first, I would have a discussion with your agent, do it in writing and be kind but firm with your questions. I would directly ask what are the reasons given for each contract falling apart. The attorney will likely not know the details, as your agent should. If it is inspection issues, you can ask you agent to get the details from each buyers agent, fix the issues. Best of luck, communication is key.
Hi Michelle, there is something that appears to be spooking the buyers. Any inspection issues that you need to fix. The agent wants to earn a commission and would sabotage the deal. Find out why. You also have an attorney representing you. What did they say?
Most buyers and sellers work with licensed Realtors when entering the real estate market. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 89% of buyers used an agent or broker during the purchase process in 2024. Real estate agents guide buyers through each purchase step, from securing pre-approval from lenders to attending the closing ap