ThelmaLou Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 After 3 months of grueling and expensive work to our house, we finally got it on the market early yesterday morning. Our realtor said that we'll be notified of showings by phone through a listing service, and said yesterday that we should "expect to be getting phone calls any time now." She said the first few days or couple of weeks would likely be high traffic. That was yesterday morning. It's been a day and a half. Not one call to schedule a showing. Am I prematurely discouraged? I've never sold a house. I know the market's not great right now, but I thought that when new homes pop up on the MLS or realtor.com that folks are usually clamoring to take a peek. What's your experience? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
athena1277 Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 My house in AL has been on the market for about a 5 weeks. My realtor says he's getting lots of calls on it, but it has only been shown twice. :glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThelmaLou Posted June 3, 2009 Author Share Posted June 3, 2009 Only twice in 5 weeks? Yikes. Any idea why it hasn't shown more? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karenciavo Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 We sold our house right at the height of the market in 2006. No one came for a week, after that we had many showings. Don't get discouraged. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 I remember this phenomenon oh, so well. Sigh. Three years ago when we sold our last house, I was all braced for a flurry of showings the first few days--nada. It actually was about two weeks before we had our first showing, and after four weeks, there were still no serious inquiries. Then the time came for us to go on our house-hunting trip, and I was very upset about going without having sold our old house. I made one last effort and cleaned the place within an inch of its life before the trip. As we were driving to the airport, I got a call for a showing! And lo and behold, while we were on our trip, we got a contract! Our poor realtor here in WA spent probably just as much time fielding faxes and calls from our realtor in VA as she did helping us find a house here! So you just never know how it will go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruthie Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 this is comforting to read, my house went on the market this past Saturday and I've only had one showing and that person was only here to check out the house, not really to buy. The other houses I've sold had more traffic so it is quite disconcerting!!! Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThelmaLou Posted June 3, 2009 Author Share Posted June 3, 2009 I made one last effort and cleaned the place within an inch of its life before the trip. Yes, my poor kids are having to help clean around here. It's spotless, actually. Our 20x10 storage space is packed full, and the home has been cleaned and staged. Doesn't look at all like a family with 5 boys (one a toddler) lives here. I'm trying to maintain the look, and after only a day and a half, it's already killing me. We're supposed to be ready with as little as an hour's notice. We just put so much effort and money into fixing the place up. New carpet, paint, tile, brand new fixtures (knobs, faucets, fans, chandeliers, towel bars, t.p. holders, doorknobs, the list goes on.) I've told myself all along that it could sit on the market for months. But even a showing would be a little encouraging. My realtor told me there was one phone inquiry yesterday. I guess the upside is that my house should be clean all summer long. Won't get anything else done, though. Here's the listing, for those who want to take a peek! Maybe you guys will appreciate all my hard work, even if we don't get a buyer.:tongue_smilie: http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/3710-Elizabeth-Drive_Carrollton_TX_75007_1109775331 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 Wow! Your house is gorgeous! You're right that it doesn't look like a family with five boys lives there! You have done a most fantastic job. I'm glad you at least got a phone inquiry. I remember how anticlimactic it was to work so hard to get it on the market and then have nothing happen. I remember how much I wanted a showing or two for encouragement. (((ThelmaLou))) I hope it sells promptly for you. I can see how it would be exhausting to keep the house in that pristine condition with all of those active children. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThelmaLou Posted June 3, 2009 Author Share Posted June 3, 2009 Well, right after my last post I had a phone call that someone wanted to see today btwn. 3 and 3:30. So the boys and I left the house for about an hour. When I came back, I talked to my realtor. Apparently it was only an agent preview, so no buyer was with him/her. Hoping they liked it and will bring a buyer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AuntieM Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 Sometimes it takes a little time for word to get around. Don't fret, you haven't gone through the first weekend yet. Are you confident the house is correctly priced for the current conditions in your market area? If weeks go by without a showing, that could be an issue. But I wouldn't worry yet if I were you. When we've had homes on the market, I planned the schedule so we'd be spending lots of time out of the house, it stayed neater that way! Every day when we went out, I left it show-ready, lights on and all, in case someone dropped by via the lock box while we were gone. It *is* exhausting, keeping it all neat for the showings that may or may not happen, but hang in there! Before you know it your move will be a done deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jubileex5 Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 Houses are selling well in our area which hasn't been as hard hit as other areas. We are trying to find a house to buy for the last 2 months and can't find any because of prices and demand. We are getting discouraged because we can't find anything to find! Mary Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kari C in SC Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 Yes, my poor kids are having to help clean around here. It's spotless, actually. Our 20x10 storage space is packed full, and the home has been cleaned and staged. Doesn't look at all like a family with 5 boys (one a toddler) lives here. I'm trying to maintain the look, and after only a day and a half, it's already killing me. We're supposed to be ready with as little as an hour's notice. We just put so much effort and money into fixing the place up. New carpet, paint, tile, brand new fixtures (knobs, faucets, fans, chandeliers, towel bars, t.p. holders, doorknobs, the list goes on.) I've told myself all along that it could sit on the market for months. But even a showing would be a little encouraging. My realtor told me there was one phone inquiry yesterday. I guess the upside is that my house should be clean all summer long. Won't get anything else done, though. Here's the listing, for those who want to take a peek! Maybe you guys will appreciate all my hard work, even if we don't get a buyer.:tongue_smilie:http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/3710-Elizabeth-Drive_Carrollton_TX_75007_1109775331 It looks amazing! I wish I had that master bathroom! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 Don't drive yourself and your family up a wall. I had a young kiddo last time we showed a house and a few toys on the floor is not going to bother the serious prospect. Clean bathrooms and clean kitchen and beds made are good. Since you already got it decluttered and staged, it does not need to be licked clean. :D As far as traffic goes, I cannot say much since it's been years when we sold last. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdeno Posted June 4, 2009 Share Posted June 4, 2009 You have done a super job! Can you come and help me! :-) ? Kari Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThelmaLou Posted June 5, 2009 Author Share Posted June 5, 2009 Keeping my fingers crossed today. We finally had our first two real showings yesterday. (Before that, only agent previews.) My realtor called me this morning. She told me not to get too excited, but that one of the families that came yesterday is very interested and *might* be sending an offer today. Who knows if it'll be reasonable or not, or whether they'll want a contingency, etc...I guess the possibilities are endless. I'm encouraged, though, that someone has enough interest this early on in the process. I'll keep everyone posted. Thanks for the encouragement! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
titianmom Posted June 5, 2009 Share Posted June 5, 2009 Not to sound nasty, but in this economy I wouldn't expect what the realtor told you. Why they tell people these things I have no idea. My sister put hers on the market in Jan and has only had 3 showings so far and it's June. And her price is at rock bottom. She's hoping to break even! This is a really tough market in many places. People are hoping for a steal so you'll get calls asking prices and no one comes. Doesn't mean your house won't sell, but I believe the average wait now is 8 months! Best wishes and hope yours isn't that long of a wait! Kim After 3 months of grueling and expensive work to our house, we finally got it on the market early yesterday morning. Our realtor said that we'll be notified of showings by phone through a listing service, and said yesterday that we should "expect to be getting phone calls any time now." She said the first few days or couple of weeks would likely be high traffic. That was yesterday morning. It's been a day and a half. Not one call to schedule a showing. Am I prematurely discouraged? I've never sold a house. I know the market's not great right now, but I thought that when new homes pop up on the MLS or realtor.com that folks are usually clamoring to take a peek. What's your experience? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThelmaLou Posted June 8, 2009 Author Share Posted June 8, 2009 We've only had two showings since we've been on the market (almost a week), but it only takes one offer, and we got it--at full price, no less. I'm shocked, quite honestly. Inspections should start this week, and closing will be at the end of July. Time to find a house! Keeping my fingers crossed that nothing falls through. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amy g. Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 I'm so happy for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 We've only had two showings since we've been on the market (almost a week), but it only takes one offer, and we got it--at full price, no less. I'm shocked, quite honestly. Inspections should start this week, and closing will be at the end of July. Time to find a house! Keeping my fingers crossed that nothing falls through. Excellent, your house pics are gorgeous. The staging makes it look like a model home. Good luck throughout the process and in finding a new home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AuntieM Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 See, you just had to get to the weekend! I am very happy for you, and what a relief not to have to keep it picture-perfect for months! I trust all will go well and that the contract will be good and solid and that all inspections will be easily passed. I guess this means you now get to go house shopping in your new location? That's the fun part! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyof4ks Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 We waited about 3 weeks for our first showing, another 2 weeks for the second, and then nothing for a month, but then all of a sudden there were 5 or 6 one week and we got a contract on it. It took 3 months to get that contract, but we got our asking price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KellyinPA Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 Thrilled for you! Your home is gorgeous, I'm not surprised that an offer was quickly made. We are considering putting our home on the market. We found a home we love (not really looking for one but sometimes that's how it happens;) But the idea of fixing this place up and then living through the selling part of it stresses me. Still praying about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThelmaLou Posted June 8, 2009 Author Share Posted June 8, 2009 But the idea of fixing this place up and then living through the selling part of it stresses me. Still praying about it. Yes, this has been very stressful. The last 2-3 months have been about nothing but this house. We repaired and replaced more than I care to say. School went by the wayside, except for reading, a little math, and my kids' co-op classes. We have a ton of catching up to do this summer...all while we're moving/buying. Not sure how/if that's going to work. My boys are also going to scout camp and participating in swim team daily. I have to help prepare my oldest to go on a Northern Tier/Canada 10 day canoe trip that will happen just days after closing on this house. I sympathize with your concern about the stress. I have not always been the nicest mommy these last few weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wagnfun Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 Yes, my poor kids are having to help clean around here. It's spotless, actually. Our 20x10 storage space is packed full, and the home has been cleaned and staged. Doesn't look at all like a family with 5 boys (one a toddler) lives here. I'm trying to maintain the look, and after only a day and a half, it's already killing me. We're supposed to be ready with as little as an hour's notice. We just put so much effort and money into fixing the place up. New carpet, paint, tile, brand new fixtures (knobs, faucets, fans, chandeliers, towel bars, t.p. holders, doorknobs, the list goes on.) I've told myself all along that it could sit on the market for months. But even a showing would be a little encouraging. My realtor told me there was one phone inquiry yesterday. I guess the upside is that my house should be clean all summer long. Won't get anything else done, though. Here's the listing, for those who want to take a peek! Maybe you guys will appreciate all my hard work, even if we don't get a buyer.:tongue_smilie:http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/3710-Elizabeth-Drive_Carrollton_TX_75007_1109775331 other then needing an extra bedroom, your house is exactly what I'm currently looking for only you've listed in 85K less then the ones I"m looking at!! I love your brick work! If you could move it to So Cal, we'd have a deal! Hang in there.. We've been looking for a while now and it seems like nothing may happen to a house then they get 3 offers in one weekend! And.. let me know if that moving it to California sounds good to you :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 We've only had two showings since we've been on the market (almost a week), but it only takes one offer, and we got it--at full price, no less. I'm shocked, quite honestly. Inspections should start this week, and closing will be at the end of July. Time to find a house! Keeping my fingers crossed that nothing falls through. :party: :party: :party: Woo Hoo!!! Congratulations!!! Cat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne Rittenhouse Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 You have a beautiful house. It looks ready to go. Have you thought about having a "broker's open house". This type of open house introduces your house to as many brokers in your area as possible, without the possiblity of the unqualified public "looky-loos" coming by to a public open house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtroad Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 We are in Alabama too. House has been on the market for 18 months now... we have shown it about 2o times. Only 1 showing in the past 4 months. It is awful. I think when we first listed it, we showed it 5 times in 6 months (but we listed in mid November & the holidays were sort of a bad time). Hope you do better. DH is 250 miles away all week & we really need to move! Baby on the way in October & I don't want to do this alone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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