I admit it. I have a hard time letting go. Personally. Professionally. I hate letting go. Makes me feel like I failed or am giving up.
So when one of my listings nears its "expiration date," I typically contact the sellers a couple weeks before and ask for the opportunity to continue working with them. That has how it has always been for me. Until now.
This world of real estate has changed considerably over the past several months -- it's been a whirlwind of different challenges. And I've learned that there is only so much I, as the listing agent, can do for my sellers.
I can communicate with them on a regular basis and inform them of current market conditions, the competition's prices, the recent solds, short sales and foreclosures. What they do with that information, is their choice.
I cannot force them to adjust the price even if it is clear that needs to be done to get the home sold. I cannot force them to make repairs or minor updates even if those issues are brought up multiple times in showing feedback reports. I cannot change what is happening in the local market.
And I cannot make them respond to my emails and voicemails.
What I can do, however, is choose where to focus my time and energy. I can choose to put my time and effort into those listings whose sellers do understand and accept the current market conditions. I can choose to work with those sellers who, as disheartening as it is, know that to get their house sold must adjust the price to make it compelling to a buyer.
And so that is what I am choosing to do.
Letting go -- it doesn't have to mean failure or giving up. It can mean I am choosing to do what is best for me and my business.
