Common agent mistakes

It cannot be overly emphasized to check your listing as soon as it’s input into the MLS. Get a copy from your agent. The listing information that appears on local or agent web sites and realtor.com is never as detailed as the info displayed to the local agents in the MLS. Be proactive here, ASAP.

SUBECT                      COMMENT                                                                     

AGE OF PROPERTY       A 55-year old house could have been entered as a 5                                                              year old home. Buyers wanting to see older homes                                                                             will skip this “newer” one while those looking for “new”                                                               will be very disappointed when they arrive for a showing.

DIRECTIONS               Listing sheets include directions to get to the property.

                                  Many listing agents fail to provide a starting point. “Take

                                  Maple Avenue and turn left on Oak.” Obviously you turn left if

                                  you are headed one direction on Maple, but you’d turn right 

                                  on Oak if you are coming from the opposite direction.

                                  Directions should indicate a specific starting point, then

                                  advise the reader to head “South” on Maple and then turn left

                                  or turn “West” on Oak. If an agent gets lost, it’s, “Oh well, lets

                                  hurry, or we’ll be late for the next appointment,” and your

                                  house gets skipped.

                                  Directions are often given that lead through less than                                                               desirable neighborhoods. Check the path to your home.

SUBDIVISION             Many buyers want a particular subdivision and if it’s                                                               spelled wrong, the computer won’t know it. Malden                                                                             Woods will never be found if a search is made and the

                                   subdivision was input in as Maldon Woods.

DIMENSIONS              A 12 by 22 foot master bedroom will eliminate buyers if it is input 12 x 12.                                   Happens to even the most successful agents.

SCHOOLS                   Boundaries change. Check your school district.

AMENITIES                The agent may have missed the copper gutters, hardwood

These are examples of common mistakes and errors that even the best Realtors make, unintentionally. Mistakes are made about the square footage of a house, the size of the property, lot dimensions, number of bedrooms - even the street address.