For example it would be useful for the seller to know what the home builders in the area are offering as incentives. Showing your seller the builder’s emails and flyers that you are receiving promoting huge incentives to both potential buyers and real estate agents who bring the builder a buyer will show the seller what they are up against.

Additionally you should provide MLS information to the seller that shows when or if they have “lost a buyer” during the course of their listing. Take a look at the seller’s neighborhood or market area to see if any home in that area has went under contract since you took their listing. This information will be critical to you and your seller. If buyers are buying in that area, what are they buying? How much? How long was the house on the market? If no sales have taken place, then even if the seller’s home is the lowest priced in the neighborhood that low may not be low enough.

Making sure your seller knows what you know will result in a healthy listing inventory and an increase in sales.

Communication is an important ingredient of making sure a home sells within a reasonable time period and for a fair price. There are several reasons an agent would need to contact and communicate with their seller weekly.

A weekly call to the seller if just to say hello can be reassuring to a homeowner especially in today’s market, knowing the you still have them and their home in mind will help ease the stress associated with such a huge undertaking.

Within the first 1-3 weeks you will want to let the seller know what advertisement and marketing has been started. A seller needs to feel comfortable that your marketing plan is getting into full swing in order to attract a buyer.

Feedback from past viewings of the seller’s home is critical and should be immediately delivered to any homeowner serious about selling their home.

• What did the potential buyer and/or visiting agents think were the good points of the home?
• What were the bad points?
• What did the potential buyer and real estate agent think of the price?
• Why did the potential buyer not make an offer on the home?

As the listing agent you will want to discuss all feedback, good and bad, with the seller to make sure the seller is aware of how their home is viewed as to pricing and condition by potential buyers.

Open and constant communication between a real estate agent and their customer should be a given.  Developing a plan that keeps open communication between your seller and you will lead to your success.