Expert: Jessica Bryan - 6/2/2010

Question
Hi,

I've had my home for sale on the market for over a year and I'm taking it off the market for about six months, then putting it back on early 2011.

I'd rather ask you this question than my Realtor: I think it's best to put it back on the market early next year under an entirely new listing. How much does this cost, generally, to create a new listing, rather than put the old listing back into play after having the home off the market for 6 months?

Would my Realtor be justified in not opting to create a new listing?

Perhaps new photos should be taken too, with new angles.

Any other suggestions, besides some more favorable staging?

I don't want to dump my existing Realtor because she's reasonable (although not always prompt in returning my e-mails), but maybe I'd sell it faster by going with a new Realtor after taking it off the market for 6 months.

Your thoughts?
Thanks,
Roger

Answer
Hi Roger;
I think that your Realtor would be very understanding and also quite pleased that you chose to stay with her after her time and perhaps money investment that she has already made.  Once you explain your desire to have a fresh new listing, she should be able to input the informnation quickly and easily without additional cost and just minimal time.  It is certainly worth it to her to do it for free to retain the listing.  As for staging and new photos; you are absolutely right.  These things done right make a huge difference in marketing the home.  Forthe small insvestment, the returns are often quite a bit higher.  Make sure that you also make a few changes in the garden--flowers, etc. and perhaps a few addes upgrades to justify the all-new listing.

Best wishes,
Jessica Bryan