Expert: Dottie Worthington - 12/27/2005

Question
I live in Marfa,Texas (a very cool, but very small town). I am selling my home. I signed an eclusive listing agreement with one of the 3 agents in town. This agent is very well established and controls most of the market.
Quite frankly I am very dissapointed in the marketing of my home. This agent does not show my home very often, and has been know to sit in her SUV while she tells the clients to go look around.
I would like more exposure for my home, but have heard that an Open listing will often be ignored by a real estate office.
Would you have any suggestions about getting getting larger exposure/ and or better service?

Answer
Dear Scott:
You could call the agent and asked to be released from your contract. If she doesn't want to do that, you will have to honor that agreement. Is it in MLS? If it is then every agent has access to show it. If not, you could take a flyer around town and to other offices and help market it. Offer to have a lunch there for the agents in town. Sometimes the bank or mortgage company will sponser those.
An open listing isn't much good for anyone. I would just have a heart to heart with this person, let them know how you feel, it is often just a lack of communication between broker and seller.