Expert: Lori Frankfort - 10/4/2007

Question
2 weeks ago we all met and signed contract for the house to go on the market Oct 1st. It is now Oct 4th and I don't even have a sign on my yard. My home is not even on the agency's own website as one of their listings and on the national mls the information listed has errors and there is no pictures. I feel we are off to a very bad start and I feel like we have no say. Is it normal for this to occur.If they dont do their part can I cancel the contract?

Answer
Hi Karen.

Sorry to hear your listing is off to a bad start.  Have you asked your agent about these issues?  The MLS, the website, the photos, those are all the responsibility of the agent.  Sometimes the sign takes a couple extra days because typically agents outsource the placement of the sign and they are at the mercy of the sign company.

I would give the agent an opportunity to correct the issues, and set a date in your mind that you want them all completed.  I would give 2-3 days to correct the problems.  If you're still unhappy you can absolutely cancel the agreement.

If you're getting warning signs that this agent may not be right, you should nip it in the bud immediately.  The first 2 weeks of a listing are critical, and if Buyers and Agents pass up your listing because of a lack of photos, bad description, no sign, etc then you've lost them permanently.  Not only have you lost the pool of current Buyers, but new Buyers will assume there is something wrong with your house and pass on it as well, after it's been sitting for a month.  

If you have any further questions feel free to contact me at lorifrankfort@aol.com.

Best,
Lori Frankfort
Broker Associate
Keller Williams - Studio City, CA