Keeping Sellers Informed When Sales Stall

Lisa Mailhot  |  March 14, 2025

Sellers

Keeping Sellers Informed When Sales Stall

 

When a property lingers on the market, it can unsettle even the most optimistic seller. It's not just about waiting out a slow market—it's about proactive communication and managing expectations to maintain trust and confidence. In this blog, we dive into expert strategies that ensure sellers are well-informed and reassured throughout the selling process.

Setting Expectations Early

Set the Stage from Day 1

Before a listing goes live, it's crucial to prepare your sellers for various market scenarios. Informing them about potential delays in selling their home sets a realistic timeline and helps mitigate frustration.

What to say: "Homeowner, my goal is to get your home sold as quickly as possible for the best price. But if we don’t see the activity we expect, I want you to know I’ll be in constant communication. Every two weeks, I’ll update you on market activity, buyer feedback, and any potential adjustments we might need to consider."

This approach reassures sellers that you're fully engaged and proactive, which helps in building lasting trust.

Regular Updates are Crucial

Communicate Every 2 Weeks — No Exceptions

Consistent communication is key. Even if there's no significant news, it's important to keep the seller updated to prevent doubts from forming.

What to Include in Your Updates:

  • Market activity: "Two homes in your neighborhood sold this week..."
  • Feedback from showings: "Buyers love the layout, but they feel the kitchen could use updates."
  • Next steps: "Based on buyer feedback, I’d recommend we consider a price adjustment..."

By maintaining regular contact and sharing specific data, you demonstrate your commitment to selling their home and keep the seller involved in the decision-making process.

Simplifying Complex Concepts with Analogies

Use Analogies to Make Your Point

Explaining market dynamics and pricing strategies through analogies can make complex concepts more understandable for sellers.

For pricing: "Selling a house is like fishing. If the bait isn’t attracting fish, we either change the bait or move to a different spot. In this case, our ‘bait’ is price."

For staging: "Think of your home like a product on a store shelf. We want yours to stand out."

 

The Importance of Empathy in Tough Conversations

Be Honest, but Empathetic

It's crucial to approach difficult discussions with empathy to maintain a positive relationship.

What to say: "I know this process can be frustrating... The feedback we’re getting tells us buyers aren’t seeing the value at this price point."

This approach helps to soften the blow of tough news while reinforcing your role as a trusted advisor.

Structured Planning for Ongoing Reviews

Use a 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day Plan

Implementing a structured review process at 30, 60, and 90 days provides a timeline that helps manage seller expectations and keeps them informed about the next steps if the home hasn’t sold.

Bottomline

Keeping sellers informed is more than a courtesy—it's a strategy to reinforce confidence and earn their trust. If you're considering a move to Orange County, connect with us. We're not just selling homes; we're building relationships based on trust and communication. Let us guide you through every step of your real estate journey.

 

 

Reference: Davis, D. (2025, March 14). How to keep your sellers in the loop when their house isn’t moving. Inman.

RECENT BLOG POSTS

Keeping Sellers Informed When Sales Stall

Discover effective strategies for maintaining seller confidence when their property is slow to sell. This blog explores essential communication techniques, including s… Read more

What the AFFH Repeal Means for Homeowners & Buyers

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is repealing the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule, a policy designed to address housing discrimi… Read more

Can You Really Pay Your Mortgage With a Credit Card?

Thinking about paying your mortgage with a credit card? While it might sound convenient, there are risks and rewards to consider. In this blog, we dive into why it's b… Read more

Late May Listings Lead to Larger Profits

Discover the prime time to list your home for sale in Orange County with insights from Zillow's latest report. Late May emerges as a golden window, promising significa… Read more

Will Falling Mortgage Rates Finally Ignite the Housing Market?

Mortgage rates are falling, but is it enough to jumpstart homebuyer demand? Inventory is growing, but pending sales remain sluggish. Explore the latest housing market … Read more

Why Retirees Are Moving to Lower-Tax States

Soaring property taxes in states like New York, Illinois, and Texas are pushing retirees to more tax-friendly areas in the South and West. With affordability and quali… Read more

The 2025 Home Improvement Playbook: Upgrades That Add Value & Comfort

Thinking of selling your home—or just want to enjoy it more? 2025 home renovation trends focus on comfort, electrification, and curb appeal. From kitchen remodels to b… Read more

The Secret Weapon to Selling Fast: Mastering the Art of Home Staging

Want to sell your home for top dollar? Staging isn’t just about making a space look pretty—it’s a powerful marketing tool that can dramatically impact how buyers perce… Read more

Zombie Foreclosures Are Slowly Creeping Back

Zombie foreclosures are seeing a modest rise, with over 7,000 vacant pre-foreclosure homes across the U.S. Explore what zombie foreclosures are, why they’re increasing… Read more

We are excited to assist you in finding your perfect home

Let's find a time that suits you best to chat about your goals, show you how we work, and figure out how we can help you the most