The Challenge of Gathering Feedback on Real Estate Listings: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
Selling a home is a deeply personal experience. Every detail, from the choice of paint color to the kitchen finishes, reflects the seller's vision and effort. Yet, when a home goes on the market, it's subject to the diverse opinions of buyers and Realtors. As a listing agent, one of the most critical—and often challenging—tasks is collecting feedback after showings.
The Struggle for Feedback
Despite our best efforts to solicit feedback from Realtors and their buyers after showings, it's surprising how often we hit a wall. About 75% of the time, we never hear back. This lack of communication can be frustrating for sellers who are eager to understand how their home was received. It’s not just about knowing if the home is “liked” or “disliked”—specific, actionable feedback can help us identify potential issues and adjust our strategy to better position the property in the market.
Why is it so hard to get feedback? Realtors are busy. Their schedules are packed with showings, client meetings, and administrative work, and following up with feedback can sometimes fall through the cracks. Buyers, on the other hand, may hesitate to share their true thoughts, especially if they had a negative impression, fearing it might come across as overly critical.
When Feedback Hits a Nerve
For sellers, receiving feedback can be a double-edged sword. While constructive criticism is invaluable, it’s hard not to take comments personally. A remark about an outdated bathroom or the choice of decor can feel like a critique of their personal style. As agents, we strive to present feedback tactfully and remind our clients that it’s all part of the process. The goal is to make the home as appealing as possible to the widest audience, not to diminish the seller's hard work.
Unfortunately, feedback can sometimes lead to more than just hurt feelings. Last year, I experienced one of the toughest moments in my career when I was fired from a listing because of negative feedback. Buyers provided honest, albeit critical, comments about the home, and the sellers were so upset that they decided to take their home off the market altogether. This decision not only cost me the listing but also resulted in a financial loss of around $5,000 in marketing expenses and ZERO commission. It was a sobering reminder of how deeply personal real estate transactions can be and how challenging it is to navigate these situations.
Cameras in Luxury Homes: A Cautionary Note
One important consideration for both buyers and Realtors is the presence of cameras in homes—especially in luxury properties. Most luxury homeowners have security systems with audio and video recording, and they often monitor these during showings. Sellers love to see and hear how buyers and Realtors interact with their home, whether it’s compliments, criticisms, or casual conversations.
This is why I always make it a point to warn buyers and Realtors before showing one of my listings. I remind them that there could possibly be cameras in the house and to keep their comments to themselves until they’ve left the property. Whether it’s something positive or negative, it’s best to have discussions about the home outside or in a private setting. This not only protects the privacy of the buyers but also avoids any unintended offense to the sellers.
Why Feedback Matters
Feedback is one of the most useful tools for refining a listing’s appeal. For instance, if multiple buyers mention that a home feels dark, we might recommend brighter lighting or a fresh coat of light-colored paint. If the price is consistently cited as an issue, it’s a clear signal that we need to re-evaluate the pricing strategy.
A Commitment to Courtesy
Personally, I make it a point to provide feedback to other Realtors after showing their listings, even if the home wasn’t a fit for my buyer. It’s a simple act of courtesy that fosters goodwill and collaboration in the real estate community. Whether the feedback is positive or constructive, taking the time to respond is a professional courtesy I believe we should all extend.
Moving Forward
While it’s not always easy to gather feedback, we remain committed to asking the right questions and following up diligently. Sellers should know that not receiving feedback isn’t necessarily a bad sign; sometimes, buyers simply move on without much thought.
At the end of the day, real estate is about connection, communication, and constant improvement. By staying open to feedback—whether it’s abundant or sparse—we can ensure that every listing has the best chance of finding its perfect buyer. Even when challenges arise, like the difficult experience I faced last year, it reinforces the importance of resilience, professionalism, and staying focused on the bigger picture.
If you're looking to sell your home or want an agent who values communication, professionalism, and results, I’d love to help.
Contact Wyatt Poindexter | The Agency Oklahoma
📞 405-417-5466
📧 [email protected]
www.OKLuxuryHomes.com
