There have been times that I am sure that a Realtor has been faced with the question, "Do I take the listing or not"? I know that I have. I have walked away from a listing a few times and I know my broker has as well. Its not easy, but sometimes you have to.
Today in this "Softer Market" it will probably happen more and more. It's not that any agent feels good about walking away and trust me, it burns a bit when that rejected listing gets listed by another agent.
Everyone knows that a Realtor does not get paid unless the listing gets sold. There is alot of 
work/money that goes into marketing a listing. So the initial risk is for the agent. All the money gets shelled out of the Realtor's/Broker's pocket. These days, with the inventory being so high the risk is even higher so of course, there will be more money/time spent in advertising - whether it is online or print.
The other day I added a list of questions that a seller/buyer should ask a Realtor and Sellsius posted questions that a client should ask their Real Estate Attorney. Both were for the consumer. But today its different.
Things that an agent should ask a seller before listing a property:
WHY are you moving? If the seller is just curious to "see what they can get" - Its a great possibility that the seller won't be selling and all your advertising money is lost. If they are selling because they want to down size, be close to their kids, move to a different/better school district then as an agent - the motivation is high.
What is more important money or timing? If it is money and the sellers want to start out at the TOP of the inventory ranges - then there is a good chance that the sellers won't move unless they get that "make me move" price, which might not ever happen. If its timing, because they bought another home, having another home built or they have to be in a new area before school or a new job starts, then again, the motivation is high.
Are you flexible to show your home? - Having a free reign of showing times, will make the listing sell a bit faster. I have noticed that a vacant house or a home owner who has entrusted me with their keys to show when they are not home, sells faster than a seller who will only show in block times. (For example, Seller can show on Mondays, and Thursdays between 7:30 and 8:15 and on Fridays after 8pm. Not on weekends).
Can I put a sign on the property? In my book, this is a big step for the sellers. This to me shows me that the sellers are serious and they want to sell and they want everyone to know it. A seller who does not want their neighbors to know and you have to enter the back door when showing - is not committed to the sale of their house. This of course is my opinion.
What are your exclusions? If I encounter a seller who is planning on taking the appliance's, including the dishwasher, washer and dryer as well as their fixtures and window treatments, without any replacements is someone who again, might not have cut their ties to the home and is just feeling the market. I don't know why, but when a seller tells me - "No, everything is staying" then I feel that the seller has moved on and is ready to start anew in their next house.
What are our terms? If a seller and I can not come to an agreement regarding price or length of listing could mean trouble. If I have a seller who wants to list a home way over market value - it is no good for me or them. Even if I find a buyer for the home, the bank appraisal won't come in good and we all wasted our time. If the seller insists on "starting at a certain price because they are in no rush" then I suggest taking a longer length of a listing period in addition to the length, note on the listing agreement that you suggested X amount but we listed at XX amount. I also like to make the sellers aware that after 10 days if there is not a call on the property, we need to lower the price.
Lastly, What will be our main way of communicating? This is a big factor as well. It is so important for an agent to be available to their customers/clients at anytime. My customers/clients can reach me virtually 24/7 with any questions or concerns that they might have.
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