Tackling the Big Stuff ” or Just Cosmetics?
Occasionally, I see a listing agent who takes pains to assure Buyers’ agents in the “Agent Remarks” field on MLS (seen only by Realtors) that the home “is not a flip.”
What’s going on?
The listing agent (representing the Seller) wants Buyers to know that the home hasn’t just been cosmetically improved for sale ” with a hefty mark-up attached.
Flippers’ Usual M.O.
Unfortunately, that’s precisely what lots of “flippers” do.
Specifically, they take dirty, tired homes; clean them up; throw in some new (cheap) fixtures and maybe an appliance or two; add new paint and carpet (also cheap); stage to the nines; and then try to make a quick profit.
Guilt by Association
Which all begs the question: if the listing agent feels the need to distinguish the (non)flip home from a flipped one . . . what corners have they cut getting the home ready for market?
The usual answer to that (non)rhetorical question: new windows, a new furnace, a new Kitchen, updated Baths, etc.
In other words: the big stuff.
