The Limits of Spin I addressed overcoming home shortcomings in a post earlier this week, “Fielding Buyer Objections.” Sometimes, depending on what they are, you’re better off simply conceding the drawback(s) and emphasizing the home’s strengths. Case in point: a home I showed this week that has a particularly dark basement. The listing agent’s response?...Read More
Wants, Needs — & Deal Breakers I’m currently representing Buyers who prefer at least 3 Bedrooms on one level, because they have little kids. So, an otherwise suitable home that I previewed for them was a pass, because the kids’ bedrooms were on the lower level (I was hoping the home’s other strengths would offset...Read More
Why Such a Big Discount For Big Homes Needing Updating? Want a novel — but not at all far-fetched — (additional) explanation for why so many nicer, bigger homes are facing significant discounts in today’s market, especially ones that need significant updating? Keep reading. Far and away, there are three big reasons why such homes...Read More
Done Deal! Then What? It’s 9 p.m., and you’ve just agreed to terms with the Seller you’ve been negotiating with to buy their home. You initialled the last change on the Counter Offer form, and faxed it to your Realtor. Who do you call/tell first? A. Your parents, to tell them the good news! B....Read More
Strategic Defaults Driving Retail Sales? A penny saved is a penny earned. –Benjamin Franklin, circa 1780 A penny defaulted on is a penny earned. –Benjamin Franklin, 2010?? No, I have no way of knowing whether a modern-day Benjamin Franklin would have uttered the second quote. In fact, he didn’t even say the first one (that...Read More
Open Houses Galore Clients often ask if a particular Sunday is a good time to hold an open. I don’t forecast home prices or interest rates, but I’m going to go on record with this prediction: today, April 11, will be the busiest day of the year for open houses (the “retail” kind; broker opens...Read More
