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...Read More
Cheapskate Listing Agent — But Honest (Sort of) I’m sure it’s not the first time that a “successor” agent has taken over an expired or cancelled listing from the incumbent agent, and re-used their photos. But, I’ve never seen the new agent disclose that fact — albeit in the “Agent” (vs. “Public”) Remarks section on...Read More
Online Real Estate Listings: What Do Buyers Look At? “First impressions matter when it comes to dating, job interviews, and online real estate listings.” –Bryan Thomas, Wall Street Journal video (3/21/13) According to WSJ reporter Sanette Tanaka, here’s what people looking at online real estate listings focus on: Photos: 60% Property Description: 20%...Read More
51% Off! I’ve certainly seen price reductions of $77,900 (or more). But, I don’t recall ever seeing one for that amount (yesterday) off of a home listed for $152,900. If you’re doing the math, that’s a reduction of almost 51%(!), to a new asking price of $75,000 The home, located in South Minneapolis’ Regina neighborhood, has...Read More
Proactive Marketing: Exhibit A “Directly behind the property line is a small condo building, not apartments, please let buyers know.” –Excerpt, “Agent Remarks” field on MLS “Nobody ever washed a rental car.” –Anonymous What is the listing agent for this Longfellow (Minneapolis) home up to? (Note: I showed the home a few weeks ago to...Read More
Will Scathing Feedback Lower the Seller’s Price? I’ve certainly taken my swipes at the seemingly ubiquitous showing feedback forms that Buyers’ agents receive after they show a home. The main knocks: they ask for information no good Buyer’s agent is going to provide — e.g., “what is the home worth?” — especially if they have a client...Read More
