“It’s Not My Problem (Really)” — Realtor Edition What’s the difference between a “newbie” Buyer’s agent and a veteran? It’s a long list, but here’s one example: Newbie agent: When the front door knob comes off in their hands during a showing, the newbie agent is convinced that they broke it, and feels terrible. After...Read More
When to Skip Home Improvements In general, I applaud homeowners who want to make improvements to their homes and property. See, “Let’s Hear it For Granny Flats!” However, at least when it comes time to sell, there’s one scenario where owners are better advised to save their cash, and simply market their home to builders: ...Read More
“Strike 1 3/4,” or, There’s Never Just One Cockroach When you pull up in front of a “For Sale” home with a visibly worn-out roof, what goes through Buyers’ — and Buyers’ agents’ — minds? Thoughts like: •“I wonder what other major, capital repairs are waiting for the next owner?” •“If the owner/seller couldn’t keep...Read More
Now? Is it Warm Enough Now? In a post this Spring titled, “The Strategic Use of ‘Coming Soon!’,” I discussed listing agents who alert prospective Buyers about prospective fixes that will be done when weather permits. The obvious corollary to that post: such tactics are time-limited. So, informing prospective Buyers that “The Garage Door Will be Painted When...Read More
All-New Everything Believe it or not, the headline of this post isn’t an oxymoron — or even an insult. On the contrary, a Buyer who intends to do a “stem-to-stern” renovation is the salvation of more than a few Sellers (see, “Tear-Down Economics“), who have neither the inclination nor resources to do needed, major updating — and...Read More
It won’t really work with an entire home that needs fix-up. But when there’s a lone, seasonal repair that’s waiting (and waiting) for warmer weather, telling prospective Buyers that the fix is “Coming Soon!” is a terrific idea. I just saw a $1 million Edina home where just such a sign was prominently displayed on the rather rough-looking...Read More
