What’s in an Adjective? A LOT It may seem like a subtle distinction, but home sellers are a LOT safer billing their “new” Kitchen as simply “newer.” The difference? Buyers purchasing a new Kitchen might reasonably expect to see paid receipts. So might the appraiser representing the Buyer’s lender, once the deal advances from inspection...Read More
“Mid-Transaction” vs. “Pre-Transaction” Phone Calls If your Buyer is competing in multiple offers, and the Seller was supposed to be back in touch by 7 p.m. Saturday night and it’s now 8:30 p.m, you betcha’ you’re eager to take a phone call to find out exactly what’s going on. On the other hand, when a stranger...Read More
Marketing Practice > Theory At first blush, it seemed like a terrific idea: use the back of your (Realtor’s) business card to showcase an individual listing. My second thought: why didn’t I think of that?? But, on reflecting a little more, I realized why the business card of the Buyer’s agent who showed my listing...Read More
The Limits of Delectable Food I know the about-to-follow sentiments place me in a distinct minority of Realtors, but here goes: If scrumptious refreshments on Broker Tour* actually sold homes, then that nice Contemporary by Cedar Lake should have sold in a heartbeat. Proffered to visiting agents: home-cooked shish-kebab (delicious!), flutes of champagne, and chocolate...Read More
Question #2: Is That Different Than “Large?” “Original hardwood floors have just been re-done, four oversize bedrooms, tremendous woodwork & period fixtures.” –“Public Remarks,” MLS [Editor’s Note: No, this isn’t another Donald Trump-inspired post. If you’re looking for one of those, check out “Trying to Find Mar-a-Lago? Look for Donald Trump’s Very Big (in fact,...Read More
Not That There’s Anything Wrong With That . . . (on the contrary) Wanna guess what the phrase, “well-cared home ready for a new owner” invariably means? A. Everything in the house is in working condition. B. The owner’s lived in the home for decades. C. The home is hopelessly dated. Correct answer: all of...Read More
