Are More Sellers Staging Today? It sure seems that way. No doubt, that’s because every $1 spent on staging can easily add $3 (or $10) to the value of a home. And because, in a Buyer’s market, there are lots of competing homes for sale, and to attract a Buyer homes have to look their...Read More
“Pre-Selling’s” Many Guises “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” –Shakespeare Anticipation, anticipationIs makin’ me lateIs keepin’ me waitin’ –lyrics, “Anticipation” (Carly Simon) There is a convention in real estate to whet prospective Buyers’ appetites by doing what’s called “pre-list marketing.” While the owner is typically doing any last minute repairs, finalizing...Read More
Real Estate’s “Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle” The observer influences the thing observed. –Heisenberg uncertainty principle It seems self-explanatory, but as a principle, I don’t price other Realtors’ listings. The issue usually comes up when I do a listing presentation — essentially, a job interview for Realtors. In the course of interviewing Realtors, homeowners (and prospective Sellers)...Read More
Unwanted Tenants Most people like to live in a quiet, undisturbed dwelling where they’re afforded a modicum of privacy. It turns out, so do critters. In the course of showing any number of vacant properties this Summer, my Buyers and I have encountered (so far): wasp nests; bats (or evidence thereof); ant colonies; and the...Read More
Is Virtual Staging “the Next Big Thing?” The “next big thing” in real estate likely has nothing to do with “social media” (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.). Rather, my guess is that it’s “virtual staging” — using software to simulate what an empty house would look like (nicely) furnished and accessorized (wall art, area rugs, mirrors, etc.)...Read More
How to Tell if it’s a “Fire Sale” Realtors hear it all the time (often from neighbors or prospective Sellers protesting about the value of their home): “Oh, they gave it away.” “The Smith house? That was a fire sale.” “They sold for way too little.” How to Tell Whenever I hear the foregoing, I...Read More
