Low(er) Odds of Wet Basement Older may not be better when it comes to furnaces, roofs, and major appliances. However, if there’s any question about whether a home’s basement is wet, old is very good. Why’s that? Because carpeting that repeatedly gets wet and dries out becomes moldy, discolored, and generally starts to deteriorate. Ditto...Read More
Learning to Love (OK, Like) Split-Level’s What’s so great about opening the front door of a home and finding yourself standing in the middle of the Living Room? Or maybe the Kitchen? That’s been my experience in any number of newer, upper bracket homes ” homes that supposedly boast the latest and greatest of everything,...Read More
Realtor-Speak, Translated I don’t know about other listing agents (representing Sellers), but I have to suppress an eye roll when, following a showing, the Buyer’s agent contacts me and asks to be “kept in the loop” if something happens. That “something,” of course, is another offer. Sometimes, Buyers need a day or two to put...Read More
The Opposite of “Easier Said Than Done” Real estate sales is a field (like many other, I’m sure) where a lot of things are “easier said than done.” Get Sellers to price realistically? “Easier said than done.” Persuade homeowners to spend a relatively nominal amount on staging, that will help sell their home faster, for...Read More
It’s not uncommon for agents to see homes marketed as a “Grandma’s house.” Less usual: homes marketed as a “Grandpa’s house.” I’m not sure about other Realtors’ association with each type of home, but here are mine: Grandma’s House: —”Vintage” Kitchen with lots of old appliances (wall oven, mixer, etc.); —Old(er) window treatments, floor coverings,...Read More
When the Neighbors are the Dealbreaker Prospective Buyer: “We love the house. But we could never live across the street from that pornographic statue.” Phil Dunphy: “Oh . . . huh . . . I never noticed it.” Prospective Buyer: “Yeah . . . you can see it from inside when you look out the...Read More
