| Today I was conducting an MLS search for a | | | | |
| client in an area that was entry-level | | | | Homebuyers, like all consumers, are a very |
| priced, so consequently there were many, many | | | | visual bunch. It is hard to get enthused over |
| homes to choose from. Whilst refining the | | | | a home that only has one photo. Worse still, |
| search to better tailor it to my customer's | | | | some have none. If the lister does not care |
| needs, I could not help but be amazed by how | | | | enough to display the attributes of the home, |
| many Realtors had "shot themselves in the | | | | why would you expect a potential buyer to |
| foot" in the remarks portion of the listing. | | | | care. Also, I do not buy into the "It's a new |
| Buyers have a multitude of choices, in this | | | | listing" argument. In this day and age, who |
| market, when choosing a home. The last thing | | | | does not own or have access to a digital |
| you should do as listing agent, is relegate | | | | camera? Come on people, make an effort! |
| your home to the "only see if nothing else | | | | |
| suits" pile. | | | | Huge co-brokes are also a turn-off. After |
| | | | all, who is ultimately paying for them? The |
| In the next few paragraphs I will furnish | | | | buyer, of course. How about this one; "Seller |
| actual examples of search-ending folly, which | | | | will contribute (car)(boat)(helicopter) with |
| range from the merely unimaginative to the | | | | reasonable offer." Reasonable to whom? |
| downright ridiculous. | | | | |
| | | | This one made me laugh out loud, "It's a |
| "Motivated seller"; if I had a dime for every | | | | little rough right now, but will be nice by |
| time I saw this phrase in a listing I would | | | | close of escrow". Doesn't that make you want |
| be much wealthier than I already am. It ranks | | | | to jump in your car and race over there. If |
| right up there with the adjective "nice" on | | | | it is not yet ready for sale, do not list it. |
| the blandness scale. From the same family of | | | | You only get one chance to make a first |
| real estate no-nos we also get "instant | | | | impression. (See remarks re: photos above) |
| equity" which ranks right up there, but also | | | | |
| earns points for its ability to foster law | | | | Try to make the property as easy to show as |
| suits later on. Its cousin "below appraisal", | | | | possible. Asking buyers to call Bill, the |
| while technically accurate, is plain silly | | | | owner's cousin, to ask him to tell Fred, the |
| because by definition an appraisal is merely | | | | neighbor, to leave the key under the mat with |
| a snapshot of value based on historical | | | | 24 hours notice will not likely get the home |
| sales, which in our falling market will | | | | shown. |
| naturally have been higher. | | | | |
| | | | This is not rocket science, and in an |
| Another turn off for buyers is "chandelier | | | | overcrowded real estate market it is |
| does not convey". It seems innocuous, but | | | | imperative to make the process as easy and |
| nobody likes to have something taken away | | | | smooth as possible for a potential buyer. I |
| from them. If it does not convey, take it out | | | | hope these tips have helped. Finally, to my |
| before you list the home. It makes for more | | | | fellow Realtors I have one word, please take |
| pleasant negotiations. | | | | heed accordingly "Spellcheck". |