I have noticed as, we all have, the constant plunging of real estate values. Not to many days passes with out 10,000 15,000 20,000 dollar reductions in the sale price. My watch list constantly reflects the reduced values of properties. I mentioned this to an interesting fellow I met who has had an eclectic career in the real estate and building trades. When I met him he was completing an observatory that contained a rolling roof that he designed himself. He is one of these guys that pay attention to details and live really creative lives. Anyway! I said why all the discounting and no real improvements to stagnant properties. What he said surprised me! He said realtors are getting lazy. I disagreed and said so. He qualified his opinion saying that there are the three tenets of real estate sales. Location ( tough to change) Price ( easy to change) and lastly quality of product. (This is where he felt realtors were not earning their keep.) His opinion was to tell your clients to not only freshen these properties! Paint, Clean, thin the crap are all necessary, but  Considering real  improvements that are far less costly than a dropping a fast 15,000 off the selling price. ( Ever had the privilege of listing a property with an observatory, I bet that would create some interest at the open house) You know what I think, I think my new friend has a point. The job of selling a home is changing. look at a property with a buyers eyes. Here's my long winded opinion, consider what would you do if the property were yours. The obvious roof, curb appeal and paint of course. Then, Then find something to help set it apart and discuss with the sellers how to make that a reality. New landscaping, real exterior lighting. A new deck that has style. Do you have any idea how much deck 15,000 would by today? Just consider the interesting possibilities. Well my new friend I and I wish you a happy Thanksgiving. Be well, Brian