My clients are looking for a four to five bedroom two and half bath home on a large lot, they are willing to do renovations for homes that require a little TLC. My clients have two young children and a parent will be moving in with them, so finding the prefect home to meet everyone's needs is important.
We have been looking for the past six months our ‘want' list and ‘price range' has a narrow margin plus my clients will have to sell their home to close this transaction.
Luckily we are all patience people and realistic. A few weeks ago, I previewed a home on the Broker's Tour with great anticipation. It was listed as a six bedroom three bath home and is near my client's place of employment and walking distance to local parks & downtown shopping.
The agent's notes state that the home is a four bedroom and two rooms are being used as two bedrooms. The tax records state that it is a four bedroom home. Hmmmm, now when you are doing comparisons you are going to see a 2000 sq ft home listed as a 6 bedroom so what is the buyer acquiring?
After previewing the home, I discovered that one of the ‘bedrooms' was in the garage, I am assuming it was a former workshop or storage area. I think that would be Elder Abuse if you tried to keep ‘Mom' there. The other room was also clearly not a bedroom maybe an office.
When I spoke to the listing agent and questioned his listing as posted in the MLS and asked if he thought it would appraise as a six bedroom home, he told me he was not an appraiser and walked away.
It is my opinion that this type of listing from an agent who is lacking proper education is not working as under the Code of Ethics guidelines.
We cannot sell a four bedroom home as a six bedroom. I have a friend who bought what she thought was a three bedroom home to only find out when wanted to sell it that it was a two bedroom home according to the assessor's office and the planning department.
Today, many homes are remodeled with and without permits, agents need to help or advise their clients where to research property records so they know what they are purchasing.
Shirley Hulin works as a full-time REALTOR® & Sales Manager for two Century 21 Hometown Realty offices, in San Luis Obispo and on the Scenic Coast. Referrals gladly accepted. Contact Shirley at: ShirleyHulin@gmail.com
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