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Maybe Those Home Shows Aren't Such a Bad Thing...

By
Real Estate Agent with Realty Executives Integrity R.E. Broker 55289-90

I have to admit that there have been times when I've wanted to curse some of those home shows so many of us seem to be addicted to. Sometimes they have a way of making it look like selling a home is so easy. They can give the impression that a buyer makes a choice after seeing just three homes. And they have a way of convincing sellers to make every improvement they suggest, regardless of cost.

Sigh...if it were only that easy. Exhausted

But over the past week, I met with two potential sellers who both said they know what work they need to do to prep their home for sale -- declutter, paint, replace damaged screens, reduce the number of personal photos, and CLEAN! They both observed, as we walked around the exterior, that they had to work on their gardens -- clean out the weeds, add new mulch where needed, and cut the lawn!

And both knew they should not put their homes on the market until these preparations were complete.

Garden

And how did they know all this? Both admitted, "I watch those home and garden shows."

They understand that you only get one chance to make a positive first impression. They both understand that you want potential buyers to envision themselves living in the house, not the current owners.

So I apologize to all the home and garden shows out there for the bad thoughts I've had. You've done good.

Comments (6)

Kathy Knight
Intracoastal Realty Corp - Wilmington, NC
BROKER, ABR, CRS, GRI, SFR, SRES

Home shows can be a blessing and a curse - you are right Peggy...

May 08, 2009 02:19 PM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Peggy, I do agree with you that you can over improve a home getting it ready for sale.

May 08, 2009 02:28 PM
Vickie Nagy
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate - Palm Springs, CA
Vickie Jean the Palm Springs Condo Queen

HGTV has many different shows, some with more value than others but most all of them are very entertaining.

May 08, 2009 03:05 PM
Dean Moss
Dean's Team - Keller Williams Realty Partners Chicago IL - Chicago, IL
Dean's Team Chicago IL Real Estate Team

Peggy -

So many shows, some good tips!

But so many feel now they know EVERYTHING about selling Real Estate, Flipping, Pricing, and Staging Your Home to Sell.

Guess we in the business have to take the good with the bad!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

May 08, 2009 03:22 PM
Peggy Wester
Realty Executives Integrity - Grafton, WI
Real Estate Agent Ozaukee & Washington County

Kathy -- Yes they can. I have to admit I'm addicted to a couple of them myself.

Gary -- They certainly can over-improve. Although I think these two sellers are on the right track...

Vickie -- They certainly are very entertaining. Good point.

Dean -- I think that's what's the most frustrating is some buyers and sellers think they know all there is to know because they watch some of those shows. But like I suggested, I also learned there is some real benefit, as well!

May 09, 2009 12:21 PM
Brenda Carus
Century 21 Zwygart Real Estate - Monroe, WI

There is some good and some bad with those shows, eh?

May 14, 2009 08:02 AM