We've read the phrase before "Puffing the Listing," and it's NOT a reference to the listing agent "puffing" on something prior to posting.

In real estate jargon, PUFFING is a loose term meaning:  To "puff up" the property.

While it's not illegal . . . it's very borderline . . . unethical not right!

The reason: CONSUMERS read the puffier, and might not get it!

The question posted on Trulia was about the status of the property, whether it was for sale or pending. For curiosity I looked at the property, forgot all about the question . . . because all I got was PUFF . . . PURE UNADULTERATED PUFF. 

I wondered if the untrained eye of the buyer would be able to discern?

--------------------------------------------------------

Sale fail - back on market. To be sold as-is no repairs at this price. Inspection report avail. upon request. Adorable 1906 Victorian. Zoned R1, potential to build out (up to 8 units!). Potential to sell driveway easement to neighbor. Long .19ac flat lot and so close to downtown. Total SQFT includes 480 SQFT unfinished basement. Walk to schools, shopping, busline, parks. New in 2007: vinyl windows and storm doors, large deck, and water line from meter. Buyer to perform own due diligence to determine development possibilities.

--------------------------------------------------------

Let's analyze this on the PUFF 'o METER:

  • "Sale fail - back on market.  To be sold as is no repairs" = The inspection report was a NIGHTMARE, scared the buyer.  They backed out. 
  • "Inspection report avial. upon request."  As if this is a consolation?  I'd also like to know if the inspection report was based on the home inspection -- that THE PREVIOUS BUYER PAID FOR!  If so, it's NOT the listing agent's or the sellers (they did not pay for it).  And, unless they have permission from the previous buyer to use it for their listing, this may be unethical.
  • "ADORABLE Victorian!"  PUFF PUFF PUFF.   I'm sure that's the ORIGINAL beginning of the listing.  The puff . . . Adorable Victoria . . . AFTER your Lowe's credit card is MAXED!
  • Zoned R-1 . . . HUH!!  Puffing the listing to pitch a TEAR DOWN??  If it's so ADORABLE why'd you want to put multi-family zoning (up to 8 units)?  How freaking adorable is this Victorian?
  • Oh, and a "potential" to sell the driveway easement.  Now that's clever.  So when you buy this Adorable Victorian, you won't need to egress/ingress because you'll be developing it out anyway.
  • The TOTAL sq. ft. of this property (in the listing) was noted as 1538 sq. ft.  So, PUFF, PUFF, PUFF minus @400 sq. ft. of UNFINISHED BASEMENT -- and you're looking at a home slightly more than 1,000 sq. ft.

PUFF 'o METER rating:  45%

When representing a buyer, a seasoned agent will be able to READ in-between the lines of a listing.  Unless you're really looking for that ADORABLE FIXER VICTORIAN . . . your agent will be able to discern if this would be a property worth touring.

search Portland PropertiesEBA Portland ~~ 100% BUYER REPRESENTATION ~~ 100% of the Time

EBA Portland, LLC is an Exclusive Buyer Agency serving the Metro Portland real estate market since 1999. If you’re a Buyer in the Metro Portland area (including: Beaverton, Tigard, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Downtown Portland,) and contemplating a purchase, talk with a Buyer’s Agent . . . better yet, talk to an Exclusive Buyers Agent. Exclusive Buyers Agents do not work for listing brokerages or Sellers. An EBA’s fiduciary duty is: 100% BUYER REPRESENTATION . . . 100% of the Time.

 Carla Muss-Jacobs
503-810-7192
Carla@carlahomes.com 		         

BuyersAgentPortland.com

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13 Comments on Puffing the Listing

OCT
05
2009
165,684 Points 5 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp

I kind of like the "potential to sell easement to neighbor."  Why hasn't neighbor already purchased it?  Maybe he doesn't need it!!!
7:56pm • #1
630,226 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Carla..I like your style..And I like this post..Very clever ..Thank you
8:08pm • #2
1,115,185 Points 115 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

This is great Carla - I know we all could post of ton of these puffers and get a good laugh - if it was a laughing matter. Buyer Beware for sure.  BTW on inspection reports - all potential buyers - should get their own report. If they are given  a previous buyers report and rely on that information which may or may not be accurate - and there is a problem....we all know who they'll be coming after if there is an issue after the fact. I put the brakes on this a number of years ago and I'm glad I did.  All buyers should hire their own inspector!!! As the broker we will not take the responsiblity.

Love your fish pic!  It's a puffer all right!!
8:13pm • #3
980,499 Points 114 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi John . . . just a stab at your question:  Maybe the house was divided and there is a flag lot and the owner owns the easment.  The neighbor wants to buy the easement (making their lot bigger) -- just a guess.

Hey Hannah . . . Thanks so much, I appreciate the compliment.   Like the Puffer Fish?  They puff themselves up to look big ;-)
8:15pm • #4
168,445 Points Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

excellent!   been up around these lately, and still checking the listings that i lost, they are still on the market....I was honest, and not puffed, but....
8:24pm • #5
980,499 Points 114 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hey Anna B. -- Thank you for adding your comments.  Rounds out the blog nicely!!  THANKS!!

Hi Nellie -- Honesty is the BEST POLICY, and if the listings you lost are still on the market, it's NOT YOU, and you can feel good about that!
8:37pm • #6
507,520 Points 1 Featured Post Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Love you're writing style Carla. It's nice that their creative writing can entertain us.
10:20pm • #8
980,499 Points 114 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thank you very much Lee & Carol.  Yes, the "creative writing" is quite entertaining! 
10:49pm • #9
OCT
06
2009
400,470 Points 35 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Carla:

"Adorable" is always a loaded word. I tell clients that it usually means "small."

I like your puffer fish and puff O meter rating system - very clever.

 
7:12am • #10
320,021 Points 2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Hi Carla: I had not heard this term before - thank you for the education!

:)
9:19am • #11
376,720 Points 26 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Carla - Once again you provide a valuable lesson with entertainment and attitude.  I love the fact that you cut through the nonsense and tell it like you see it. 

This is exactly what you need in an agent folks!  If you are negotiating hundreds of thousands of dollars for a home you need someone who can cut through the nonsense and protect your interests.  Carla rocks Portland and you should seek her expertise, unless of course you just want a chauffer with keys to other peoples homes instead.
11:05am • #12
700,937 Points 39 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Boy you were pretty nice with the puff rating of 45%.  I think it should be higher. A tip off to me was the mention of the basement sq footage like that is ever used.  Adorable - a nice lovely picture word that should probably never be used again right?  Quaint = small.  Cozy = can't put your furniture anywhere!  Puffery.
2:59pm • #13
980,499 Points 114 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Claudette -- that's a good one "adorable" = small!  You're right ;-)

Hey Nevin . . . thanks for editing! 

HA HA Lyn!  You think I'm a softy!  I toured a "cozy" listing the other day.  You're right, can't put furniture anywhere!

 

 
4:03pm • #14


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Carla Muss-Jacobs - Principal Broker/ Owner | Exclusive Buyers Agent |

Portland, OR

More about me…

503-810-7192 | BuyersAgentPortland.com

Address: Beaverton OR, Portland OR, Forest Heights, Lake Oswego, Hillsboro, SW Portland, SE Portland, NW Portland, N Portland, Downtown, The Pearl, NE Portland, Milwaukie, West Linn, Aloha, Cedar Hills, Portland, OR

Office Phone: (503) 810-7192

Cell Phone: (503) 810-7192

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Author Bio: Carla Muss-Jacobs is the Principal Broker/Owner of EBA Portland, LLC an Exclusive Buyer Agency representing Buyers in the Portland Metro real estate market since 1999.

The Sellers have their own agent ~~ Why don't you have yours?  

Carla Muss-Jacobs practices the TRUE FORM of Buyer Agency ~~ Exclusive Buyer Agent.  Her office/brokerage never takes listings and never respresents the Seller.  Exclusive Buyer Agency is the BEST form of legal real estate representation a Buyer can have.  There is 100% Buyer Representation - !00% of the Time.  There are NO CONFLICTS OF INTEREST and there is no possibility of ever having YOUR Buyer Agency comprised.  When buying a house -- it's important to know who is working for you!!  



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