Real Estate Blog - What's In A View?

Home : Blogs : Patricia Kennedy : Pat Kennedy - Your Washington, DC Real Estate Connection

What's In A View?

In Washington, there are certain views that can make a condo unit worth more, a lot more, than if they didn't have one.

So when I saw a condo with an optimistic price, there was a photo of the view from the unit, and it showed the National Cathedral. Now as veiws go, The National Cathedral is right up there. Maybe not as great as the Capitol, the Potomac or the Washington Momument. But it does command a few extra dollars.

Well, I'm glad that I previewed the place first.

Looking out one of the bedroom windows, you could see the Cathedral.

But from the giant windows in the living room, this is what you got:

Some day, they might turn this roof into one of the new "green" ones, with sod and flowers. Then you won't be distracted by the ugly thing, and you might even look to the west and appreciate the far off view of the Cathedral!

But in the meantime, if I were the agent, I'd maybe change the focus to make the expectations he creates meet the reality that buyers see.

Posted by Patricia Kennedy on 11/08/2009 11:44 PM

Comments (19)

Marketing Views in the Sales Strategies / Tactics Channel

washignton dc real estate, patricia kennedy

Originally posted at: Pat Kennedy - Your Washington, DC Real Estate Connection: What's In A View?

Post is included in group: Realtors®

19 Comments on What's In A View?

NOV

So true, So true

Perspective makes all the difference in the world doesn't it? :-)

NOV

Hi Pat... I have never understood the results that agents think that they will achieve when the set unrealistic expectations about features like views.

Seems the price may be a little optmistic with kind of view.

Cheap sleazy tricks I say. Buyers will get all excited, then they will feel cheated. It is a good thing you previewed, that is a fact!

Pat - this really gave me quite a chuckle! It is AWESOME that you previewed first! HAHA Like you mentioned - MAYBE one day that view would change but WHO KNOWS!

Hey Pat I've got some great waterview condos for you to see.....okay maybe not great waterview....well maybe not really waterview at all.....but they are great condos :-)

Can't blame the listing agent for trying! Maybe she should have drawn the blinds...

I have mixed feelings about this. After all, you can see the National Cathedral from the place so it's not totally misrepresenting the view and the idea of marketing is to get people excited enough to step foot inside the house/condo. After all, someone is going to want to buy it and the roof view may not be all that important.

On the other hand, it's a good thing that you'rew one of the two agents in the Metro area that previews because now, at least, you'll be able to warn a potential buyer that now all the views are that great.

Pat, I've always been challenged by "views" and "value'" and usually run into the issue with sellers who say they bought a place for the"view" and arbitrarily attach a value that the new bueyr doesn't seem to agree with :) Always looking for a way to translate this aesthetic into a dlooar sign. Any suggestions?

Pat,

I visited a home that claimed to have a great view of the lake. It did - but only if you were 8' tall, stood on a chair to look out the window or climbed up on the roof. Over-spin!

And that's why we preview before we show!

Patricia, I do wish that listings were more specific...some waste so much time for potential buyers and their realtors but not being misleading in their notes.

Pat: I'm thinking plantation shutters would be a great idea to obscure the view of the roof. Much better focal point.

Not sure the listing agent is doing the seller much of a service here. As a buyer, I would question any listing coming out of that brokerage.

wow, that would be a real disappointment, to find that view!

I don't understand the plan here most if not all would be irritated by the deception.

Pat - I had to laugh, since we run up against the issue of views here in my area so often, with the ocean, of course, being prime. Sorry, but a glimpse of the ocean from the master bedroon bath on your tiptoes does NOT warrant $50K more. Some folks listing properties seem to think so, or perhaps their sellers do. Buyers WILL pay for views, sometimes hundreds of thousands but there are not easily fooled.

Jeff

NOV

Pat I agree, in this case the focus should not be on the view. I love your idea about transforming that roof to into a lovely garden only then could you say what a view!

This blog does not allow anonymous comments