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Having a Zoo on the Front Porch Will not Sell Your Home

 

Zoo

I previewed a home this week for a client who is relocating here from another part of the country.  As with so many properties in the MLS, it sounded wonderful from the description. In fact, it was quite appealing until I actually arrived at the house.   

Some of the features that had been touted were: great location, hardwood floors, updated kitchen (20 years ago, it turned out), full basement (that only had access from the outside through a 20 x 20 inch trap door,) and window treatments included (there were actually none.) 

But the most interesting detail of the property which was nowhere to be found in the MLS listing was the fact that there was an assemblage of caged animals on the front porch, complete with barnyard smells and hooting owl noises. 

Being the lover of animals that I am, I had a great time talking to them and taking their pictures.  However, I am not sure that they would make a perfect first impression to a potential home buyer. 

 

Bunny Rabbit 

Mr. Bunny Rabbit

 

Guinea Pig

Mr. Guinea Pig

 

bird

The Constantly Hooting Bird

 

And, of course, there were the obligatory empty dog kennels.

 

Calling all home stagers - these sellers definitely need your help.

 

Copyright 2010 "Having a Zoo on the Front Porch Will not Sell Your Home"

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Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner, The Buyers' Counsel - (508) 881-6230

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26 Comments on Having a Zoo on the Front Porch Will Not Sell Your Home

JUL
02
2010
519,126 Points 43 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Claudette, what are we both doing up at this late hour on AR, we both need to get a life...LOL have a great and safe 4th...I bet Ma puts on a great American celebration
10:41pm • #1
552,869 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I turned down a listing on this same order.  Not sure how the sellers can overlook this problem.  Wonder if their realtor advised them to the problems.
10:42pm • #2
395,027 Points 35 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Gerry:

I have to tell you - I think this is our life.  No complaints here. 

I hope your 4th is a great one.

Kay:

Do you mean, you passed up a chance to feed the animals while the sellers were on vacation? My, you are picky.

 
10:49pm • #3
781,593 Points 21 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Yup, that would be pretty hard to overlook. How funny that you are now conditioned to take these kind of pictures to post on Active Rain.
10:53pm • #4
351,537 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

LOL - Don't you wonder if the listing agent recommended that having all these animals inside the home wouldn't be a good idea - so - out on the porch they went!!
10:55pm • #5

Hi Claudette, I like animals, but I agree with you--first impressions count, and I don't think all of those cages at first glance are going to help sell the home.  The first thing a prospect might question is the odor and cleanliness of the home, even if it is clean.  You would have hoped that the agent would have advised them about this.  Have a Happy 4th!
11:00pm • #6
395,027 Points 35 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Ellie:

Actually, quite impossible to overlook. It would probably be fun for buyer's kids to look at them though.

Nancy:

That is a distinct possibility.  No animals inside - so they are relegated to the front porch (where they are the first thing you notice!)

Tamara:

Animal pellets, grain, bird seed and empty dog crates - I think that could create a less than sanitary atmosphere, yes.

 
11:13pm • #7
591,941 Points 22 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Aww! I'm not a bird person, but I've had plenty of guinea pigs and a couple of bunnies. I think that may actually be a selling feature for me =P  And I'd be negotiating to get the bunny and the piggy included in the sale!  =^.^=  ...any cats around? lol

My concern is actually the discomfort of the animals. They can't be happy all crammed in there like that! And the cages look to small as well. How can they be getting enough attention when nobody can get in there?
11:30pm • #8
280,697 Points 83 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Wow. I wouldn't believe this if someone told me. But you got the proof.
11:47pm • #9
JUL
03
2010
562,507 Points 54 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

This is hysterical, Claudette.  I can only imagine.  This is going to be the sale of the century if the listing agent can find a buyer.
12:00am • #10
147,617 Points 6 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Claudette, people normally judge a book by its cover.  First impression is everything.  I assume you did not even keep this one as a maybe on your list to show your client.  Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and the listing agent must of had blinders on and puffed things up to draw attention to the property.
3:01am • #11
395,027 Points 35 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Lisa:

So, you are a tough negotiator - getting these cute little animals to be part of the transaction. I hadn't thought of that. I do think they need a happier home than in those little cages.
6:11am • #12
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Scott:

The photos do not lie.
6:15am • #13
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Jane:

As adorable as they were, I don't they added to the ambiance of the home.
6:16am • #14
395,027 Points 35 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Don:

I actually took a video of this home for my client. However, I completely left out the zoo part.
6:17am • #15
147,617 Points 6 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Claudette, I think that would have been hard to be tactful about.
8:05am • #16
276,303 Points 3 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp

Claudette,

If your business gets slow you could do well as an animal photagrapher. Love the bunnies!

Marcy
10:45am • #17
1,140,630 Points 76 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Wow!  I guess the seller misinterpreted the listing agent when they told them the animals should be kept out of the house until it's under contract. 
11:01am • #18
244,298 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Well unfortunately I have seen this before.  I like the rabbit though.  He is kind of cute.
11:52am • #19
769,069 Points 60 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I just love all the different things we see on a daily basis in the Real Estate business!

As adorable as they might be, these critters will definitely not add to the home buying experience!
12:02pm • #20
395,027 Points 35 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Don:

Fortunately, I didn't have to be. No one asked for any feedback so I did not give it.

Marcy:

That is so kind of you.

Chris Ann:

Out of the house indeed.  They should have said keep them out of the premises (tricky wording.)

Michael:

Isn't he an adorable rabbit?

Craig:

I know, we see so much in this business we could definitely write a book - or, a blog.

 
1:16pm • #21
405,925 Points 49 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hey, at least the zoo wasn't IN the house!  What a nice surprise along with the other ones.  A full basement, only if you don't eat at McDonalds every week.  A kitchen updated in the 20th century and window treatments?  Maybe window treatments to the listing agent means they were washed?
3:23pm • #22
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WOW....what a story and a picture to go along with it....Cynthia had a good point...they are on the porch...Thankfully you were able to take the time to preview the home before showing your clients...Thanks for Sharing, Jen
3:50pm • #23
395,027 Points 35 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Cynthia:

We can be thankful for these small favors - no zoo actually inside the home. However, in the bad weather I would guess that that is exactly where they go. 

Ha - a washed window could be technically consider a treatment of sorts.

Jennifer:

I think this shows the importance of previewing.  I certainly would not have wanted to take my client to this one.

 
10:56pm • #24
JUL
04
2010

Several years ago I inspected a home that was a herpetarium. He had more snakes and lizards than the Zoo or the pet store.

Happy Independence Day!
4:19am • #25
395,027 Points 35 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Russel:

Herpetarium? I had never heard that word before. Now I have looked it up. Thanks for the education.

You are not only a great home inspector but you're very brave to go in there.

 
4:02pm • #26

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Claudette Millette - Metrowest Mass Buyer Broker

Ashland, MA

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The Buyers' Counsel

Address: 27 Thomas Street, Ashland, MA, 01721

Office Phone: (508) 881-6230

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