Why do people sell their homes? The question came to mind while I was reading an article in the “O AT HOME – an Oprah Magazine” . It describes how a seller changed her mind about selling the home after it was staged for sale. The article goes on to say, that she liked the new look and decided to stay put after one sale fell through. Needless to say - the real estate agent did not get paid. It made me think that sellers, buyers and agents need to better understand why they want to sell or buy. 

what to do? It’s not about the home
Homes for many people are an extension and reflection of who they are, their history, background, hopes and aspirations. When something in our life does not work we may think it the house’s fault. I had a client who looked for a new home every time she had a problem in her marriage. I had to really get to know this client to realize a new home will not solve her problem. Not moving saved the client a lot of aggravation and money.

Stage for yourself

We get so used to our homes, we don’t realize what exactly bothers us there. When people decide to sell their home they use staging to appeal to a prospective buyer. It is done for selling, not for living. Why can’t it be the other way around?  “Stage” the home for yourself and see if it appeals to you now. This could be a solution much easier and less expensive then the move.

Dreams vs. Reality
Many of us have a “Dream House” in mind. May be it’s our parents home, or the place we vacation in, or “the Joneses” house. These dreams make us look for another house: bigger and better, or smaller and better, or just different.  Then we find out that a bigger house is harder and more expansive to maintain, the smaller house does not give everyone needed space, “the Joneses” house does not fit our lifestyle or budget. Sometimes it’s  better for a dream to be just that - a dream.

The agent’s tale
I want my clients to be happy. The moral of this story – examine and re-examine your reasons to sell and buy. If after all the deliberations you are convinced it’s the best course for you – go for the dream. I will be at your service.

 

 

If you are considering selling or buying and have questions or need assistance call Faina Sechzer directly at 609-552-4175. 

 

3 Comments on Princeton NJ Real Estate - Buy, Sell or Stay?

SEP
02
2007
197,890 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Some times people go to different stage of their life, or personal events in their life require a change of their home... Job changes, divorces, separation, death in family etc.

Some other time selling provides an financial gain and ability to move to better neighborhood, better schools, bigger home...

It is all human and grow and change while our life itself changes.

5:59pm • #1
146,627 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I always tell my clients to remember what their goals were and the reasons why they are selling. Sometimes they not get the offer they were intending, but the motives for selling may be worth more than a few dollars.

Thanks for sharing!

8:08pm • #2
18 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Arina -I agree - life goes on and people will continue to buy and sell houses. The point here -to understand clients' real motivation. Motivated clients are at the end- the happy clients. Thanks for your comment. 

Maureen - did your ever hear: " We really don't need to sell". It is said most often by people who really NEED to sell, but for some reason can't admit it. The motives are critical - it's what separates a good transaction from a difficult one. This gives me another idea - may be we need a Real Estate Shrink to consult with. Oh, I forgot -it's us.

9:11pm • #3

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Faina Sechzer - Princeton, Montgomery, Hopewell, NJ Real Estate Expert

Princeton, NJ

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Henderson-Sotheby's International Realty

Office Phone: (609) 924-1000 x 144

Cell Phone: (609) 553-4175

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