An Unexpected Resource

Another Contribution from my team for our office blog:

As agents we are always interested in subjects related to getting deals closed. Any insights that help move transactions are like small nuggets of gold.

My daughter works for the Home and Garden Television Network ("HGTV") in New York. I started watching some programs out of interest in her work. Well, I am now hooked. An entire network devoted to all things related to the home!

HGTV has a mix of shows to appeal to anyone interested in houses. Decorating, staging, design, remodeling, construction, going green- it's all there. The shows that appeal to me as a real estate agent are "Designed to Sell", "Get it Sold", "House Hunters" and especially "Secrets That Sell."

"Secrets That Sell" takes homes that have been on the market and have not attracted offers. A mother and daughter Real Estate team goes in and looks at what may be preventing these properties from getting sold. They council the sellers on what changes to make to help get their homes sold. Watching this show helps me understand staging and room flow and I can incorporate that knowledge when helping my own clients (clutter is selling enemy Number 1). It's always interesting to see the thought process of sellers and how to coach them to make changes to attract offers.

"House Hunters" is also fun. Since episodes are produced in all areas of the country, seeing home prices outside of the DC Area is a real eye opener. Very helpful when a client is re-locating to our area. The best aspect of the show is following the buyers through the decision process.

HGTV's show schedule is available via their website http://www.hgtv.com/ Enjoy!

Jon Brundage is a Coldwell Banker Sales Associate and Licensed Real Estate Agent serving Northern Virginia. He can be reached at 703-967-1025 or jonabrundage@yahoo.com