Special offer

Real Estate Movies: What Can We Learn from them?

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with RealSupport Inc.

When we think about movies and real estate, it may be hard for you to pinpoint movies that are specifically about real estate. Well, most aren't. But there quite a few movies out there that make some pretty good points about buying or selling a home. For example, is the house haunted? Are the neighbors crazy? Will you see a good return on investment if you buy a less-than-perfect home? All of these questions are super important in the world of real estate, and we think these movies tell us exactly why. From your real estate virtual assistant, I hope you laugh a little while reading this post. 

Poltergeist: Let’s be honest. This movie offered a lot of life lessons. Number one: Ghosts are real and they can kidnap you using a television. But in all seriousness, didn’t this movie make you a little weary about being the first person to move into a new development? And honestly, as real estate agents, do we really want to suggest to our clients that they build a pool (or a house) above a burial ground? I get chills just thinking about it. It reminds me of my college apartment… built over a Chicago cemetery…you think the apartment finder would have mentioned that. 

Neighbors: Ah, the suburbs. There’s nothing like a quiet lifestyle of friendly neighbors, the occasional block party and backyard barbecues with your family. That is, unless, your quiet lifestyle is taken over by the most obnoxious neighbors ever. Unfortunately, we don’t have control over who moves in next to us, but we do have control over who we move next to. Let your clients know that choosing a neighborhood is a big part of the process – if not bigger than the house itself. 

I Love You, Man: Peter is a friendly real estate agent who just moved to L.A. Unfortunately, this real estate agent just can’t catch a break. First of all, he has no man friends. Secondly, he hears his fiancé and her friends talking about how he has no man friends. To make matters worse, he just got engaged and has no one to be his best man. So what’s the lesson here? I am not really sure - but while showing a multi-million dollar mansion in Los Angeles, Peter meets Sydney, who just might have what it takes to be a best man. So, if you’re wondering if the real estate industry can help you make friends, the answer is YES. 

American Horror Story: I know. It’s not a movie. But I wanted to throw it in here for fun. This show is literally the scariest thing I have ever seen on prime time television – and a big part of the story’s premise is heavily based on real estate. The home where the show takes place is notorious for funny business. People move in – they disappear – and the cycle continues. When the Harmon’s move into their new home, everything is absolutely perfect. Unfortunately, it’s not long before things quickly turn awry.  Now the family has to rehire their shady real estate agent in hopes of making back every cent they invested in the home. Wow – real estate basics at its best! 

So what can we learn from these movies? 

1. Disclose as much information about a home as you can. Your clients will thank you for it later. 

2. Put yourself out there and you may make a few friends or contacts along the way. 

3. Help your clients beyond the transaction, but make yourself available to offer questions about home staging, landscaping or repairs. 

4. Let them know that the neighborhood as well as their neighbors are a big part of the home-buying decision. 

Have a great day! 

Lauren Wille
Account Executive 

Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes - Kansas City, MO
Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area

It's always fun to discuss movies/tv shows featuring real estate agents--I'm always pointing out the truth and fiction!

Sep 25, 2012 04:29 AM
RealSupport, Inc.
RealSupport Inc. - Schaumburg, IL
- Virtual Real Estate Marketing

Mary, we absolutely agree! Sometimes, when you see the qualities of real estate agents that others fine "humorous", you learn a few things about what you should and should not be doing. While we can't take EVERYTHING that we see on TV and in movies to heart, sometimes you can learn a thing or two from what you see. Thanks again for your comment! We you continue to comment on our blogs.

Oct 03, 2012 11:11 AM