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Love at First Sight--It happens In Real Estate too!

Do you believe in love at first sight? I do!

Decades ago as a young man walked through the door of a neighborhood restaurant. His eyes met those of a young girl. In that instant, their lives changed. It was years before they married and there were many ups and downs. But they are still together and in love today.

A few years ago, another young woman shares a conversation with a young man in a record shop. After a few minutes she leaves. The young man followed her out the door and said, "If I let you go without asking for your number, I will regret it the rest of my life." This couple is engaged and plans to be married in the next year or so.

I know that look...As I was that first young girl. My niece was the second.

hearthouse Funny thing is that when I see that look these days, it is when my buyers fall in love with a house. After showing house after house to my clients, whether they are first time buyers or moving up or downsizing, I can see it in their eyes when we have found the one!

It is not always the best house.

It is not always the most expensive.

The homes are not always perfectly staged.

But something about the property strikes the heartstrings of the buyer and I can see it in their eyes.

I am a firm believer in houses selling themselves.

For most home buyers, a housing purchase is unlike any other investment; it is an emotional decision. My job as a buyer's representative is to provide stable, unbiased support and assistance through the process. So while my buyers are starry-eyed looking at the paint colors and room sizes, I check out the nooks, crannies and disclosures to point out things that might be overlooked. While not an inspector, I will point out questions to ask of the sellers and home inspector should the buyers decide to write an offer. Sometimes flaws are hard to see with those stars in our eyes.

Falling in love at first sight is a wonderful experience whether with another person or a home. It is important to take the time to get to know that object of your affection before making a commitment. As a professional Realtor, I can guide love struck buyers through the process so that they get a good deal on their dream home. My job as a real estate agent is to look out for my buyer's best interests so they can remain in love with their dream home as long as the live there.

Have a Wonderful Valentine's Day!

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Posted by Teri Eckholm, REALTOR® Anoka County Acreage & Lakeshore Homes on 02/14/2008 02:57 AM

Comments (51)

first time home buyer, home buyer, realtor, forest lake, ham lake, 55304, 55025, real estate

Originally posted at: Twin Cities Real Estate Blog: Love at First Sight--It happens In Real Estate too!

This post has been included in Minnesota Information

51 Comments on Love at First Sight--It happens In Real Estate too!

FEB

2008

This is great! Thanks for sharing :)

Joyce Logan, Real Living HER, Ohio

You've hit the nail on the head, Teri. There is nothing like seeing the excitement in a buyer's eyes, when they flip over the 'right' house for them.

Teri~That love for a home that our buyers find is truly incredible to see. When their faces brighten up and they are already imagining where everything will be placed that is a moment, that I too love to see because the entire house is filled with warmth at that point. You stated something in your post that is so very important, "I will point out questions to ask of the sellers and home inspector should the buyers decide to write an offer." This is something every agent should practice and that value in that very action is one that every buyer truly appreciates.

Teri, I see those eyes all the time and love looking into them and telling them I'll make this happen for you. Great post my friend.

Some people say "love" is the wrong word to use when describing feelings toward an inanimate object, such as a house. I believe those people are wrong. Anyone who has witnessed home buyers discovering that perfect home knows better.

Teri~people do buy emotionally. It is great that they have a professional like yourself to help them do a realty check before they make a commitment. Often, when they take a second look, things seem a bit different. Other times, they are still in love and live happily ever after.

Teri, what a romantic you are AND what a great segway into selling homes. ;-)

Terri, I'm with you! I am always surprised when a buyer falls in love with a house that I wouldn't touch unless I had no choice. BUT different strokes for different folks - thank goodness! Good post.

Teri, I absolutely agree with you....homes 'speak' to some people and it is LOVE. My former house had been nothing of what I was looking for but I walked in and LOVED it!

Teri - You just know when a client walks into their next home, sometimes before they even realize it. They just act differently. And you are so right! You can see it in their eyes...they sparkle.

I truly believe buying a home is an emotional experience, especially for women, we have just got to feel it!

Hi Teri,

You're absolutely right in your analysis. I had a couple who just loved a home they watched for some time. Within minutes of the sign in the yard they called the office and wanted to buy it. The didn't want to view it, they wanted to buy it just from seeing the outside. We looked, and they did. We all lived happily ever after. Love, ain't it grand!

Teri, great connection between love and falling in love with a house. I know exactly what you mean. It is a feeling, especially if you have been on a long search. I call it the wow house. On the flip side, almost like stray dogs or orphan kids, don't you feel sorry for the houses that don't sell themselves? What are they to do?

Teri- Happy Valentines to you, and especially to all those buyers that fall in love with the homes we sell.

Good share :)

Teri - As usual, you found a terrific way to tell the story of the work we do as real estate professionals. Thanks for the great content.

FEB

2008

i fell in love with my home. Warts and all. It was the perfect place that fit my needs. A small Tudor gatehouse - no one really wanted it because it was too small - and the layout was awkward, but it works for me! That's all it really takes. And of course I LOVE Tudors - I grew up in one.

Teri, somehow I missed this yesterday. I don't know how..but I'm so glad I found it this morning! How beautiful! I absolutely LOVED the analogy also.

Wonderful blog. Such a romantic. Thanks for sharing.

That is exactly what is was for me when I found the house I now call home- I knew immediately it was the right one,

Teri, great blog, date appropriate! but also very true, there is no accounting for emotions in buying homes

Teri - I TOTALLY believe in love at first sight with homes. I get goosebumps everytime I see that look on a buyers face when they see "the" house. When I have buyers that don't have that look or are somewhat indifferent I really question them about the house they are about to purchase. Alot of collegues think I am stupid for that as I will lose a sale that day. Who cares? It doesn't mean that I lost the buyer - we just have to find "the" house. I have a couple right now and the wife is 5 months pregnant. Very young couple. I had shown them a couple houses and you could just tell it wasn't working. BUT, after the couple of houses I had a much better idea of the wants. More so almost than they did. I knew of a FSBO a few streets away and I just KNEW it would be right. I called the seller that night with them still with me at 8:30pm and asked if we could stop by. We walked in the door and it was IMMEDIATE! By the time we got upstairs the wife couldn't stand it anymore - turned to the husband and said, "This is it - no more looking!" Both were just beaming, I got chills and now we close on Mar 31. Love at first sight!

Teri - great blog. Any REALTOR who pays attention (and you do) knows the look in buyer's eyes when he/she finds "the one" . Even when the buyer tries to maintain the "poker" face, it sure is visible.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Teri,

We can only show a home and mention any special things as part of it...we shouldn't have to influence the buyer...they can figure that out themselves...we can make suggestions but they are only opinions. So if they love it then maybe they should buy it.

Teri, very nice post....I really agree with your analogies here. Houses do sell themselves and sometimes I find myself amazed at "the" house because it will not really fit what they have been looking for. Congratulations on the feature! Nice post!

I agree that homes sell themselves. Years ago, when I was an owner/broker, I had a seller call me to complain that one of my agents did nothing when they showed the home. After questioning them, I realized they expected the agent to talk about all of the ameneties. While there are different selling styles, I always felt it was best to let the buyer "experience" the home without having my mouth making noise.

Great post of tying in yourself, valentines day, and real estate. So many people do fall in love with a home at first site.

You can see it in their eyes and in their smiles when a buyer is smitten with a house. I call it the AH-HA moment. It always makes me happy when I'm a part of it.

Joyce--Glad you enjoyed!

Joan--There's nothing like it in the world!

Julie--Pointing out any potential defects is part of our responsibility in the role of buyer's representative...Whether there are stars in their eyes or not.

Mana--Thanks!! It is one of my favorite parts of being an agent. :)

Rosario--I don't know if they are "in love" with the house as much as the potential for the dreams they will create there. Call it what you will but there certainly is a spark when someone enters that perfect place.

Joan--During that reality check, I hope that my buyers take seriously those potential problems as most have a solution that can be dealt with. This way they understand that even dream houses have little quirks and defects...much like those people we fall in love with too.

Teri--Coming up with that "hook" for a post is half the battle...Glad you enjoyed.

Judi--Just like with people. Not everyone likes the same thing. Thanks for commenting!

Carole--I know from past comments that you LOVE your house...It hit you from the moment you walk in the door didn't it?

Sandra--The eyes sparkle and they start saying where the furniture will go...And they start overlooking the defects rather than pointing them out. When house-love hits, it is obvious!

Lisa--Though most men won't admit the emotional side of purchasing a home, I have seen a few guys feel it too...but mostly they will try to mask their enthusiasm for the negotiation process.

Lynda--That is a great story...From the outside they knew! It is fun to be a part of the process!

Gary--I think there is someone who will love those orphans. It just takes longer to find their perfect owner...and maybe a price adjustment and makeover. :)

Kathy--Thank you...Today is a day where love is in the air! A great day to fall in love with that perfect home!

Audrey--Thanks!!

Lynn--Why thank you...I am so glad that you enjoyed!

Ruthmarie--Funny thing about love and perfection, everyone's ideal is different.

Kris--Glad you found it and enjoyed!!

Jeff--Thanks!! :)

Debra--Funny how you just know isn't it?

T&D--I timed it perfectly...Had the idea a few weeks back. Glad you enjoyed!

Leesa--Nothing wrong with spending the extra time to help your clients find the right home if time permits. Sounds like you really have your clients interests at heart.

Marzena--There is a certain little sparkle when we hit the right place! :) Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day too!

Neal--When a buyer is on the edge of making a decision about a home, you can talk about the pluses and minuses to help them make their decision but the decision must be in their hands and hearts. If they are 'closed' on a house, there is a much greater chance the deal will fall apart prior to closing as they feel manipulated as buyers remorse kicks in. If they love it...they usually do buy it!

Jeanean--Funny how that happens isn't it? Everyone is certain they know exactly what they want but when they walk into the perfect place, it just hit them. Many times it is not the home they originally described as exactly what they want.

Diane--I talk about the homes as we go through them...pointing out features and potential issues...But I let the buyers talk first. By taking the cue from the buyer, if the interest is there, I will point out things by asking questions. What about that 4th bedroom? Is the yard large enough? So they can think beyond the emotions and not be disappointed when they are moving in.

Russ--Thanks! It took a bit of thought and planning. ;)

Cindy--Many buyers agents know the look...Whatever it is called. :)

Teri~ congratulations on a well deserved feature on Valentine's Day

Great story for Valentines day!

Teri - I remember the first house my wife & I bought - she definitely had that look. She knew, it was the one. I have seen it since with buyers when they know as well - to see people so sure & so happy about their decision is rewarding.

It really is an emotional transactio that we as REALTORS cannot sell... Either they love it or they don't. We can only narrow their search to help them find "the one!!"

Teri! I love watching my clients fall in love! It's soooo very true.

Teri,

What a powerful story! I have been telling my clients that very concept for years, but you have put it into a great emotional story! Thank you!

Teri -- Watching buyers fall in love with a home is some of what makes this profession so much fun!

Very well written post. . .Have a great Valentines Day!

Teri After 31 years it is what makes this business still exciting for me - it is no less a pleasure for me than it was when I first started, Karen

Love is a funny thing! Good thing it worked out well for you. I'm also glad buyers sometimes fall in love with a house. It makes things go a lot smoother when they love the house and realize it's not perfect but a keeper.

The right house will "hit" them like a ton of bricks. We give them ALL the information so as they can make an informed decision but their emotions will kick in and say yes or no.

Teri,

...well, aside form the fact that it need a few (lot of) little things done, we loved our home the minute we got OUT of the house into the back yard.

You seem, my wife is a gardener and well, there was almost a half acre down to the river that need attention. Roses, vegetables and blooms. I am glad I am pretty good with a shovel.

Blog 0n,

Steve

http://obeoman.blogspot.com

Terry, I am a firm believer in houses sell each other too. Takes the pressure off me.

Wow, both you and Teresa getting a featured post. Way to go Minnesota!

It is lovely when this happens with buyers an homes.. everyone ends up happy.

FEB

2008

Lisa--Thanks!!

Larry--Timed it perfectly don't you think?

Steve--It must be something with the endorphins releasing that adds the sparkle to the eyes but whatever it is, it really is there!

Kim--That's the way I work. I let the house grab their interest and my job becomes helping the buyers through the process of buying.

Lindsey--It is an amazing part of the job isn't it?

myco--Thank you...They really know it when they see it. Struggling buyers don't believe until they step into the perfect place for them.

Lori--I agree...It is the best part of the job!

Karen--And I'll bet you stay in the job many, many more years as you can never get tired of seeing the excitement in those buyer's eyes right?

Lizette--It worked but it still takes hard work every day. Buyers that fall in love with homes need to have some guidance and an objective eye to keep them focused on many important aspects of the purchase as well.

Robert--I think we are in total agreement with our positions in the transaction!

Steven--OK so buyers can fall in love with the backyard too! See every buyer is different and there is no one thing in any house that will be the perfect thing for everyone. Glad you and your wife found your dream garden.

Missy--When house love hits, it makes our jobs so much easier.

Jennifer--Interesting timing for both of us to get featured isn't it? Her's is not an uplifting story though.

B&C--I find that it happens quite often...Not always and then the buyers struggle with the buyer's remorse up until closing. But when it happens it makes things go so much smoother.

Teri,

Great blog, thanks for sharing. I do believe in love at first site. That's really what it's all about isn't it? When the buyer walks in the right home, they know it!

Congrats on the feature, I can see why....this was a great post Teri.

I do believe in love at first sight. Great post. I know what you mean. It's funny how those stars can affect your eyesight.....

Debbie--It is the best part of our job...seeing the light in their eyes!

Gary--Thanks!! I appreciate that Gary...And glad you enjoyed the post!

Christy--Hopefully the eyesight is not affected too badly if you have a good Realtor to point out anything that should be addressed.

Teri, when they start placing the furniture and talking about it as though it is their's you know you have found the one. Sometimes it is almost like looking for a needle in a haystack though.

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