I am amazed at the number of requests I am getting to Stage homes in recent weeks in which developers or property owners have drastically "over built" for the neighborhood.  The owner only describes the home as, "...new construction, never lived in....  but for some reason it isn't selling."  Yet I can see with an unbiased eye exactly why these mini-mansions are not selling. 

For example: 

Yesterday I was called out to a home in Chatsworth, CA described very much as mentioned above.  However  as I drove up to the home, which is fronted by a very busy, four lane street (De Soto Ave for those in Los Angeles)  the only thing my eye fixated upon was the dilapidated green home to the right with four cars in the front yard, and the external electrical wires draped across the front yard accessing the one story home to the left.

Yet I was being called to the property located between these two eye-soars.  The property with the new paver drive way, winding its way up to a huge wooden door set in a stonework façade of a two story, 5,000 square foot mini-mansion.  Talk about turning a sows-ear into a silk purse (thanks, Craig). Upon entering I view the typical honed hard wood floors,  fabulous granite, pizza oven - OH and the alabaster pink crown molding, not to mention the HUGE back yard of weeds, the vanity lighting that is a good 12" off center, and the amazing views - of the neighbors backyards since the wood fence has 4" spacing between each board.

I felt like Bullwinkle saying, "Hey Rocky, watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat!"

Unfortunately, this is the 6^th such property I have been called to in recent weeks - happy to bring my knowledge and expertise to the table, yet am then told, "Our cash flow is tight."  Which translates to, "We want the moon for free."  As I write this blog, I am putting together yet another proposal and trying to pull a rabbit out of my hat - wish me luck!