LISTING AGENTS.. DESCRIBE THE PROPERTY APPROPRIATELY...DON'T EMBILLISH

I'm sure this has happened to many of you... when you read about a listing that sounds perfect for your clients, and from the description written by the listing agent is in "pristine" or "move-in" condition.... only to arrive and wonder if you are at the right property...

I saw a listing appear on the MLS the with what appeared to be a gorgeous 2 storey home, in a great neighbourhood.... lovely manicured lawns... and the description of the interior sounded gorgeous... He even stated "move-in condition."  The house was advertised as vacant, which suited my clients as they were looking for a fast closing.... there were, however, no interior photos, which should have been my first clue... but I gave the agent the benefit of th doubt as it has only just been listed the day before.

I arranged an appointment and met my clients at the property.  Needless to say I hardly recognized the property as being the one listed...

1.    as they had used an old photograph of the home....

2.    the exterior had been badly neglected... bushes and trees growing wildly,

3.    no grass left only weeds... and

4.    a dead bat hanging from the tree!!! 

We had to dodge branches and bushes up the front walkway to get to the front door.

Inside was a little better... the foyer and winding staircase were very elegant... and it was obvious some upgrades had been done... Up the stairs we go... and lo and behold.. one of the bedrooms was in the process of being stripped of the wallpaper.. which was laying all over the floor... the cover plate on one of the ceiling light fixtures was missing.... covrer plates missing from the electrical and telephone outlets, and the back yard... was like a jungle....trees and bushes growing wildly and a blanket of weeds.... with one lonely little rose bush blooming in all its glory!!

The home needed a thorough cleaning... as it was dusty and dirty..... dying plants hanging everywhere... toilets were dirty... far from the move in condition as advertised on the listing.

I don't know what standards this agent used to define this as "move in condition", but they certainly weren't mine... or my clients.