What is a smoking home you ask? Well, as I was out to eat, I ran into a woman I know, she introduced me to her new fiance. She said he is selling his home on his own... Could I help? I sure can and set up a time to meet at his home.
As I arrived there was a sign on the door. It said "This is a SMOKING house." Now I would have loved to take a picture and share, but he asked me not to as I was about to. He is selling his home as a FSBO. He said he has had more agents stop by then buyers. The buyers who have looked at his house, have been rude, insulted him and pretty much hated the home.
In his eyes a "smoking home" is just that, a home that he smokes in. In a non smoking world, the smell was over whelming. The walls and ceiling were so yellow. A clean white spot stood out where a picture once hung and was removed. I walked through the home and sat down with the home seller. Lucky for me it was a warm day and we sat on the open porch where I could breathe a bit easier.
He told me of story after story, where buyers out right said his home stinks. It does. Furthermore anyone who does not smoke will think the same thing. I was not the first agent to come through. He said he "kicked out" the best. Well not all the best, I am here I told him. I got a big laugh from him which broke the ice.
We spoke about values as is. We spoke about values if the home was cleaned, painted and "de-smoked". (yes i made that word up - but I like it.)
He would have none of it. He was not cleaning, He was not painting and he was not going to stop smoking in his home. One thing stood out as the future Mrs. had said he was living with her in her home. In a sly manner I asked and he said he comes back here to smoke as she will not let him smoke in her home. SO he sleeps there and pays a mortgage to smoke here?
Just them the future Mrs. arrived. Like a ray of sunshine his mood changed, the conversation picked up. She TOLD him that he was to get this stuff out and get this home ready to sell. They could not afford paying 2 mortgages any longer and it was sell the home or they were done.
Feeling in the middle, there was no escape. He paused, thought and thought some more as he did not answer her. She asked my to go over my opinion of value. She asked what should be done to the house. She asked what I could sell the home for as is and cleaned up?
Like a mom standing over a kid, he signed the listing agreement. He said the only reason is that "I was nice to him". That i was not rude like the others that came before me. I told it like it is, but left out any what he saw as personal attacks.
They have some work to do. He bought cleaner, paint, is pulling the carpets up and put in a Air Purifier Filtration with True HEPA Filter, Odor Allergies Allergen Eliminator Cleaner They want to wait until the home is complete to start showing.
Wait, that is what i told him and he hated that idea. Well we have a plan, I have a listing and it will be times perfect to hit the market. As I left she thanked me for taking the time to talk to her at the restaurant. She thanked me for my patience and help. For me, I headed home to strip off these clothes and shower. I look forward to seeing the home back in it's glory again.
Perhaps the MOST IMPORTANT message is to share with every consumer that my philosophy is simple, provide more personal and professional service to guide my clients through each step of the buying or selling process. All Agents are not created equal and every buyer or seller should take the time to hire the BEST not just the biggest. Those that hire me, find a dedication like no other.
To CONTACT Scott Godzyk please call 603.661.2121 or EMAIL: Sctprop@aol.com .
About the Author: Scott Godzyk is the Owner/Broker of the Godzyk Real Estate Services in Manchester NH. Proud to be locally owned and operated with 32 years of experience, Scott is a leading Agent for Listing and Selling Homes in this area.We are Full Time Agents ready to serve all of your Real Estate needs. Servicing Hillsborough, Rockingham, Merrimack and Belknap counties.
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