Is it possible to SELL a home in a BLIZZARD?
Scott Godzyk from across the country, pens a great story here with so many valuable lessons for sellers. I literally laughed out loud when I read about the SO Cal buyer wearing flip flops. Scott epitomizes what I think it takes to be a great agent. He really does go the extra mile - thinking about a home that was off market and realizing it was perfect for his buyers. And that seller was so accomodating, it's nice to hear they won the buyers over and earned a full priced sale.
When people are house shopping during a storm, they are serious, and I am totally willing to get cold and wet with them!
Let me share with you the tale of two sellers. Add in a snow storm that lasted for 48 hours and dropped 2 feet of snow. Sprinkle in a relocation buyer with 4 days to find a home in NH before they head back. Some people would say it is impossible to sell a home never mind even see a home home when it is snowing.
There is a list of questions I ask when a buyer calls. After acknowledging they are ready, willing and able to buy... I need to know their time frame. When a relocation buyer comes in, it is actually common to have a short time to find them a home. SO snow or no snow, I was willing to bring them out.
They narrowed down all the home they saw online to 2 homes. The first the seller said no showings today. The second was a "go and show" meaning you check in online registering the time you go and they send you a code to get in. I took it a step further and called the listing agent to make sure the home was shoveled out for us to get in. She said it was. Except when i got their, it was not. The buyers from Southern CA did not have boots. The wife actually had flip flops on in the snow.
The door to the house opened and the seller who was home, yelled for us to just come in. The wake from the plow was nearly 4 feet high. The buyer said no way they were climbing that pile. It was frustrating the seller knew we were coming. They did not even take the time to clear the walk.
Trying to re-group, there was a home in another area of town that I had met with the seller. Their home was for sale for 6 months with another agent and did not sell. They said they were taking a break, but needed to sell the home, but... perhaps after the first of the year. It was exactly what this buyer wanted. So, I called them. Explained the situation and the seller said come on over. The driveway and walks were clear. The seller put down towels for us to dry our shoes. He had put on a pot of coffee and invited us in.
He remembered our talk about not being there for the showing, but with no where to go he headed to his sun porch to stay out of our way. The buyer loved the home. They had some questions and asked if I could ask the seller. The seller had poured some coffee and had a nice selection of snacks. We sat there for 2 hours talking. The buyers wanted to offer full price. They did not want to lose this home. Could I write the contract now. I sure could... and did...
This morning the other seller who could not be bothered to shovel his walk called to say the buyer could come by. I told them they flew back last night. That they also purchased another home. He was not happy, he went into how he has to sell his home due to divorce. That paying the big mortgage alone is hurting him. That he didnt think anyone would be serious buyers to come during a snow storm. His then response to himself was, "Now I know who buys a home in a blizzard." He then asked why his listing agent did not tell him to have the home ready to show?
The bottom line is a buyer buys when they are ready. As an experienced agent i know this and explain this to my sellers. I make things happen. I work with what hand i have been dealt and make it work. The result is happy clients every where.
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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