This past weekend, I held an open house at a foreclosure listing in Lebanon MO.
The property is a four bedroom, 3 full bath home in a quiet neighborhood, at the end of a cul-de-sac.
Asking Price:
$144,900
I almost did not write about my weekend. Then I read Patricia Kennedy's post, Please Don't Preview My Open House And Whine About The Market! and decided to share my experience.
First, let me say, public open houses are not common in the Lebanon MO area. We've seen more in the last three months than we probably had in all of 2006 or in 2007. Being a rural area, this has not been a common tool for listing agents.
Because this home is located in town, offers a lot of square footage and a reasonable price, I decided to hold the home open on Saturday and on Sunday.
I had a few real estate agents come through. One came through with her clients. I was glad to see them and certainly glad potential buyers had the opportunity to see the home bright and airy and smelling good.
I had a few unrepresented buyers come through. Most were pleasant, making conversation and asking intelligent questions.
But, then there was the ONE. So often there has to be at least ONE.
The buyer that wants to argue about the price - the home is a foreclosure, MAKE AN OFFER!
The buyer that wants to argue about the terms - NO, the foreclosure company will NOT rent the home to you until your current home sells.
The buyer that wants to lecture me on the HIGH FEES charged by REALTORS - Sorry, I will not discuss with you Mr. Buyer my compensation agreement with the SELLER.
My smile was fading... thank goodness I was saved by a NEIGHBOR who wanted to see if the home was still in good condition. (It is...)
The bottom line, I did not write an offer on this home and I did not let one bad apple spoil my event. But, it'll be hard not to think about the whiners the next time I plan on having an open house.
You don't have to take your shoes off, but you do have to check your attitude at the door.
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