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Making love to the house!

Do any of you other bloggers love the reaction you get when a buyer finds the right house?

It is magic to watch...first they stroke the fireplace mantle, then maybe caress the cabinets, let their fingers run over the granite counter tops. I call this "making love to the house".

Then...the tape measure comes out, and it's placing the couch and entertainment center. Then, there's always an objection...this wall is too short for the dresser. (Deciding a $600,000 purchase over a $400 dresser).

Then comes the what if and do you think (What if we close in 45 days) or do you think they'll throw in the washer and dryer.

No matter how many times it happens it's magic. What buying signs do you guys like to watch?

Posted by Eileen Stern on 04/29/2007 03:34 AM

Comments (30)

30 Comments on Making love to the house!

APR

2007

Ha ha...that is so true. When they start placing furniture is when I know I might as well pull out the paperwork. The best one I had though to date is this home that my buyers loved and then we went to go down into the basement and there was about 6 inches of water (the hot water tank had gone). As opposed to my buyers running the other way...they hiked up their pants walked around the basement talking about where they were going to put the pool table and the kids drum set. I knew that one was sold.

I haven't had a buyer yet, but I'm sticking around this one to learn!

When they start placing the furniture you know you are there. I find it very satisfying finding my clients the right house.

I've never experienced the physical demonstrations to the house, but there's this stunned look...

I still get excited after all the years I've been in real estate just as much as the buyers. I've learned when I see the first glimpse of interest in their eyes to start really looking the house over good, in the event we write an offer. I actually go through the home taking notes.

You hopeless romantic, Eileen!

It's true, however, that people DO need to picture themselves living in the space before they'll want to make an offer. There are signals, and then there are signals! Anyone willing to make an offer on a house with 6 inches of water in the basement though has really a hopeless romantic, too!

Recently when we walked through the front door and the wife starting jumping up and down, I knew we would be writing an offer! We did write the offer sitting on the floor as it was a new house with no furniture.

Sheri

I love when they are all very complimentay about every house all day, but no offers. Then they walk into a clear winner and start picking the place apart. That always makes me laugh, because I know that if they are worried about furniture impressions in the carpet, they know they're buying the place.

We home inspectors see that too and, generally, it is okay. I always refer to it as their having "moved in in their minds". The only downside is how disappointed the people are if there should be some major problem found at the inspection, such as wood destroying organisms having decimated the structure. It is very sad to tell people that news when they are so hooked on a house. If the seller agrees to bargain, often the deal will work anyway.

Steve

Swampscott MA ring a bell? Or am I thinking of someone else? Small world if I am right!

I had a client do that today. Now if I can husband to run his fingers over the work bench in the shop I will have this one done.

Funny, some know it before we even go into the house. I had the husband of one couple say it under his breath as we were walking up to the front porch, once we walked into the house it was a done deal. His mother had died recently and he said the house they'd buy would have something to do w/hummingbirds. We walked in and the lace curtains had a hummingbird design. It was the perfect house for them -- I've visited them several times and it was meant for them. Usually you see their eyes brighten up, body relaxes, they're already feeling comfortable in the house. Then of course, they start changing paint colors, placing furniture, and inviting me to dinner...haha

When the family starts picking their bedrooms I know I'm in good shape.

APR

2007

Hmmm... The stroking of the fireplace...

Whipping out the tapemeasure...

Will they throw in the washer/dryer?

Pretty erotic stuff there!

Especially when you see that commission check!

Hints that you may have a winner:

The buyers have been comparing room sizes to their furniture - but in THIS house their furniture actually would fit!

The kids are fighting over which bedroom will be theirs.

This is the first home where they didn't hate the decorating.

The home is close to their work.

They found one where the feng shui is positive.

They actually sit down in the home's furniture to discuss the pros and cons.

For myself, rarely, certain homes would "speak" to me. Unfortunately, many of the homes that spoke to me were either way out of my price range or not for sale at all!

This post made me smile and Brian's comment made me laugh. I actually DO get a lot of calls from prospective buyers that found a house they love and want to make an offer but want to check the Feng Shui first! I tell them if they love it, buy it and we can fix anything easily and inexpensively. But have certainly seen those looks of love (and probably had them myself at times :) Thank you for a great post, it's SO true.

Funny....it's usually different depending on the clients. With one couple, it was the wifes sigh. I knew she will have found her "Happy Place" when she let out a certain distinctive sigh.

We were in a place in Santa Cruz, California and when she walked into the kitchen, I heard it. She was done. The husband finished his walk through and she was sitting in the kitchen. When he looked into her eyes, he knew they were done.

We wrote up the offer right there in that kitchen.

I always watch to see which homes they actually "sit down" in. That's usually an indication to me about their level of interest.

Eileen,

Yes, it is a wonderful feeling when you know your buyers have found that special house for them. I agree with Lisa, when they start placing their furniture and choosing bedrooms you know they have found their new home.

Sometimes it's like a roller coaster ride with buyers and you are riding right along with them all the ups & downs but there is no feeling like it in the world when you have helped them find the right house for them.

Funny ! Reminds me of the models on Bob Barker's "Let's Make a Deal" ... we always referred to them as "furniture feelers".

It is a great feeling. Many times I try to secretly predict if this is the one immediately when we enter the front door.

I love it when a buyer "makes love to a house" It makes my job easy.

But, my job is to watch so they don't get blinded by love at first sight and get blinded to all of the flaws. I did a post a few months back "Don't Fall in Love with a Home, Just be Best Friends" which explains that you need to think about the eventual break up in the relationship.

Yes, I can tell immediately when "this is the house". Their whole demeanor changes.

I tell my buyers that they will "know" when it is right and it just happens. However, a couple of weeks ago, I had a real cute couple find the perfect house. We all knew it was perfect and I have to say, I (myself) was very excited!!!! However, they were outbid by quite a bit and had to let it go. Very Sad:( Good post:)

There are a number of things that give it away. For some people, the use of the possessive words - "where are MY property lines?" or "which is MY bedroom?" For others, it is something about watching a buyer who has been fairly non-commital "light up". Typically this person has walked around, hands in pockets, with kind of a "hmmm, whatever" look on his or her face through several homes. Then they walk into the house that catches their imagination. The eyes start to dart around, the hands come out of the pocket, an energy starts to resonate off them (okay, a little dramatic there, but you get the picture....)

For those perceptual ones of us that rely on the nonverbal cues to move forward, it's just SO much fun to engage with the buyers. Funny, I think I just answered a question thats bugged me for years - THAT'S why I like working with buyers - I get to be a little bit detective and put the pieces together! Your post just helped me out immensely! Thanks for that! Liz

Eileen - great post here. It IT fun to see buyers react when the right house comes along. Sometimes they like to sit around an talk about things they would do the the house. Talking about which kid gets which room is a good sign. I have, however, had people do all this, do their measurements, and plan the furniture placement and NOT buy. So I don't count on anything.

Jeff

Eileen, Very good post! Catchy title! You can always tell from the look on their face when its the right house! You just know it.

When my buyers start to place the furniture I get a rush for I know we have a winner. Also, when they linger around looking at every little feature possible, care not to miss anything. However, I never thought of it a making love to a house before.

I'll bet the next time I find a winner, I will think of this blog.

Michael Thompson, MBA, Realtor
Century 21 Anderson Properties
http://www.MichaelThompsonProperties.com/

Great post. I've never felt that way about a house.....may be I need house therapy. I have liked houses I've lived in, but never had that in love feeling.

Yes, you're right about how people act when they've found the house they really want. Placement of furniture is very important. Creative post1

Eileen, Yes, it is a wonderful thing to watch this happen. Perfect description..." Making love to the house! "

I like it when the kids fight over which room they are going to get? I usually ask them to go pick out a room.

Welcome to Active Rain.

MAY

2007

Thanks for your comments...I guess that it is universal. The best sign that I ever had is when a new mom sat down and was nursing the baby in the living room. If the milk flows, she must be comfortable!

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