I had a conversation the other day with one of my home sellers. This particular house has been listed for sale for six months. The conversation centered on a market analysis I had prepared and mailed regarding the activity or lack of activity in this neighborhood. Many of the houses had taken at least one price reduction and houses that have sold have been selling less than the asking price. Due to the lack of showings, not to mention interested Buyers, my recommendation was to lower the house about 4%. My Seller called to let me know that the correspondence was received. The story should have ended there. The phone call continued with the owner telling me that they had something really special in terms of their house and the lot it sits on. As I continued to listen, I was told that their spiritual beliefs guided their life's, therefore insuring that the asking price of their house would eventually be met.
Occasionally when we are in the car around the noon hour, we listen to Dr. Laura. Many of her callers start their conversation with " I have two beautiful children", to which Dr. Laura replies "Nobody has ugly kids". Houses are no different. The Seller's house is always nicer than the one down the street. In real estate, this is a universal truth.
Let me make one thing clear. I am in no way questioning one's spiritual beliefs. My business philosophy is never to engage someone in a discussion regarding religion or politics. These are discussions in which there is no winner, only two losers.
God may have been responsible for saving Daniel from the lions den or getting Gilligan off the island, but I have yet to hear of a documented case in which a tremendous beam of light shines down on a house, making it stand out above all others and directing a potential buyer to pay a premium for the privilege of owning it.
People choose to sell for a variety of reaons, sometimes even by ignoring facts and justifying with emotion. But then again, even Jesus could not convert them all.
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