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Extreme Landscape Makeover Contest

By
Education & Training with Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp Non-Licensed

The Value of "FREE" -vs- The Perception of "Price"

They say that there are no "Free" lunches, and that nothing in this world is FREE.  We once had a neighbor who put his couch out on the sidewalk in front of his house, then placed a sign on it that read "FREE!"  It was a really nice couch with great upholstery and no stains or damage.  The neighbor simply purchased some newer furniture and didn't have room for that particular piece.

Well that couch sat there for three days, and no one took it.   IT WAS FREE!   After 3 days, he was going to haul it off to a goodwill store and donate it when he decided to test his theory of the value of FREE vs the perception of price, so he placed a sign on the couch this time that read "For Sale" $100.00.   That night, the couch was gone.   Yep, someone stole it right out of his driveway.  Can you imagine? 

What made the difference?  Was it the perceived value of 100.00, or was it that people truly believe there is no value in things that are FREE?  Something must be wrong with it if it's FREE right?

REALTORS in CT, DC, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA & VA - Win a free landscape makeover!

Bob Stewart sent me a link to a post last week about getting a FREE Landscape done for your clients valued at $2500.00.  Is it really free?  It's worth 2500.00 dollars so how can it be FREE?   Here's the catch.   You can steal this one by simply sending in a photo as explained in this post by Kristen.  There's been a few responses, but nothing like what we would have expected.

So we're removing the FREE sign and seeing if anyone will steal this opportunity by us placing a $2500.00 dollar price tag on it.  Snap those photos and send em in, it doesn't get much easier than that.  It's not too good to be true, maybe it's just too true to be good?!?
Deadline for submission is July 8, 2009 - The winner will be notified by July 29, 2009      

Show All Comments Sort:
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Brad I saw it but no interest CT is not CA

Jun 26, 2009 08:40 PM
Barb Szabo, CRS
RE/MAX Above & Beyond - Cleveland, OH
E-pro Realtor, Cleveland Ohio Homes

I cold submit several if Ohio were included. But sounds like a great contest.

Jun 27, 2009 12:03 AM
Michael J. Perry
Fathom Realty - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

We have a shore property in Ocean City,NJ. and people will place their old furniture in the back alleys.

It's always interesting to see just how long it stays there !!!

Jun 27, 2009 12:25 AM
The Somers Team
The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia - Philadelphia, PA
Delivering Real Estate Happiness

Very cool story !  But I tell you what.  You place that couch out in Philly and it will be gone in 60 seconds !  Or faster !

Jun 27, 2009 01:17 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Brad!  What a story!  Hey, if it's free, it's ME--but, unfortunately the best state in the union isn't included--NC! 

Have a great weekend...

 

Debe in Charlotte
Jun 27, 2009 01:23 AM
Suma Kakani
Northern IL Realtor - Keller Williams Success Realty - Prairie View, IL

It is absolutely a great one. I think the price tag of $100 got their atention.

Jun 27, 2009 02:17 AM
Mark Watterson
Salt Lake City, UT
Utah Real Estate

It's interesting how free vs a bargain is perceived.  Many times free real isn't free.  Interesting and thought provoking post.

Jun 27, 2009 02:41 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

I'm looking forward to seeing who wins this contest.  With some of the short sale and foreclosure properties being purchased out there, I can only imagine some of the photos they must be getting right now.  This will be a great gift for someones client who can really use a landscape makeover.  This is definitely a "valueable" bargain not to be passed up.

Jun 27, 2009 02:52 AM
Virginia Hepp - Mesquite NV REALTOR
Desert Gold Realty - Mesquite NV Homes For Sale - Mesquite, NV
Mesquite NV Homes and Neighborhoods - Search MLS

Same story here - my daughter was moving and had a small entertainment center - put it on the curb with a 'take me - I am free' sign - 3 days later, still there.  She set it by the next door neighbor's garage while the military did their move out home inspection - when she went out after to bring it in, it was gone.

Jun 27, 2009 03:02 AM
Sylvia Barry
Coldwell Banker Previews International (#1 Marin_Sonoma_San Francisco_North_Bay) - San Rafael, CA
Marin and Sonoma Real Estate Leading Expert

I hate to say this, but Kristen might have to email the link to Realtors in the areas the promotion is for.  I'd jump on that opportunity if it's offered here.  Wouldn't that be a great item to promote if I can offer the first listing or buyers (after I won the contest) a $2500 landscape makeover?   

Jun 27, 2009 04:11 AM
Charlie Ragonesi
AllMountainRealty.com - Big Canoe, GA
Homes - Big Canoe, Jasper, North Georgia Pros

We  will be submitting a home. I use the words at no cost when I am talking about a service I am not charging for

Jun 27, 2009 05:15 AM
Joseph "Cathan" Potter
Coldwell Banker - Sebastopol, CA

Brad,

Interesting story, makes me think of a book I read recently about neuromarketing, called Buyology.  The book is all about doing brains scans along with marketing research, and is quite interesting.  (I got the book from my local library and there were so many requests that I had to wait several weeks before I actually got a hold of it to read.)

Jun 27, 2009 06:25 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

Charlie - Good luck my friend, I'm sure you'll let me know if you and your client get selected.  Thanks for taking part in this "no cost" contest, if your photo and clients do get selected, imagine the excitement you'll both share when you let them know.  :-))

Jun 27, 2009 06:47 AM
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

I guess I should get my butt out of the chair and take a picture of the backyard.  The worst that could happen is I would win.

Jun 27, 2009 07:21 AM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

Your story is funny - I heard the same thing here on Maui, with a frigde for $25. 

As for the yard makeover - I will take a stab at it.  I know someone in CT that might qualify.

Jun 27, 2009 01:54 PM
BethAnn Long
RE/MAX Inland Empire - Spokane, WA
Realtor, CRS, e-PRO, CLHMS Spokane Wa Real Estate

My hubby is a sucker for " free" things, but he is the ONLY person I know who is! He has brought home 3 free desks, free fencing, free tables, and It drives me batty. I think I will have him read this. He just took a free dog kennel...bark!

Jun 27, 2009 02:11 PM
Lora "Leah" Stern 914-772-4528
Coldwell Banker, 170 N Main Street, New City NY 10956 - New City, NY
Real Estate Salesperson

Wow Brad, can't beleive no one took a perfectly good couch that was free.  In my neighborhood it wouldn't have lasted even half a day!  THanks for letting me know about the contest.  I know several properties that could use a landscaping overhaul.  Must it be a house actively on the market?

Jun 27, 2009 03:20 PM
Tatyana Sturm
Exit Realty DTC - Aurora, CO
Denver Realtor, GRI, Denver/ Aurora CO Relocation

That couch story is funny, I going to put some junk in my basement outside with a price tag and see what happens! :)

Jun 28, 2009 03:14 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

Lora - not sure if it has to be on the market, check with Kristen and see if that's a requirement.  I don't think it is but you might want to check with her anyway.  Good luck.  :-))

Jun 30, 2009 08:04 AM
Joetta Fort
The DiGiorgio Group - Arvada, CO
Independent Broker, Homes Denver to Boulder

People love free stuff here.  I'd love to enter the contest, but CO isn't on the list.

Jun 30, 2009 04:50 PM