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Are you a stalker, too?

By
Real Estate Agent with Amerivest Realty

There are two houses, one in Edwardsville and one in Worden, that I watch like a hawk.  The minute one of them goes up for sale, I will be the first person standing on the covered front porch waiting to get in.  (Yes, they both have covered front porches.)  I'm not saying which houses they are though, because I don't want any of you ‘stealing' them from me. 

I have set up an email notification for myself on the MLS should either property become listed overnight.  I say ‘listed overnight' because I check daily to see if one (or both) have come on the market.  Sometimes I'll check once in the morning, and then again in the evening. 

I can set up similar email notifications for anyone interested in a property or two, or a specific subdivision in the St. Louis Metro East area.  I have some friends and family that monitor ALL of the listing and selling activity in their smaller towns.  I have it set up so they get an email anytime a house comes up for sale or goes under contract within their city (or, village, would probably be more accurate) limits. 

Just in case either homeowner (back to the houses I stalk) would be inclined to try the FSBO route before calling a professional, I drive past both houses frequently.  Does anyone else do this???

So how does a house become stalker-worthy?  And, would you want your house to be stalked, or is that a creepy idea?  I know I want my house to be stalked.  I hope there are a handful (if not more) people out there that would like to be the first to tour my house when it goes on the market.

Curb appeal is key.  Good location and bonus features never hurt. In attempt to make my home desirable (read, stalked), I try to keep lights on throughout the house and especially outside.   (So passers-by are inclined to envision themselves entertaining in my house, or even just curled up on their couch in my old living room watching TV.)  We should probably cut the grass a day or two before we usually get around to it, and our landscaping could always use a little more love - so I guess lights are the most I really do consistently.  Exterior painting is in our near future, though - and then look out.  I'll happily share my address so you can all eagerly await the day we're ready to sell.

Comments (7)

Karin Elliott
IBA Realty Group - Big Canoe, GA
14 Years as a Broker & Making Dreams Come True

I love this post!! I have a few here in Big Canoe, Georgia that I am watching too!! we should start a club!

Karin Elliott, IBA Mountain Homes

Dec 28, 2009 03:28 PM
Susan Neal
RE/MAX Gold, Fair Oaks - Fair Oaks, CA
Fair Oaks CA & Sacramento Area Real Estate Broker

Pretty funny, Tara!  House stalker is a great way to demonstrate your point, as well as letting people know of a service you can provide.

Dec 28, 2009 03:32 PM
Anonymous
Valarie

Uh, so I think I agree with John's comment that you may be scaring the neighbors ;) On the other hand I would be interested in knowing which houses you stalk! I often wished I could see the inside of the Gillihan (now Stark) house - and I HAVE! Now the blue one accross the street from them I would be intersted in seeing also, would you!? Or the Dr. house there in town? But I would like to point out that I do not stalk these places which I would like to  see ;) ...maybe I would as an agent... who knows LOL!

Dec 29, 2009 12:33 AM
#4
Anonymous
Valarie

Uh, so I think I agree with John's comment that you may be scaring the neighbors ;) On the other hand I would be interested in knowing which houses you stalk! I often wished I could see the inside of the Gillihan (now Stark) house - and I HAVE! Now the blue one accross the street from them I would be intersted in seeing also, would you!? Or the Dr. house there in town? But I would like to point out that I do not stalk these places which I would like to  see ;) ...maybe I would as an agent... who knows LOL!

Dec 29, 2009 12:36 AM
#5
Anonymous
Valarie

Uh, so I think I agree with John's comment that you may be scaring the neighbors ;) On the other hand I would be interested in knowing which houses you stalk! I often wished I could see the inside of the Gillihan (now Stark) house - and I HAVE! Now the blue one accross the street from them I would be intersted in seeing also, would you!? Or the Dr. house there in town? But I would like to point out that I do not stalk these places which I would like to  see ;) ...maybe I would as an agent... who knows LOL!

Dec 29, 2009 12:36 AM
#6
Anonymous
Valarie

Uh, so I think I agree with John's comment that you may be scaring the neighbors ;) On the other hand I would be interested in knowing which houses you stalk! I often wished I could see the inside of the Gillihan (now Stark) house - and I HAVE! Now the blue one accross the street from them I would be intersted in seeing also, would you!? Or the Dr. house there in town? But I would like to point out that I do not stalk these places which I would like to  see ;) ...maybe I would as an agent... who knows LOL!

Dec 29, 2009 12:41 AM
#7
Anonymous
Valarie

Uh, so I think I agree with John's comment that you may be scaring the neighbors ;) On the other hand I would be interested in knowing which houses you stalk! I often wished I could see the inside of the Gillihan (now Stark) house - and I HAVE! Now the blue one accross the street from them I would be intersted in seeing also, would you!? Or the Dr. house there in town? But I would like to point out that I do not stalk these places which I would like to  see ;) ...maybe I would as an agent... who knows LOL!

Dec 29, 2009 12:42 AM
#8