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Open Houses

By
Real Estate Agent with Crye-Leike Real Estate Brokers, Inc. 344128

Well, today was quite interesting.  I decided to visit some open houses.  Not particularly as an agent, but more like a "secret agent".  It was pretty amazing how it all worked out. 

The first house I visited was a fairly new home, less than 5 years old.  It was priced with the current market, in other words, it was within the range of other homes that have recently sold in the area.  This home was occupied by a family who had 2 children and a large dog.  It is a four bedroom 3.5 bath with a two car garage.  It has vinyl siding (pretty dingy) and is located on a neighborhood street, not a cul-de-sac, but a through street.  (although not a busy street)  It is near some excellent schools and has average appliances and fixtures.  There is a nice large fenced back yard.  Kind of like about 25 other houses for sale in about a 10 mile radius to this one.  So... what's the deal you ask?  Why talk about this home that is FOR S A L E?

When I pulled up to the house I noticed that the grass was not particularly manicured in the front lawn and the flower beds were nothing but weeds.  Maybe the rain in recent days caused the lawn mowing problem?  Hum, I had to wonder.  This home is in the $250K price range, brick front, vinyl sides and looks like your average home for this neighborhood. 

As I walked up to the front door I noticed that there was a crack in the small window next to the front door and actually the door really needed a coat of paint and a thorough cleaning with a brush.  I am thinking... the agent is in the house, waiting for people to come to see her open house.  Why does this dirty front door not have "clean me" written all over it to the agent??? AND she doesn't see it? 

After I got inside I asked the agent how long the house had been on the market (I did my homework before I went out and know it has been on the market for at least 100 days).  Her answer was "oh, not that long".  I asked her when her clients needed to sell by and her reply was that they were in a hurry due to a job change.  The husband had already transferred (guess that's why we have tall grass) and they were all anxious to be together again.

The inside was kind of like the outside... needs paint, new flooring and in general was very dark and not well kept.  The back yard had a lot of "ankle breakers" from their burrowing dog and a lot of patches that were bare as well.

I made some notes and thought to myself, either the price has to change or they need to fix it up.  What I know about buyes today is that they just don't want to buy a house that they have to do a lot of work on before they can move in. There are too many choices, so why should they?

I later went down the street in the same subdivision and found another open houe.  It was the same style and age of the home I just looked at.  They were actually priced about the same but with one big differnece?  .... this one was perfect from the street to the back yard.  I had to scratch my head... WHICH ONE IS GOING TO SELL FIRST? 

If you are thinking of selling in today's over-flowing market, you MUST BE THE BEST HOME FOR THE VALUE.  If it needs work... fix it up or drop the price. 

I have a great list of simple, inexpensive things that you can do to make YOUR house the next one on the block to sell... if you are interested in getting a copy of it, let me know.  It might make all the difference in your next listing selling or sitting there.  Just my thought.... for today!

John Howard
Century 21 LeMac Realty - Mountain Home, AR
GRI, Mountain Home, Arkansas 870-404-3614

Valerie,  A lot of good points for potential or actual sellers to ponder!

Mar 27, 2011 11:17 AM
Kristal Wilson
KB Home - Fontana, CA
Cause We Like 'Em New ~ New Home Specialist!

Valerie ~ I find it a good practice to visit Open Houses near my listings or in my farm. It's a matter of doing my homework. I hope a lot of Open House agents read your post.

Mar 27, 2011 11:23 AM
Kathryn Acciari
Central One Federal Credit Union - Shrewsbury, MA
Mortgage Loan Originator

That's the thing - a little touch-up and maintenance go a long way toward making a buyer feel excited about a home.  Sellers must focus on the buyers' needs, rather than their own.  Great story, Valerie!

Mar 27, 2011 11:49 AM