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Open Houses could require extra effort

By
Real Estate Agent with Lucky Star Realty

Ivy Strangling a Cypress Ivy on Cypress

Yesterday I did an Open House here in Crescent City, CA at 1540 Plumas.  This home is a 3bedroom, 1bathroom home built in 1966 with 1586 square feet of living space on over half an acre of property with a 2car detached garage and well/septic located in the country.  Although there was little turnout, I found myself quite busy doing yard work.  I take pride in my work, so now that my work is selling a property, I do what I can to improve the marketability of all of my listings.  When I first showed up to my Open House, I was admiring the tall trees on the property when I noticed ivy vines spiraling 20 feet up around a few of them.  Then I noticed all of the pine cones on the yard and street.   Immediately I went back home to get my gardening tools.  Left a note with an explanation and my phone number just in case someone showed up while I was gone.  It took over six hours to do remove the ivy from four of the trees and rake the half acre lot of all the cones.  I did get a solid lead however, as well as a couple contacts who were vaguely interested in property.  The inside was completely cleaned already, so I really felt an obligation to do the same to the outside.  I know that the people who came yesterday appreciated my efforts to make the landscaping presentable.  So next time you do an Open House, make sure that the entire property has been cared for.  Although it may require additional effort, your buyer may decide against the property if it looks dirty, damaged, neglected or abandoned.

Comments(7)

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Daniel Sundberg
Crystal Springs Real Estate - Kentwood, MI
Now that's what I call a multitasking open house.  Think of the image you gave to the solid lead... they may want you to follow up after you sell them their next house :-)
Oct 28, 2007 08:32 AM
Paul Slaybaugh
Homesmart - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate
Good for you, Wes.  Some agents find such chores beneath them or not part of the job description.  This business is about stepping up and doing whatever is necessary to sell a house.  I've cleaned my fair share of properties, and have always found it to be worth the effort. 
Oct 28, 2007 09:24 AM
Wes White
Lucky Star Realty - Crescent City, CA
Crescent City, CA

Thanks for the comments folks. 

Sung-Soo- A webcam is a marvelous idea.  Do it on a sunny day, so buyers can see the fullest potential!!

Daniel- You're right, Real Estate is all about service.  Hopefully the neighbors were watching! LOL

Rosario- That was completely what I was afraid of.  Another listing of mine just finished getting a major outside transformation.  There was quite a lack of curb appeal there.  Just doing what I can when I can. 

Paul- I'm glad we agree.  Most listings on the market here in Crescent City, CA have a sign, but apparently not much maintenance or upkeep.  Except of course, for Lucky Star Realty listings.

Oct 28, 2007 09:42 AM
Matthew Zgonc
Aksland Real Estate - Modesto, CA
Realtor, CFS, CVS

Presentation is extremely important to selling a house.  Those with poor landscaping tend to not sell quickly.

Oct 28, 2007 09:47 AM
Thavisak Lucky Syphanthong
Lucky Star Realty - Crescent City, CA
Good work on the Open House Wes.  Hard work pays off and people will appreciate what you do.
Oct 28, 2007 11:57 AM
Dale Campbell
Virginia Real Estate - Mechanicsville, VA
Wes - that is very admirable.  My first open house was for a home in my neighborhood.  The day before the open house, I went over to check over everything (it was a vacant home).  I immediately noticed mildew on the siding and went home to get a brush and a plastic tub and cleaner, and then I went to work.  Your clients will appreciate the hard work.
Oct 30, 2007 03:43 AM
Wes White
Lucky Star Realty - Crescent City, CA
Crescent City, CA

Matthew- So true.

Thavisak- The value of the house is what I would like to see appreciate.

Dale- Definitely.  All it takes is the time, energy and know-how.

Stacy- At this point, I consider myself a "rookie" too.  If the houses you opened were occupied, I think I would have a hard time rearranging or touching anything without their permission.  Also, if it were occupied, I think they should have taken some time to make it presentable, whether they were tenants or the owners.

Thanx for the comments :-)

Oct 30, 2007 06:01 AM