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When "Remodeled" Isn't Remodeled

By
Real Estate Agent with DFW FINE PROPERTIES 0506509

 

 

By Webster's definition, the word "Remodel" means: "change the structure or form of (something, especially a building). Unfortunately, there is an MLS listing providing property description of a home being remodeled, when it fact it is not a remodel because the construction of the structure hasn't changed at all. It is the same floor plan it was since the home was built in 1991.

 

For example, a listing, now pending states the following information which is inaccurate because the construction of the structure is the same and everything listed is only a replacement and/or an original product refinished or has fresh coats of paint. It is the same floor plan as it was since the home was built. Structurally, nothing else changed:

 

"Beautifully remodeled home sits on a corner lot with NO HOA. This home features new roof, new carpet, fresh paint inside and out, and updated fence. The kitchen boasts new appliances, refinished cabinets and new hardware."

 

Consumers beware: As a home begins to age it is only a matter of time when things need to be replaced. Changing out appliances happens when they don't work anymore or if the Home Owner decides they want newer appliances. Roofs wear out due to inclement weather changes, such as hail, ice, snow, and hot sun. Consumers should be aware of life expectancy for appliances, flooring, the roof, fence, etc. Paint is considered cosmetic and most people do not live with the same color paint or wallpaper that was originally installed when the home was built. The expectation for purchasing a "remodel" is completely different. 

 

CHANGE IS ALWAYS A MATTER OF TIME

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by

Texas Law requires all license holders to provide the Information about Brokerage Services form to prospective clients.

https://www.trec.texas.gov/sites/default/files/pdf-forms/CN%201-4-1.pdf

dfw fine properties

PATRICIA FEAGER, REALTOR®
DFW FINE PROPERTIES
3575 LONE STAR CIRCLE SUITE 315
FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76177

Email Me
                                  

                                     

MBA (University of Dallas)
BA
(Bachelors of Arts & Science)
Paralegal (Southeastern Career Institute)
Associates (3) (College of Lake County)
KU (University of Kansas)

CERTIFICATIONS

CRS (Certified Residential Specialist)
SRES (Certified Senior Residential Specialist)
PSA (Certified Pricing Strategies; Mastering the CMA)
CRS (Certified Military Relocation Specialist)
RENE (Real Estte Negotitions Expert)

"With self-discipline most anything is possible." --- Theodore Roosevelt 

 

 

 

  

Comments (39)

Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Patricia:

Remodeled is not the word that came to mind with your description. And we see lots of words used in listings that might not be accurate but are intended more to grab attention. And then the reality sets it when you stpe inside the house!

Jeff

Sep 01, 2019 05:54 PM
Tom Bailey
Margaret Rudd & Associates Inc. - Oak Island, NC

Patricia, in this market remodel, updated, renovated are all interchangeable! The definition of remodel also includes changing the form. I think an argument can be made that new cabinets, carpet to wood floors, changes to a bathroom can qualify as changes to form

Sep 01, 2019 06:40 PM
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

Hi Patricia,

You make a very strong point about the definition of remodeled - and I agree with you. It would be good to have definitions in MLS about what is remodeled, what is updated, what is upgraded. I am noticing that many people do not read the descriptions any more, just look at the photos.

Sep 02, 2019 07:25 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Absolutely! What I consider false statements are seen far too often in mls listings. 

So glad Kathy shared your post this week. It should be featured!

Sep 02, 2019 08:01 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Sharon Tara - Steffy Hristova: My MLS has rules in place and agents need to follow these rules. The problem is not all agents follow the rules or their MLS Board doesn't enforce them.

My goal is to educate the public. Thank you for your kind remarks and support. I also consider false and misleading statements to the consumer to be a serious violation. Sharon, I'm sure you have many stories to tell from your experience looking to buy in MLS and showing up and seeing what was really there. Steffy, I am afraid you're right, many consumers just look at the photographs. It always surprises me when I take buyers who didn't read the property description.   

Sep 02, 2019 09:27 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Tom Bailey - In Texas, we have MLS rules and definitions that can and can't be used in the MLS. Therefore, interchangeable words can be used here. 

I feel with your open mind, your clients are lucky to have you represent them in your market area. And I do believe you always have your client's best interest at heart, just as I do. 

I wish you all the very best!

Sep 02, 2019 09:40 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Jeff Dowler, CRS - I can really appreciate your point of view and I agree completely! Attention grabbers may get attention, but can also get an agent in trouble if they aren't using the correct terminology. Thank you, for letting me know, "remodeled" was not the word that came to your mind either. It is so important to choose words wisely!

Dorie Dillard CRS GRI ABR - There is a big difference in how we use remodeled and updated. The most important thing we can do as agents is to be truthful and work with integrity, especially when advertising! 

Thank you, both for being among the best in the Real Estate Industry!

 

 

Sep 02, 2019 09:46 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Lottie Kendall and Debe Maxwell, CRS - As I mentioned above to Jeff and Dorie, I also what to thank both of you for being best in class in the Real Estate Industry! Whether or not other agents' MLS has rules on definitions that can be used in the MLS or not, agents should still be cognizant that the truth matters!

May both of you and your loved ones succeed and stay healthy always. The world benefits when people work with integrity and choose words wisely, not because they are clever, or were told to do it that way, it's because they live knowing the Golden Rule and will always do the right thing.

Thank you. 

Sep 02, 2019 09:52 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

OH, you're so kind, Patricia! I'm honored to be considered in Lottie's, Jeff's and Dorie's company by you. They are all fellow brokers that I have always looked up to. And, you're so right, the truth matters - ALWAYS - and The Golden Rule always applies too!

Hugs to you this Labor Day! 

Sep 02, 2019 09:58 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Chris Ann Cleland - Isn't it embarrassing to have to explain to your buyers that not all agents are like the ones who know how to advertise but doesn't deliver? Consumers deserve so much more - the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. When buyers don't see what they are expecting, it sends a poor message about the entire industry. False claims, like the one you encountered Chris is something that never should happen!

I'm glad there are agents like you who know the difference. I hope your buyer finds the right house and knows just how special you are in making sure their needs are heard and that you are doing your best for them. 

Sep 02, 2019 04:46 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Sheila Anderson and Kristin Johnston - REALTOR® - Thank you for your comments and knowing the difference. Actually, there is no comparison between a remodel and a refresh. A refresh is like taking a shower, getting your hair and nails done. A remodel is like major plastic surgery and the cost is vastly different too!  

Sep 02, 2019 04:57 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good evening again Patricia. Wonderful analogy! Have a great evening.

Sep 02, 2019 05:28 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP

Sheila Anderson - I hope you have a lovely evening and off to a great new week!

Sep 02, 2019 05:38 PM
Greg Mona
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Professional Real Estate Representation for YOU!

So true, Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP! There is most certainly a difference between remodeled and updated/refreshed. Maintenance items are NOT a remodel. Moving/removing a wall(s), putting on an addition, reconfiguring the kitchen, bathroom(s)...THAT is remodeling. I agree with some of the previous comments that mentioned our respective MLS's to provide more choices for our listing sheets when it comes to remodel/upgrade/refresh items.  

Sep 03, 2019 08:01 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Greg Mona - Yes! Yes! Yes! There IS a difference between a remodel, update/refresh. Whether or not other MLS's follow suit, when it comes to advertising, agents and their Broker will lose. Licensed agents are self-employed and aren't supervised but they are liable. 

Sep 03, 2019 12:55 PM
John Henry, Florida Architect
John Henry Masterworks Design International, Inc. - Orlando, FL
Residential Architect, Luxury Custom Home Design

Well, that's pretty interesting!  I thought remodeling could be as simple as paint alone!  So one must change the actual structure in some way to qualify as a remodel?  Is this in the Realtor guide to proper definition?  Just wondering!  I will keep this in mind for sure!  Thanks as always, Patricia!

Sep 04, 2019 04:37 PM
Marte Cliff

I thought so too, John Henry - although I don't think I've given the terminology much thought.

Sep 05, 2019 09:32 PM
Brian DeYoung
also affiliated with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Heritage Realty - Ithaca, NY
The Realtor with personal investment background

If I change kitchen cabinets, I consider it a remodel.
If I paint and even install new flooring, maybe doors or hardware, its a freshen up, or update, but not a remodel.

Sep 05, 2019 06:30 PM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

This is a problem with terminology that I've never considered. I still wouldn't be bothered as long as the description spelled out what was new.

If a house was rebuilt from the studs out, but the floor plan stayed the same, I would consider it a remodel. But - according to your definition, that would be incorrect.

Interesting.

Sep 05, 2019 09:35 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Hi Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP interesting. There isn't much of a distincetion in our MLS. Typically for the stuff like  paint, carpet etc that is updated not remodeled in my mind. But for kitchens and baths if they've gutted the rooms and began anew with possibly a totally different floorplan that to me is remodeled. Or of coure, if they've added a room or added on a room that is remodeled in my mind as well. It's so easy to denote these differences in the MLS remarks. Great post!

Sep 07, 2019 02:47 PM
Kris Collis, Associate Broker
Smart Way America Realty - East Stroudsburg, PA
Professional Results you Expect 570-801-5525

Patricia, this is an excellent theme for a series about real estate terms that may be clear as mud to consumers.  And what better place to start,  Remodel vs. Update - What's the Difference.  Then, throw "renovate" in the mix.   Great topic and post!

Sep 10, 2019 08:14 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Kris Collis - Thank you! You're on to a great idea!!! After all, it is our job to educate consumers. 

Sep 10, 2019 08:20 PM