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Taking Fluffing to a Whole New Level

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Real Estate Agent with Long and Foster Real Estate VA License # 0225089470

Taking Fluffing to a Whole New Level

Exactly how would you go about describing a jetted soaking tub with jets plugged up with chaulk?  It would likely be an explanation of why the jets were filled with chaulk and an explanation that the tub was being sold as-is.  This, of course, if you couldn't get the seller the replace or repair the tub in the $600,000+ home.

Imagine my surprise when I listing I had interviewed for, but not landed,  hired an agent who did in fact list the tub as-is to buyer agents, but not to buyers.  In buyer remarks, the tub was remarked as "sumptuous."  I don't know about you, but the word sumptuous evokes nothing I would get from the local hardware store for utilitarian purposes...especially not CHAULK that is stopping a leak.  

And in yet another story of over playing your hand, this agent has a listing that is sitting on the market while others in the same price range are getting eaten alive with offers.  Because one of my buyers wrote an offer, I am guessing that the fact that buyers are hesitant to go to the $50K over list price the seller wants without having the tub fixed is a deal breaker for him.  It was for my buyers, who were likely the only ones with a full disclosure of what the issue was and why it wasn't being fixed.

Top of the market doesn't happen with any old house with any issue you don't want to fix.  Top of the market comes when you do the preparation to make a home truly move-in ready.  And who you hire to market that home matters.  Over playing what you have and what condition it is in is not advised for any home.  Being honest and forth right in marketing is the way to go.  If having to market a tub as potentially leaky without chaulk filling the jets is a turn off, you might want to replace the tub and really have something to show off.  

 

Comments(8)

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Kris Collis, Associate Broker
Smart Way America Realty - East Stroudsburg, PA
Professional Results you Expect 570-801-5525

Chris Ann, A quirky and real life example.  Sellers can speed their sale by hearing and applying this important tip to their own sale.

Says it all - 

Top of the market comes when you do the preparation to make a home truly move-in ready.

Apr 29, 2021 07:17 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

Prepartion is key to getting those pie in the sky numbers.

Apr 30, 2021 04:02 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Chris Ann - this story continues to unravel, doesn't it?  

Apr 29, 2021 07:26 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

Property is still active today.  Listing agent is unresponsive.  Sadly, I still have buyers that are willing to purchase but are getting zero response.

Apr 30, 2021 04:03 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Chris Ann. You can pay me now or pay me later.ma little up front may mean a quicker sale without hassle. Honesty is the best policy. Enjoy your day 

Apr 30, 2021 04:31 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

Honesty.  Cue the Billy Joel song.  

Apr 30, 2021 04:03 PM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Chris Ann,

It is so much easier to be honest, than to make up tales...but for some the common sense of this is a foreign language.  LOL A

Apr 30, 2021 05:31 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

It's ridiculous.  And who is going to have any money left to sue anyone after emptying their bank accounts to buy a home in need of repairs?

Apr 30, 2021 04:04 PM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Good morning Chris Ann - this is certainly not move in ready.  Everything does not go in this market.

Apr 30, 2021 07:40 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

I think the seller is learning that.  

Apr 30, 2021 04:04 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

I have not never had that problem in that particular way with chalk, very interesting

Apr 30, 2021 11:37 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

I don't suspect anyone in the country has.

May 02, 2021 09:49 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hmmm, a wee bit of deception perhaps? Wonder what the seller disclosures will say when it gets to acceptance.

Jeff

May 05, 2021 06:53 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

That seems like something that could be interesting definitely! A little bit of pampering goes along way

May 06, 2021 10:15 PM