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Storage Spaces And Such. . .

By
Industry Observer CalDRE #01165532

 

 

Storage Spaces And Such. . .

 

I have never had a space in one of the many such storage facilities that exist in our area and across the country but I am well aware that I may be “alone” since many people do.  But beyond the storage of things, I was thinking about the storage of ones own car the other day as I was out and about walking in a neighborhood where there were some garage doors open and seemingly on display for anyone who passed by to see. 



As we know, a lot can be learned from observation - even a quick glance - at least perception-wise where clues can be assembled.   Maybe it’s not objective but even the casual observer can glean an impression. 



For some, perhaps a small number, an enclosed garage is meant solely for the storage of ones vehicle.  For some, it’s a free-for-all where nearly everything seems to qualify for a place.  And there are examples where we may see other possibilities explored.

 

 

Of course, regional differences come into play as well where attics, basements, cellars and other out-buildings can be found but I wondered after my brief tour of open garage doors, does anyone use a garage for solely the purpose of a car?  Even in carports or subterranean parking structures, I have seen evidence that tells me the space doesn’t even need to be enclosed or ones own to be “fair game” when it comes to "finding" storage solutions.  



What works best for you in everyday life is definitely an individual choice but if and when your property goes on the market for sale - it’s now a product which needs to be merchandised and presented in the best possible way.  Even those areas where you think it might not matter.    Just a thought gathered as I passed by a garage the other day.

 

 

The photo used in this post is from a neighborhood post I wrote in 2016. While the garage is attached to the home and quite close to the street, its door is discreetly closed. Maybe discretion is not only important when it comes to valor as William Shakespeare told us but value too. Hmm. . .

 

 

Posted by

Michael Jacobs

 

CalBRE # 01165532

P. O. Box 587

Pasadena, CA 91102

Call/Text:  818.516.4393

mtj916@gmail.com

 

 

Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Good morning Michael - I am one who likes to protect my car and use the garage for that;  not a storage space.  I also like to keep the door closed.

Oct 19, 2021 07:03 AM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

Well I'm with you - never rented a storage space and hope I never have to.  When you have too many things to keep in your house/garage/shed, it's time to get rid of that stuff.

Oct 19, 2021 05:11 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089 - no kidding!  I can't relate personally to those Hoarder-type horror stories although I have seen evidence over many years in real estate.  And in real life.  

Oct 19, 2021 05:29 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Wednesday morning, Michael.

Take care, be safe and have an outstanding day.

Oct 20, 2021 09:11 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Grant Schneider - I like your way of thinking.

 

Roy Kelley - I those not-too-cold days of Fall continue in Maryland.  

Oct 20, 2021 12:01 PM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Stuff... just too much or won't let go as more gets collected. Is it a home with attached garage or garage with an attached home Michael Jacobs ? Sometime garages not used for vehicle storage could be again with just a little organizational skill. In winter mode, getting a car inside and behind the closed garage door sure helps the guy running the snow plow cleaning up the yard from what fell over night.

Oct 21, 2021 03:50 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573 - there seems to be no end to wondering why things happen(and don't happen).  Space-wise as well as other worldly matters.   And then there is the discussion that extends beyond this planet.  I doubt there is enough "space" here to fully explore.  

Oct 21, 2021 07:52 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Michael the beauty is we can dissagree and still be friends... no do not call Diane to have me clean out the garage:))Endre

Oct 21, 2021 10:54 PM
Peter den Boer
Atlanta Communities - Woodstock, GA
MBA,GRI, Associate Broker, Realtor

I like to store stuff in my head for later use, but can never find it again! Have a great weekend!

Oct 22, 2021 05:31 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Endre Barath, Jr. - I don't like to add unnecessarily to the workload(or stress-level) of others.  For that reason, I shall remain silent.  

 

Peter den Boer - that's definitely a very real hazard.  

Oct 22, 2021 07:32 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Michael:

I see plenty of garages here that are used primarily, and sometimes exclusively for storage while cars are in the drive or in the street.

Coming from snowy New England people there seemed better at using their garages for their cars...definitely a plus in the winter. We lived in a condo in Cambridge for a while and did not have a garage. It was a major pain in the winter. Fortunately there was a basement for storage.

Jeff

Oct 22, 2021 04:11 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Jeff Dowler, CRS - maybe the typically good weather in most of Southern California has spoiled many when it comes to using the garage as primarily car storage.  

Oct 22, 2021 06:05 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good  afternoon Michael Jacobs ,

A hot topic right now in Austin as we see the crime rate soaring with the defunding of the police. It's wise to have your garage door down! Cars are being broken into and if your garage door is up you are inviting theft. Many homeowners use storage units and I'm happy to say I've never chosen that route. I'll purge..... Less is more in my book! 

Oct 23, 2021 12:31 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Dorie Dillard Austin TX - you make a good point of advertising of ones possessions when those things are not offered for sale.  

Oct 23, 2021 03:08 PM
Jane Chaulklin-Schott
TEAMCONNECT REALTY - (407) 394-9766 - Orlando, FL
TeamConnect Luxury Homes - Orlando, Florida, 32836

Moving a number of years ago from a NW Chicagoland suburb, I wasn't used to seeing the garages here in Central Orlando area.  Michael, there are basically no basements here and garages are packed from floor level to ceiling with furniture and boxes and boxes and boxes.  Amazing is how a 2 or 3 stall garage can barely house one car.  My family of 9 adult children/Florida residents and their garages are so neat -- not even a little bug is allowed in.  The Answer:  Yep!! They keep the storage  businesses thriving:) 

Oct 30, 2021 07:13 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Jane Chaulklin-Schott - your family is not alone in their support of the storage business in this country which is M-A-S-S-I-V-E.  

Oct 30, 2021 08:31 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Yes Michael Jacobs - I do have a storage unit.

As for a garage, I get annoyed when people put their home on the market to list and the buyers can't even walk inside the garage. I get even more anxious and worried when I see garage doors left open at night. Once, a neighbor of mine left their house keys (all their keys) inside the door lock on their front door! I rang the bell to tell the owner, and all he said was thanks and closed the door. 

A garage is a big deal and if a property is for sale, I think the seller isn't doing themselves a favor by using their garage for storage and not letting the buyer walk around and see the entire property and what it includes. I had buyers stop and turn around. If they couldn't see the garage, they were anxious to get to the next house because they were ready to buy now. 

Speaking of garages, I had to have my car towed the other day and my garage was empty. It felt sad to see no car in the garage but it did open up my eyes to thinking, I need to do a lot of cleaning and update my garage floor and paint the walls to make it more attractive when I sell. It's funny how you don't know what other people will see when you have to leave or sell in a hurry. 

Oct 30, 2021 05:54 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP - I so agree with you.  A garage, an attic or basement, closets, cabinets and any/all storage spaces within a property should be available for viewing by a prospective buyer in my opinion. 

 

A home is "personal" and respect is in order.  That same respect is due whether it is offered for sale or not.  But a home on the market becomes a house for sale which needs to be shown in the best possible light and available for prospective buyer(s) to make a decision.  

 

 

Oct 30, 2021 06:03 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Michael Jacobs - sadly, it's true. A garage, attic, and basement (if applicable) are the places most neglected when it comes to routine cleaning. A home is a personal asset, an investment and needs utmost respect, especially when listing the house for sale. 

I had a listing a while back and it was on the market longer than it should have been. I shared all the comments, such as, great house but the garage didn't meet the buyer's needs. I had a long, long talk with the seller and he updated and painted the garage floor, painted walls, changed the light fixture, washed the inside of the overhead garage door, replaced the wall plates, and removed all the stuff he left on the shelves before moving out months before. Within two days after he was done, multiple offers came in. 

Oct 30, 2021 06:18 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP -most buyers want to imagine themselves in a property they are considering to purchase and they prefer to "see" what they are buying.  The entire property.  A disorganized storage space sends a bad message.  And that message can be "Onto the next property. . .".

Oct 30, 2021 06:30 PM