Real Estate Views from St Pete

Great Idea Sharon!

Doug - thanks.

People really value the opinions of others. We see it everyday in our business when a buyer discusses areas at work and then asks us to show them.

Go on and speak the truth! The first time I bought a property, I did exactly that and boy was I excited to meet friendly, diverse professionals who were all taking advantage of the "good" market, changing from renter to homeowner. We took such good care of the development and we all looked out for one another. It was remarkable. I wish I had followed that same advice when I moved to my current place. After the bad experience all around, I decided to become a realtor. Now when I take clients out to developments, I knock on neighbors door with the buyers and ask them for a testimonial. It works well with their decision making and it shows that you care about their needs. PLUS - people tend to remember me and they always ask for my card. A great strategy in the event they ever sell...

Sharon,   I've been wanting to start some neighborhood content but just have not had the time.  I love your suggestion of asking people what they like about their neighborhood.  I wonder if sending out a survey to a target farm area would get any responses.  Might give some fodder for a blog.  

Hmmmm... need to give that some more thought. 

Thanks for the ideas.

Great idea, Sharon. I always ask sellers about the things they like about their house and the neighborhood but haven't done much with the information. Now there's an incentive. Thanks for a terrific suggestion.

Jeff

Sharon - I'm like Jeff I have 5 questions I ask and this is a great way to share that info.   

Sharon-I almost got burned doing that one time!  The listing said the property was owner occupied.  The home was clean and well taken care of (the "owner" was home) and I asked that if they wouldnt mind to tell my buyers about the property and the neighborhood.  THEY WERE TENANTS AND BOY DID THEY LET MY BUYERS KNOW HOW THEY FELT!  Seems that they were unhappy with their landlords and they were just venting to my buyers.  You just have to be careful!

Great post Sharon!

last week I was showing a young couple a home in a new subdivision/community.  They asked me whether or not the community had cable TV.  I did not know the answer.  After backing out of the driveway of a home we had just visited, we saw two ladies walking a stroller and accompanied by tykes on trikes.  Stopped and asked them about the cable.  Got the answer.  Followed up with a question "How do you like living in the community?"  Both raved about it.  As it turned out that was a good response.  The couple I was with wrote a contract and it was ratified.  Good ending to a good story.

Hi, Sharon -

Funny how I keep being drawn to your posts!  Yes, that's a great idea.  'Probably wouldn't hurt to urge consumers to post directly on Localism, too. 

Hi Sharon - I LOVE this idea!  What better way to get some objective info about your area?  Then RUN WITH IT!! 

Great idea!
Ann

Good topic good idea and definitely will make use!

Kristal - yes, they want to hear things from their friends, co-workers, others that they trust.

Janessa  - that's a great idea to go with them. Generally I've suggested that they go through the neighborhood on a Saturday when many people are out, and ask them what they like and dislike about the area.

Carol - I will often ask people those questions when I'm talking with them - then ask if they'd mind if I shared that on my website or blog.

Jeff - yes, use the information you have. It's kind of like all the software we buy and the books we have - if only we used all we have to the maximum.

Cyndee - you're already half way there.

David and Tonya - so true! It's usually dangerous to ask tenants questions - or even to have them around during a showing.

Ed - congratulations on getting a prompt answer, getting third party endorsements of the neighborhood, and going to contract as well!

Margaret - Thanks! Glad to have you reading my posts, and your comments are appreciated.

Ann - appreciate your stopping by. We keep learning so much from each other.

Sally - hi, there! Let me know the results you get once you've started doing this.

So tue...I use to do a home book with a hand written form the seller filled out asking questions and they provided the answers. Got the seller involved with the sale. You  reminded me of this and I think I will start doing that again. (Cant recall why I stopped !)

The sellers know the pizza delivery, the neighbors and the kids ages on the street, the functionality of the home, maybe a bed of bulbs that bloom in spring etc...

BTW- How have you been Sharon  ????

Hi, Michele. Thanks for your comments. If you find your old form, I'd like to see it. I've been fine - life is very good! Just finished teaching a 2 day CLHMS certification class in Austin with my daughter, Tami.