Yes, we were pleased when, after having our clients home on the market for a number of months, we finally got them a full price offer!  The house had been languishing on the market, and after reviewing market statistics with them, they followed our advice to use our “Current Pricing Strategy” along with some unique marketing strategies. Almost immediately the showings for their home increased dramatically, and within 3 weeks they received a full price offer.

Identity Crisis: A Tale of Two Houses

For the past month or so, we were getting feedback about this home that was very confusing. I have to say I have never seen such diverse opinions from Realtors and clients about the condition of a house!  Some said it was in nice condition, showed well and was priced correctly. Others said it was in horrible condition. One said it smelled of dog so badly that it was clear they do not bathe their dog and did not want to sell the house (yuck). Then one agent noted fleas in the house and said she had to go home and bathe after being inside. This occurred over and over: great feedback, then horrible feedback. I felt like my head was spinning!

When I saw the house, it was clean and in nice condition, nothing extreme either one way or the other. The living room was pretty, kitchen was small but well kept, the hardwood floors were showing signs of wear. But overall it was a cute home and nicely decorated. 

After a really horrific comment, we went to the house again just to be sure things had not changed – and indeed the house was looking good the Sunday afternoon Tom and I visited; the owners assured us that it ALWAYS looked that way.  The next couple of showings went well, feedback was good and we seemed to be on the right track when suddenly, the negative comments started coming in every few showings again.

Feedback Mystery Solved?

One agent’s comments were so bad, that I shuddered to think our clients were actually reading it (something about gagging when they opened the door to the laundry room…not good). When I checked with the wife, she told me that she had stopped looking at the feedback as it was “bothering” her. I called another time and reached her husband, asked him what he thought, and he told me he was unaware of the negative feedback.

I was now starting to think that these two may not be on the same page about selling their house.

In fact, early on she had said that she wanted to move more than her daughter and husband did, but why were the showings getting such wildly different feedback?  Could someone be sabotaging the showings?  I truly began to wonder if this was possible as nothing else made sense.

Staging Matters: A Good Showing Can Bring a Full Price Offer

While this was going on, during one of the “good” showings, we received an offer, entered into negotiations and finally achieved full price for our clients……….and………..

They decide not to sell the house.

Now, I have to say this is one listing that really has made my head spin at every turn!  We are pretty good at helping our clients achieve their goals, but it does help to know what the goals are…………..!

Silver Lining for Other CT Home Owners

The good news is that we are seeing some very strong movement in the first-time home buyer market, as the $8,000 tax credit seems to be getting people off the fence and making decisions about buying a home. Even the move-up market is starting to see a bit more activity.

And……I love the fall weather, it is gorgeous here in New England and I am looking forward to getting more of our clients great offers.  Hopefully they will want to sell?

What can you do…onward and upward!