December 18, 2011. Slow open house doesn’t mean an unproductive day.

December 18, 2011. Slow open house doesn’t mean an unproductive day.

Just because there were few people who came to my open house isn’t reason to call this day a loss.

Au contraire!

From my conversations with those who came, I found out that one couple currently owns a condo at The Essex on Lake Merritt in Oakland CA, and literally just one door away from one unit that I recently sold, and one floor below another sale this year. This is the view from those units.

We had a good conversation about their wanting to move to our island city of Alameda CA. However, they have a quandary about their current condo which they bought at the peak. Although they can afford to keep up the monthly payments, they are contemplating just walking away.

I hope that I was able to give them some things to think about -- the effects of a short sale versus a foreclosure, how long it will take them to be able to buy another house, etc. One of the benefits of being a CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert) early on was having the confidence to give the owner ideas and options to consider besides strategic default.

I offered to talk with them more in depth after they have a chance to think of what their next step or option may be.

Stimulating discourse --- now, in my book, THAT is an accomplishment.

As for the rest of the open house --- I answered emails, wrote some personal notes, and for a few moments, simply took time to take deep breaths and relax.

For the rest of the evening, I took a break....

The biggest and most important activity for the rest of the evening: making a list of things to do tomorrow.

• Naturally, short sale follow ups top the list.
• Prepare for two property showings in the afternoon
• Attend to the renovations at my place ---- I can see my home office taking shape, and subsequently, more inspiration and motivation!
• Attend to a problematic tire -- must take care of my vehicle which I depend on to take care of me and my business

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