Yesterday, a boisterous, opinionated seller drove my buyers and I out of his house.
This isn't the first time that I have experienced this type of situation.
Should listing agents ask their sellers to leave when buyers come to look at their home?
A buyer must feel 'comfortable' when they walk into a home.
They must be able to look at the amenities of the home at their leisure.
They must be able to envision themselves living in the home. They must have time to get a 'feel' for the home.
Often times listing agents have sellers remove excessive family photos, so that a buyer can 'see' themselves living in a home.
Upon walking through the front door of a home yesterday, the seller gave us a speech and proceeded on with a story of a previous occupant who had lived in the home. As this story became long and more drawn out and not relevant to the property, we starting inching our way to the back door. Finally, we graciously interrupted him, excused ourselves and made a beeline for the backyard, without looking at the house first.
The seller followed us into the yard.
"What is up with this guy?" the buyer whispered. Upon returning inside, the seller followed us from room to room, smoking a cigarette. The home reeked of cigarette and sickeningly sweet cigar smoke. It was a bit nauseating.
The seller did not stop talking. He was loud, boisterous and a bit rude. It was an uncomfortable situation for the buyers.
After seeing only a portion of the home the buyers indicated that they were finished.
"Thank you," I said.
'You're not finished, you didn't see the whole house.'
"We're finished, " I responded.
He took one look at the buyers face, 'Well, I can see that she's more than ready to get out of here!'
My buyers ruled out this house because they really felt uncomfortable with this controlling seller, therefore they did not have an opportunity to see the entire property. (Not to mention the wife is allergic to cigarettes.)
So, sellers, please leave your home during showings. Or, if you are unable or uncomfortable in doing so, then step out into the backyard to allow the buyer some room to breathe and to get a true "feel" for the property. Otherwise, they will not be able to see the home in it's best light.
Often times sellers that stay and hover are not doing the home justice.
Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard County Real Estate & Investing
I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.
I take pictures as I enjoy sharing them with others. If you would like to use one of my photos, please ask, I am usually happy to oblige, however I would like to receive mention of having taken the picture.
Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard County Real Estate & Investing
I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.
I take pictures as I enjoy sharing them with others. If you would like to use one of my photos, please ask, I am usually happy to oblige, however I would like to receive mention of having taken the picture.
Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard County Real Estate & Investing
I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.
It seems almost impossible that Fall is already here.
But, I love the Fall, when the air is crisp and clean and the leaves begin to change color and drop from the trees. Being in Florida we feel less humidity. The cool air starts creeping in.
But, I can't help but wonder, where did the time go?
Summer was here and gone in a blink.
I was in the store yesterday and the shelves are bulging with Halloween and Christmas items - oh my goodness - not already. Christmas, not so fast! I'm not ready yet!
I wake up on Monday morning and when I fall into bed, it's Friday night already. The weeks just fly. I suppose it has nothing to do with having two very active teenage daughters, rental properties and two businesses.
I have always been told that the older you get, the quicker that times goes. I can't imagine it moving any faster than it does.
So time, please slow down, I want to stop and remember to smell the roses.
Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard County Real Estate & Investing
I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.
I take pictures as I enjoy sharing them with others. If you would like to use one of my photos, please ask, I am usually happy to oblige, however I would like to receive mention of having taken the picture.
Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard County Real Estate & Investing
I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.
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Full time professional serving your buying, selling & investing needs on Florida's Space Coast. I can assist with your short sale or relocation. I buy, sell, rent, own & manage* investment properties
Hi, I'm Sandy Shores...I am a Full Time REALTOR® since 1996. I have lived in the Lake Washington area of North Melbourne since 1975 and I love it here! I specialize in Residential, Investment Property and Relocations. I can help with your Short Sale, too. I work with buyers, sellers, and investors.
My broker has been in the business for nearly 50 years specializing in Residential, Commercial and Investment Property. He has been a wealth of knowledge for me. He owns and always has owned investment property of his own.
I began purchasing single family rental homes over 13 years ago and have continued to buy 1 to 2 properties per year since then. I believe that there is no better place to put your investment dollars than in real estate. But, remember, in real estate you don't get rich quick over night. You accumulate wealth over time, and real estate has it's ups and downs.
The real estate market is cyclical. We have seen the Brevard County, Florida Real Estate market come full circle. Currently, we are experiencing a market correction. Our property values went up by 180% in a 5 year period of time! Investors lost money in the Tech Stock Market Bubble. Many shifted to real estate. In 2005 homes were selling in Brevard for over inflated prices. Buyers were optimistic that the market would continue up. House flippers were buying and reselling for a quick profit. It couldn't last. New owners got their tax bills based on new assessed values. They didn't expect such a blow. We were then visited by a couple of hurricanes, sending insurance rates soaring. Then, owners interest only, 100% financed, negative amortization, adjustable rate mortgages readjusted upward ...that was the final straw. Owners had to sell. The market became saturated with houses for sale, thus it began on the decline. We are currently experiencing a market correction. Today, the buying opportunities are plentiful! Interest rates are low and short sales and foreclosures are putting downward pressure on home prices. Many homes are becoming more affordable. These deals are being scooped up first. There are home buying opportunities available today.
The Buyer...
Buying a home is probably the largest purchase you will make in your lifetime! Having lived in Florida since 1968 and in Melbourne since 1975, I know the area and understand the market. The first step is in securing a reputable REALTOR®. I can guide you through the buying process. The next step is choosing a reputable local lender in the area in which you are buying. You should compare 3 written good faith estimates to see which lender can provide with the most affordable costs and best rate (without any hidden fees)! The lender can review financing programs to find which mortgage loan is best for you. Once you have a pre approval letter in hand, I am able to assist in showing you affordable homes, in a good area, that suit your wants, your needs and your budget.
It's important that you not overpay for the home. Are you buying it to live in it? How long will you live there? Will it be a second home? Is it an investment property? What are your investing goals? What is the state of the current market we are experiencing? Will you be able to sell for the price you are paying today? Always consider resale, when buying. Upon choosing the right house, I will assist you in the maze of paperwork. I follow up on financing, inspections, survey, homeowners insurance, title work, repairs, etc, to be sure the contract successfully gets to closing.
The Seller...
My job is to professionally market your largest asset, your home, for sale. For some, this is an emotional experience. Your home holds your memories. I bought and sold my own home in 2001. I handled every aspect of the transaction, for both me as the seller, and the buyer of my house, as for me as the buyer and for the seller of the home I was buying. I understand the emotions tied to the transaction, having gone through it myself.
I understand the current market conditions, nationally, as well as localty. Is the market going up or down? This will affect pricing on your home. What are interest rates doing?
The house must be in "show" condition. If there are items that need attention, they must be addressed before it goes up for sale. It is important that we don't overprice the home for the current market.
The home must be properly advertised, accentuating it's positive features. With my marketing plan the goal is to create urgency to potential buyers. I will present various financing options to a new buyer to make the home affordable and easy to "get in".
My job is to net you the best possible price in the least amount of time, with the least amount of headaches and hassles. I must attract the REALTOR community and every approved buyer to your home! Once the contract has been negotiated and signed with a pre approved buyer, it is my responsibility to see to it that every aspect of it is completed to close the sale; from inspections, to title work, insurance and follow up. Then, I will stay in touch with you to keep you abreast of current market conditions.
Today, location and condition are important in getting a home sold, however, price is the most important factor in getting a home sold!
*Ask about about property management. We accept properties based on what the current real estate market is doing.
Sandy, Thank you so much for all of your help from start to finish, and making my dreams come true. You are a credit to your profession. You and your family are welcome at my home anytime!
- Cheers, Tony Ward, England
...Through perseverance, knowledge of the Real Estate Market and knowing our personal needs, Sandy was able to sell our property within thirty days. Her services and professionalism were a credit to the Real Estate profession. It was a joy to us because the property sold due to her knowledge of market conditions and her expertise. -Danny & Diane Sicilia, Melbourne
Sandy Shores is one of the finest real estate agents that I've had the pleasure to be associated with in my 45 years in the business. Sandy is far above the competition in knowledge and ability. And best of all, she has a true concern for the customers she comes in contact with. Sandy is 100% committed.
-Willard "Bill" Mallery, Palm Bay, Florida
Sandy's persistence and detailed market appreciation enabled out house to sell within one month of her hiring...Sandy's extreme job knowledge make difficult questions easily answered...Hiring Sandy Shores ensures you get the best Realtor for the job!
-C.E. Booton, Retired Major USAF 23 years, Navarre FL
Every time I hear of someone who is interested in buying a new home, I immediately begin singing my praises of you. You went far beyond the call of duty. I also rave about how you helped me, with a new business. work through more than a few major problems with the mortgage lender. I really thought it was not going to happen, but thanks to you any your hard work and diligence I am now sitting in my very own new home!
Sandy, you impressed me with your professionalism and even after the closing I could rely on you to help with some of the challenges of owning my first home. You really take the time to help, listen and suggest possible solutions. There are very few people who go out of their way for people the way you do. For professionalism you get an A+, for customer service, A+, and for knowledge in your field A+. If I ever sell this home or buy another, I want you as my Realtor. Thank you for everything! - Kathi Belger, Melbourne
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