Real Estate Is Sexy!
April 17th, 2008 categories: Our Market
Who knew that Real Estate would commandeer so much air time, even when the market is less than perfect. Know why? ‘Cause Real Estate is Sexy! It has spawned an entire network of new television shows! TLC/Discovery network is a wonderful example of the next generation of HGTV inspired viewing with an awesome array of choices such as Trading Spaces, Property Ladder, Real Estate Pros, Flip That House and my very favorite, Date My House. How I wish I had come up with that one!
Imagine, offering your home for sale and giving prospective buyers an opportunity to get intimate with your home; a “Life Test Drive” if you will. What better way to ‘get a commitment’ out of home shoppers than to let them create a wonderful memory and positive association with your home. Let’s take a look at how it’s done on the TLC network…
How cool is that?!? So, where to start. You have an interested party looking at your home. You invite them to “experience” it as their own. Here’s a list of things to do (not much different than if you were preparing for an important date).
- Have the house cleaned. (You would want to look your best for a hot date).
- De-personalize the space so they can see themselves living there (take your jewelry out while you’re at it)
- How about some romantic music and flowers???
- Ask your Realtor to spring for dinner delivered:)
- Leave a note pad for “Important Notes and Questions” that come up over the evening.
- Have a fun/romantic DVD for your ‘guests’ viewing (and instructions for your home theater system)
- Change the sheets (yikes)
- Establish a “check out” time in the morning
Once the overnight date has run it’s course, your Realtor should be there for the check out. They will survey the premises to see that everything is in order and be there to answer those important questions from the “Important Note Pad” notes. Hopefully the happy couple will be ready to make an offer you can’t refuse!
This all sounds like great fun but indeed, there are some legal liability issues that would need to be dealt with. I would definitely talk to my insurance agent before “trying this at home”. And run a credit report and perhaps a credit card voucher as well~ Whether or not this is a realistic way to market your home, the idea paves the way for creative marketing ideas and sets the stage for a new era in Real Estate sales.
I can’t think of another market that creates so much of a stir than Real Estate. And the best part is, any homeowner can participate.
Stay tuned for upcoming articles on how to make your home a haven of Green and home decor ideas that will help make your home your favorite vacation destination!
