Let’s change the meaning of YOLO from “you only live once” to “you only list once”.

When you decide to list your house for sale, list it like it is the first, last, and only time you are going to.

Because, if you list it more than once…it’s going to hurt you.

Selling your home begins in a hopeful manner.

When you decide to list your home for sale, you probably don’t expect it to not sell the first time you list it for sale.

Quite the opposite…

Most people think their house will sell quickly. And hopefully in a bidding war.

You hire a real estate agent. Pictures are taken. The house is entered into the multiple listing service. Open houses are scheduled for the first weekend. Ads are run…

…and the house gets put on the Internet in more places than you can ever imagine, with just the click of a few buttons.

How could it not sell?

Avoid withdrawing or expiring.

But a lot of times, homes don’t sell quickly. Or at all…

If a house doesn’t sell quickly, many homeowners start to get discouraged, even after just a few weeks.

It gets worse if it starts stretching into months and months.

Many homeowners start to wonder if their real estate agent isn’t getting the job done. And they start considering either “withdrawing” their listing, or letting their contract with the real estate agent “expire”, and plan on hiring a different agent.

Some homeowners have total faith in their real estate agent. They want to stick with the agent they have hired. But they think it would be good to withdraw their listing, and pop it back on the market so it looks like a new listing, hoping to get buyers’ attention.

This is a mistake. Back in the day, this little trick could work. But, it isn’t fooling anyone anymore, and it can have a less than desirable effect.

Big brother is watching.

Remember this from earlier? With just a few button clicks, your house gets distributed all over the Internet…

In some ways, this is great. Your house is exposed to the entire market quickly and efficiently.

In some ways it’s bad, though…

Not too long ago, it was pretty difficult to figure out if a home had been listed more than once, or for how long it was on the market. Real estate agents had access to the information, but consumers did not.

Now, everybody and anybody can see:

• If a house has been listed before.
• How many times it has been listed.
• How long it’s been on the market.
• And even more information…like if there’s any pending foreclosure, for instance.

Basically put, more information is available than you would ever want made available. And you have no control over it. Nor does your real estate agent.

All of this information is “scraped” and aggregated by real estate websites, like Zillow and Trulia.

Back in the day, it was no big deal to withdraw your listing, or let it expire, and relist it. Few people would be aware of it, unless a real estate agent dug up the information and chose to share it with their client.

Now, a buyer would almost have to deliberately avoid seeing this information.

So, what’s the big deal?

Whether it’s right, wrong, or somewhere in between, the number of times your home has been listed, and the length of time your house has been on the market, affect how buyers perceive your home and its value.

This stinks, because you can have absolutely valid reasons why your home isn’t selling quickly…

Perhaps it’s a supply and demand issue. (Too many houses available and too few buyers buying houses.)

Or maybe you have a high-end home, and there just aren’t many sales in the price range, so it takes quite some time to sell.

Those sorts of reasons are valid. There’s nothing you can do to affect that.

And it’s awful (for sellers at least), but the Internet and available information can cause buyers to sense that the house isn’t selling because “something is wrong”.

Or buyers may feel like, “since the house has been on the market for so long, the owner has to be negotiable or desperate.”

There’s plenty of other legitimate reasons a house may linger longer on the market…

But way too often, the reason houses linger on the market is because homeowners list their home for way too much money. And, quite often, don’t reduce their price to be in line with the market and actual value.

That you can, and should control…

Otherwise, you’re causing buyers to dismiss, overlook, or undervalue your home…because the Internet.

So, here’s what you do…

Control what you can control.

• Make sure you hire a real estate agent who gives you an honest assessment of your home’s value.
• Do not hire an agent that simply says your home is worth the amount you want to hear. Or one who agrees to list your house for a higher price than they recommend, just to appease you and get your listing.
• Price your home appropriately within the market. Price it to sell…not to linger. (This does not mean “give your house away”. There’s a fine line and balance. A good agent will help you find that perfect balance.)
• Don’t withdraw your listing, or let it expire, if at all possible.
• If your home is not selling, assess whether the price is reasonable for the market. If it’s, be patient. Keep it on the market. Stay the course.

Ignore this advice if…

If you have hired a good real estate agent, and he or she disagrees with this, listen to them.

Real estate is “local”. Your agent will know what may help or hurt you in your area, more than a general article.

But, if you and your agent are discussing withdrawing or relisting your property, maybe you should bring up what you have read here. Your agent may never have even thought about this angle.

At least it can lead to an in depth conversation about the pros and cons of withdrawing or relisting your home, before just doing it because it seems like a good thing to do.

Again, there are valid reasons a home can linger on the market. Things you and your agent can’t control. It’s not the end of the world. It doesn’t spell doom for your sale.

A good agent isn’t going to let a buyer get your house for a steal, just because of some information the buyer has seen on the Internet.

However, what they find and see on the Internet will certainly fill their mind with thoughts. So, try not to give them anything to think about, other than making a full price offer as quickly as possible.

The post Why You Should Only List Your House Once appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

1. If your career choice has ever made you question your sanity…

Via NewsCastic

…you might be a real estate agent.

2. If your passenger seat doubles as your desk (and occasional lunch table)…

Via Roman Novian

…you might be a real estate agent.

3. If you’re more lost without your cell phone than the average teenager…

Via imgur.com

…you might be a real estate agent.

4. If your “Realtor® Radar” goes off when anybody within a city block mentions anything about real estate…

…you might be a real estate agent.

5. If you know what it’s like to go from wondering where your next deal will come from… to juggling 3 buyers who want to see 17 homes by 6pm… and suddenly having to negotiate an offer on one of your listings that’s been on the market for a year… all within a split second…

Via amctv.com

…you might be a real estate agent.

6. If you’ve ever been accused of making too much money…

Via vice.com

…you might be a real estate agent.

7. If your “Ice Bucket Challenge” looked more like this…

…you might be a real estate agent.

8. If your tax write-offs almost match what you earned…

Via uproxx.com

…you might be a real estate agent.

9. If a “working vacation” is the only vacation you know…

Via internetsuccess.info

…you might be a real estate agent.

10. If technology is your best friend… AND your worst enemy…

Via 20th Century Fox | giphy.com

…you might be a real estate agent.

You just read part 1. Check out Part 2 here.

The post 10 Signs That You Might Be a Real Estate Agent appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

For whatever reason, most of us are aware of “Pi”.

Mostly we just think of it as that number that goes on and on forever, with no end or solution. And we just know it as 3.14.

When and why do we learn about it in life? What good does it ever do us?

There’s certainly a lot more to it…

For instance, it’s a “constant” ratio in circles. And, it’s an “irrational” number. They teach us that, too. Maybe that stuff sticks with us. Maybe not.

For most of us, just knowing the 3.14 part is good enough. There’s no need to think about it much beyond that. Pi probably isn’t going to affect you or me one way or another in life…

But…there is a rather “constant” and “irrational” number in real estate that does affect many people. And most people never learn about it in life…at least until they list their home for sale.

That number is the listing price of a home…

It’s a “constant” in the sense that almost every homeowner wants the listing price of their home to be a much bigger number than it should be.

It is also a “constant” thing that real estate agents have to help clients understand, and even come to terms with.

But many homeowners disregard what real estate agents explain, and list their home for an “irrational” number, which is too high.

Which then creates an unsolvable problem (much like Pi is)…

Listing a home for too high of a price, typically makes the process of selling a home go on, and on, and on. Forever. With no end…(also much like Pi is).

But, unlike Pi, proper listing prices for homes are not unsolvable. There’s a rational number to list every individual home for on the market.

No, it isn’t necessarily easy to figure out. But it doesn’t take a mathematician. It takes a real estate agent who knows how to analyze where the house should be priced and positioned within the current market. And, it takes an agent who knows how to explain it well, so that their client doesn’t decide to list for too high of a price.

Not all agents can or do these things well. Which is why “irrational” pricing is a “constant” problem so many owners struggle with.

When selling your home, it’s important to find an agent who prices homes perfectly. Not too high… but also, not too low. It’s a fine balance that needs to be struck.

So, when it comes time to list your home for sale, it’s important that you or your agent finds, and understands, the most rational number to list your home for on the market.

The post Selling A House Is As Easy As Pi… Or Is It? appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

The real estate agent lifestyle isn’t for everyone. We usually love what we do, but some people would be horrified if they spent a day in our shoes. Our lives involve lots of traveling, variety, and very rarely are two days ever the same.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that being an agent doesn’t come with its share of irritations. It can be very stressful, and a lot can go wrong. Most agents have developed their own pet peeves over the years – things that drive them absolutely crazy. Here are some of the most common pet peeves of real estate agents:

1. Close friends and family who hire someone else

Of course, everyone is free to hire whomever they please as their agent. But it does sting a bit more when it’s a close friend or family member, especially if you’ve helped them with real estate advice in the past. You can’t take business personally, but in this instance, that’s easier said than done.

2. When a prospective client refuses to get pre-approved

Clients who are stubborn and refuse to go through the pre-approval process before looking for a home are a thorny issue. What many people don’t understand is that getting prequalified is for their own good. Why would you want to waste weeks or months looking for your dream home if there’s a chance that you can’t even line up financing?

See also: 6 Reasons Your Agent Wants You Pre-Approved Before Showing You Homes

3. Showing a filthy property

Real estate agents can only do so much to make a property more marketable, and having an unkempt house makes it harder for agents to do their job and get as much money for their clients as possible. Of course, no one can force someone to clean up a property, but it will always be a smart thing to do.

4. Clients who ask to reduce the commission

Agents understand that clients want to get the best deal possible, but cutting an agent’s commission isn’t the right way to go. Many people forget that an agent only gets paid if a transaction goes through, and is not only working for free the rest of the time, but spending their own money on marketing, travel, etc. This is why a client asking for a reduction in the agent’s commission is such a major pet peeve.

See also: What Does a REALTOR® Do To Earn Their Commission?

5. Appraisal issues

Agents can’t control the outcome of the appraisal process, which makes it that much more frustrating when something goes wrong. Issues during an appraisal — whether it’s a dramatically reduced value, or the discovery of catastrophic structural issues — can stop a deal dead in its tracks.

6. People who say that being an agent is easy

There’s nothing easy about being an agent unless you play one on TV. Agents don’t get paid if they don’t find clients, and market forces, random events, and the universe all seem to conspire to get in our way sometimes. Being an agent is a lot of things, but easy isn’t one of them.

7. Issues putting up signs

You know those beautiful real estate signs you see when you drive by a listed property? Well what you didn’t see is the occasional battle royale that’s involved in violently trying to force the sign into the ground and have it stay in place the right way. Eventually you get the hang of it, but it can be daunting.

8. Problems with mortgage financing

Mortgages can cause more problems for a real estate transaction than anything else. Tight, oftentimes irrational guidelines can make a seemingly easy deal a complete nightmare. And don’t, under any circumstances, even think about taking on any new debt if you’re in the process of buying a house. Seriously!

9. Zillow

Zillow seems to conspire to drive agents crazy from all angles. Convincing homeowners that their house is valued at significantly more than it really is, calling agents constantly to overpay for advertising, and generally being the bane of an agent’s existence should all be in Zillow’s ‘about’ section.

The post 9 Pet Peeves of Every Real Estate Agent appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

A real estate transaction can be an exciting thing to experience, but it can also be nerve-wracking and stressful. Your experience will largely depend on the circumstances surrounding your transaction and, perhaps more importantly, the agent you’re working with.

A great agent will not only get you over the finish line to the best of their ability, but they can also change your life for the better. Here are eight ways:

1. They’ll show you they care

In today’s fast-paced world, it seems like everyone’s attention is in short supply. A great real estate agent will show you that’s not always the case, by listening and caring about you and your needs. Not only will being a good listener help an agent do their job, but it’ll also show you that even in business, there are still people out there who care.

2. They can save you a lot of money

There’s an old expression, “If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.” Hiring a great agent can save you literally thousands of dollars, as the right agent will not only negotiate effectively, but also know what pitfalls to look for as the transaction moves along, saving you money in the process.

3. They can help you see things in a different way

One of the most overlooked aspects of hiring a great agent is just how much of an effect they can have on your perspective. For instance, you might think that you’re looking for something in particular, but a great agent can take what you asked for and find something that’s even better than anything you’ve ever considered. A great agent is like an expert matchmaker.

4. They’ll do more than help you buy or sell a home

A great real estate agent will go above and beyond for you. They’ll help you find contractors, give recommendations on design (if you’re open to them), and even help you navigate the restaurants in your new neighborhood. Great agents provide so much value because they want to be your go-to resource for anything to do with real estate.

5. They can find you something that no one else can

Great real estate agents aren’t necessarily miracle workers, but they’re close. A great agent will surprise you with something no one’s ever thought of before, whether it’s finding a property that you didn’t know about, or a solution to an otherwise complex problem. A great agent is proactive and instead of sitting around waiting, will make things happen for you.

6. They can take a lot of stress away

One of the best things about a great real estate agent is the peace of mind that comes from working with them. There are lots of things that can go wrong during a real estate transaction, and a great agent knows this and will not only anticipate issues ahead of time, but will shoulder the burden and solve problems for you, making it a low-stress experience.

7. They’ll go to battle for you when it counts

The right agent is like a general you can depend on when the going gets tough. From searching for the right property or buyer, to negotiating, to pushing the deal through despite all obstacles standing in the way… a great real estate agent won’t back down from adversity and will battle for your best interests at all times.

8. They can become a friend for life

Maybe your real estate agent is already your friend, but if not, with a great agent you might eventually become one. Real estate is much more about relationships than it is about individual transactions, and great agents know this. They also usually have the kind of infectious personality that you always want to be around. So don’t be afraid to form a lifelong friendship with your real estate agent, it could truly change your life.

There are millions of homes bought and sold every year, most of them with the help of a real estate agent. However, there is still a segment of the population that chooses to go it alone when it comes time to sell or buy a home.

There are different reasons for this, many of which aren’t very good. The only good reason might be if you’re an agent yourself, and even then, it might be better to work with another agent so that you’re not letting your own emotion cloud your judgment. Here are some of the worst reasons for not hiring a real estate agent:

1. To save some money

You might think you’re guaranteed to save yourself money by not hiring a real estate agent, but that’s not true. It’s very likely that it will cost you money during the process because of all of the potential pitfalls that you’re not even aware of. There are multiple points in a real estate transaction where making the right decision, or knowing what to look for will save you thousands of dollars. A real estate agents know this.

2. Because you think you’re a great negotiator

You probably think you’re a great negotiator, and you might be, but you also might not be as good as you think. In fact, there are many billionaires and CEO’s who openly admit that they aren’t good at negotiating, and oftentimes have other people negotiate on their behalf. Again, understanding real estate, and what factors may affect price are things that a real estate agent knows that can help with negotiation, and will get you a much better deal.

3. You read about a bad experience someone had

Of course there are horror stories on social media and forums about people’s experience buying and selling a home. This shouldn’t deter you from hiring an agent to guide you through the process, because you’re much more likely to find yourself in a nightmare scenario if you go it alone. There’s an important thing to remember about the nightmares you see online; people are much more likely to post about their negative experiences than their positive ones. There are lots horror stories about hospitals, restaurants, and hotels too — that doesn’t mean you’ll never leave the house again, right?

4. Because you saw a real estate show on HGTV

We all love real estate shows. It’s a lot of fun to sit back and watch a shockingly good-looking couple flip a home and make a $50,000 profit in less than 30 minutes. But it’s important not to confuse television with reality. You can’t learn everything you need to know from watching tv, otherwise this country would be full of expert martial artists, race-car drivers, and stand-up comedians. Hire someone with real-world experience to help you along.

5. You think you’re the only one who knows how much your home it “really worth”

You love your home, and it’s likely that you love it and appreciate it more than anyone else does. It’s completely natural to not only develop a sentimental attachment to where you’ve spent years of your life, but to also appreciate all of the repairs, upgrades, and other special details that you know and love. But just because you believe your home should be priced a certain way, doesn’t mean that’s what the market will bear. Having a business-minded, detached approach to pricing and selling your home is critical to a successful real estate transaction.

6. Because… “How hard could it really be?”

Some lessons in life are only learned through experience. Real estate agents have studied, been through it, and know that conducting a real estate transaction can be a potential minefield if you’re not careful. As a buyer or seller, it’s important not to minimize the difficulty and effort that goes into closing on a home. Hire a real estate agent, and let them worry about the difficult aspects, you’ll be glad you did.

The post 6 Awful Reasons for Not Hiring a Real Estate Agent appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

Picture this…

There’s an inexperienced real estate agent in your town.

He hasn’t sold any homes yet.

He wants to drum up some business.

So, he climbs up onto your roof and paints what he estimates to be the value of your home.

He feels like this could be a win-win:

YOU get to know the value of your house, so he was helpful to you, without even having to meet with him…

… and HE gets to show you how that he knows his stuff. Hopefully you’ll turn to him for help once you want to sell your home.

But you’re kind of ticked off, aren’t you?

First off, this guy painted on your roof. That’s just vandalism.

Beyond that, he wasn’t even close to accurate! The value he painted up there is tens of thousands of dollars off.

He didn’t even see inside your home

You notice he did the same thing to all the other houses in the area.

He seems off on the value of all of them.

It’s still kind of intriguing, thought, because you’re like, “Hmm, I always felt like Bill’s place was worth less than mine. Looks like I was right. But there’s no way Gary’s house is worth more than mine, that agent is craaaazy. Unless maybe Gary did some major remodeling inside…”

But how would the agent know? He never even went inside your neighbor’s house. Or your house. Or anyone else’s house.

He just eyeballed everyone’s house from outside, and took a quick peek at some data available to the public. Then slapped his estimate up on your roof for everyone to see.

His estimates are all over the place. Some high. Some low. Once in a while he seems to be somewhat in the ballpark.

His “value” affects your actual value

Beside the fact that this guy vandalized your roof, now you have people sizing up the value of your home based upon a number he came up with, without even seeing inside your home.

It was careless and thoughtless.

He lacked respect for your privacy, your equity, and ultimately your wealth. The value of your home can now be viewed by anyone, for whatever reason they feel.

It would be even worse if you were in the middle of trying to sell your home, and now you have buyers pulling up, seeing your painted roof, and considering his estimate when (and if) they make an offer.

Can you imagine if a real estate agent actually did this?!

You’d probably want to report him to the police, his real estate broker, the real estate commission… and all of your friends, family and neighbors.

You’d want everyone to know not to trust this guy, or give him any business.

Online valuation sites are basically doing this to you

You’ve probably seen or heard about websites where you can look up the value of your house (or anyone else’s house) for free.

It seems great because there’s no need to even talk to a real estate agent. Just pop in the address, and voila, you get to see the value of the home.

You might figure that it’s super accurate, since they use fancy algorithms and stuff.

However, these online real estate valuation sites are all basically painting a number on your roof, without ever having gone inside, and without ever having sold a house. And they’re definitely not experts in your local market.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about it.

They’re using public data to come up with their estimates. They didn’t steal anything. They didn’t actually paint on your roof (they just hover a value over it digitally).

They post disclaimers about their accuracy (or lack thereof), at least if you really, really look for them.

Plus, who would you even report them to anyway?!

Start valuing real estate agents’ values

The thing is, these sites exist because people tend to like them, and look at them. They wouldn’t exist if people didn’t continue to click on them. But people do.

They certainly are convenient, and entertaining, even if they are not accurate.

Many people just don’t want to deal with real estate agents, until and unless they have to.
But that’s actually what you should be doing if you want an accurate value of your home.

Great real estate agents take a lot of time and pride in estimating the value of a home. This is not something you can do remotely, or just driven by public data and algorithms.

In order to be accurate, even a local real estate agent needs to see inside of your home.

So, instead of encouraging these online valuation sites to exist, by visiting their sites and clicking around…

…click on a local real estate agent’s site, and invite him or her in to take a look at your house, and come up with an accurate value.

Don’t rely on an online valuation.

And, whenever possible, spread the word about the inaccuracy of these online valuations because they can affect the perceived value of your home… and beyond. And they will exist as long as people continue to pay them any attention.

Pay attention to real estate agents instead.

The post Why You Shouldn’t Let A Website Tell You Your Home’s Value appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

Decor is the mood setter for the home. Having the right setup in your house can help you and company feel more relaxed, alive, and welcomed. In a day and age where your home may be the only sanctuary you can find, it’s important to set it up right. Here are some diagrams with examples of things to consider for making your abode the best it can be.

As we know, entrance is everything. Choosing the right door for your home makes an impression for every visitor.

Via Northerm

Choose the right hardwood floor options.

Via Athens Floors

Appropriate border molding is a must.

Via DIY Advice

Tile patterning offers a sense of visual flow. Which flow do you prefer?

Via Centura

Antique chairs can add a unique element to your home. What backings work best with your decor scheme?

Via Chicago Appraisers

While you’re at it, remember to consider the leg styles.

Via Chicago Appraisers

Upholstery yardage and color for stools, sofas, and chairs make the lounging scene.

Via Knol

How many can your dining table seat? Adjustable tables might be preferable for space management.

Via Cottage Home Furniture

Take sofa specialization to the next level by carefully considering the shape and its appeal.

Via Chameleon Interiors

The appropriate headboard helps visually set the tone of your sleep (or other bed leisure) experiences.

Via Headboard Co.

When planning out your room setup, it is important to consider average furniture and space dimensions and how they go together.

Via Decoratour

Via Decoratour

Plants add a living decoration dynamic to your home. Knowing the best growing conditions for them will help them help you even better.

Via Huffington Post

When you aren’t staring at the flames, a lovely mantle setup can really add to the ambiance.

Via Honey and Fitz

Pillow and bed styling is visually appealing as much as physically comfortable.

Via Matouk

Via Matouk

Having appropriate lampshade shape can add an extra dimension to the mood of a room.

Via Sugar Cube Basics Blog

Hanging the curtains high and wide is good for taller ceilings.

Via Home Goods

The type and style of window covering is also important to consider.

Via HG Expo

With art, it’s important to consider the print size, wall layouts, and hanging styles to ensure that visual appeal is maximized.

Via Brynn Stone Photography

Via Polish

Via The Art Mint

Via Vered Rosen Design

The appropriate sizing and location of a rug can make all of the difference.

Via Burlap and Lace

Via Burlap and Lace

Via Burlap and Lace

When choosing the color scheme of your home, understanding the psychology of colors, as well as how to combine them and what undertones to use, can really help at a fundamental level.

Via Painters of Louisville

Via Better Home and Gardens

Via Live Love DIY

Even knowing the best finishings for the best areas can help in your scheme.

Via Kristen and Danielle Blog

One way of getting the finer details down is measuring and planning your lampshade size and fittings.

Via Shades of Light

What light switch style best matches your room?

Via Modern Switch

Even the bulb style, wattage, and color can have an effect on a room’s overall experience.

Via Kirby Risk

Via Home Lighting 101

Finally, you can also consider the micro details such as choosing a screw style that will best fit your walls.

Via Remove and Replace

H/T Buzzfeed

If you liked this one, you’ll love this:

• 37 Skills You Need to Survive Homeownership

The post Don’t Be A Decorating Fool, These 37 Cheat Sheets Are All You Need appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

It’s Summer, and that bug to build and improve the home is likely hitting a good number of folks. With all of the DIY options out there, how is one to choose what to put their time and resources into? We outlined 23 of the top DIYs for relatively easy and inexpensive upgrades to the home. Enjoy!

1. Make your succulents extra happy by using vintage wine bottles for homes.

2. Globe lights from IKEA can be a bit boring. All it takes is creativity and some paper to make them more exciting.

3. *Mary Poppins Song* “Just a spoonful of tea light helps the anxiety go down.”

4. Have an old rake? Don’t throw it out. Let it continue to serve you in the kitchen.

5. Again, why discard an old ladder when you can repurpose one as a wine rack?

6. If you thought spoons were a great way to present tea lights, these easy DIY plaster flowers take it to another level!

7. This old wine barrel section can become a beautiful vintage frame around your mirror.

8. With the right color paint, an extra piece of PVC pipe can holster your hair tools.

9. Tangled cords making a mess under the sink? A few PVC pipes on the inside of your cabinet door will solve the problem.

10. You know those really cool pallet planters you see all over the web? Here’s how to make one yourself.

11. Give your blank wall a Moroccan touch with this wall stenciling DIY.

12. Bring a spicy warm glow to your home with cinnamon stick candelabras.

13. Another amazing item made from wood pallets! This stylish coffee table is quite a tribute to the growing world of wood pallet DIYs. But seriously, I’m waiting for the day an entire mansion is made of wood pallets.

14. Great way to repurpose baby food jars into classy flower holders.

15. Keep a sandy mess to a minimum with this super clever, easy to build DIY covered sandbox.

16. These snazzy, roll out toy holders will fit perfectly under most beds.

17. Now that’s a DIY table design you don’t see every day.

18. These driftwood candle holders would bring a stylish touch to any home.

19. With a little paint and ingenuity, used glass bottles can be used to enhance a room.

20. With a little bit of paint and the right arrangement, you can turn regular cinder blocks into stylish plant holders.

21. There are simply too many cool ways to display plants on wood pallets that we can’t pass up.

22. Nothing says you love your family like going through the “pane and effort” it takes to frame their pictures on windows.

23. Because you can never have enough chic wine racks.

The post 23 Inexpensive DIY Projects You Need To Do This Summer appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

Ahhhh, to be a stay-at-home mom.

Hanging around, playing with the kids all day. Taking naps. Watching TV. Eating snacks… perhaps some bon-bons.

And then they get to have Mother’s Day. A whole day to be pampered and waited on. Like they need a day off, right?!

It’s not like they have a real job…

Must be nice having such an easy life, not having to work.

Oooooph.

That’s pretty rude to say, let alone think, right?

And it’s ignorant.

You probably cringed reading it.

Depicting a stay-at-home mom that way has become less common…less tolerated.

But you’ve certainly heard them depicted that way at some point.

It’s no walk in the park

If you do think the life of a stay-at-home mom is easy, you don’t even need to walk a mile in her shoes. Just offer to take her kids to the park for an hour or so. That’ll give you some perspective.

Sure, there’s fun and joy being at home with her children. But there’s also a whole lot of stress, worry, and frazzled nerves…and a whole lot of work.

Being a stay-at-home mom is no “walk in the park”.

It’s busy days sandwiched between early mornings and sleepless nights.

Often there’s an entire lack of understanding and appreciation for everything she does all day. Every day.

Sure, over the years, what it’s like to be a stay-at-home mom has become more understood. People tend to have empathy.

Yet, there’s the ever-present question moms often feel the need to justify and explain to others — “What do you do all day?”

It’s not like they need to answer that question, or prove anything to anyone. But it sure is nice when someone understands, empathizes, and respects what she does — and not just another stay-at-home mom.

It’s similar to being a real estate agent

While stay-at-home moms have gained understanding and empathy for what they do on a daily basis, real estate agents have not.

Not that it’s an issue most people have on their minds. But real estate agents certainly do.

It’s not uncommon for a real estate agent to hear someone say how nice it must be nice not to have a “real job”, and so much free time. It’s not unheard of for an agent to hear someone ask them if they are ever going to get a “real job”.

But it is a “real job”…and a tough one at that.

Not that agents need to justify, explain, or answer these questions for anyone but themselves…

…but it sure is nice when someone understands, empathizes, and respects what they do — and not just another real estate agent.

Like a mom

Most real estate agents aren’t rolling in dough, despite what many on the outside seem to think. Sure, some do. But very few…

But all real estate agents work tremendously hard for whatever amount they earn. Most work much harder, and much longer for every penny they earn than they would in a “real job”.

More often than not, it’s busy days sandwiched between early mornings and sleepless nights. Every day of the week, month, and year.

Sure, their days can be filled with fun and joy. It is fun to be with different clients every day, and go in and out of houses. It’s fun not to be tied down to a desk every minute of the work day. And there’s tremendous joy in getting a client’s home sold, or getting them into their dream home.

But there’s also a lot of stress and worry.

There’s stress and worry for their clients, their family, and themselves. (In that order for most agents.)

Yet, like a mom, they keep their cool, calm, cheerful demeanor. No need to worry their “children” with how they feel, or the weight of the world they help others navigate.

Not to refer to clients as children at all. But the care and concern for a client is much like a mom’s concern for her children. There’s a care for their clients that comes before their own needs and concerns.

Walk a mental mile in the shoes of an agent

Going back to the beginning…

At this point, it’s cringe-worthy to portray the life of a stay-at-home mom as easy and not a real job.

There was no formal movement that got people to start seeing things differently…just growing awareness and consideration. Bit by bit. Year by year. Decade by decade. Who knows who or what day that started?

While it may take years to get the same sort of growing respect and appreciation for what life as a real estate agent is truly like, let’s start it today.

Walk a mental mile in the shoes of an agent. Picture the stress, worry, and lack of guarantee they deal with every day.

And, in time, perhaps we’ll all cringe whenever someone claims it must be nice being a real estate agent, not having to have a “real job”.

Maybe, just maybe, someone will create a holiday called “Real Estate Agent Day”. But it better not be held on Sundays… ’cause they’ll probably all be working.

The post Real Estate Agents Are Like Stay-At-Home Moms appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

How would you like a soaking pool that is big enough to comfortably fit the family, easy to maintain, and costs around $440 to get started?

Whether you live in a place like this…

Or this, you can’t beat a deal like that

Stock tank pools are a new trend quickly rising in popularity. You might be thinking, “I don’t know how I’d feel swimming in a cow trough.” But these pools aren’t just cheap. They are highly versatile.

For instance, this “cow trough” has a salt water filter, a waterfall, and quite the setup for day or night soaking

Tractor Company Supply has commented, “More and more, we see our customers turning to this innovative solution as a way to enjoy many of the benefits of a pool without the high cost.”

Setting one of these puppies up is easy too. All you need is a flat surface large enough for the stock tank, and the pump. Then set up the tank, seal it, put the pump on and fill’er up!

Of course, you can use gravel or sand to help create a flat area

You can also simply sink them into the ground for added insulation and style

Annie McCreary, the owner of a stock pool, wrote on Instagram wrote, “We use an above ground pool pump/filter.” She also stated, “We do add chlorine as needed, just like a regular pool/spa. I test it daily with the pool strips, [and], I shock it once a week—so easy! If it gets too funky, it’s easy to drain and re-fill.”

You can style your pools any way you like, and not have to spend tens of thousands for it

Or you can decorate using the most versatile DIY material ever, the wood pallet

“I hear how simple you make it sound, but is it really? How do I make one of these?”

Stacey Maaser, author of Embracing Motherhood put together this detailed stock tank pool DIY to show you how to create one suitable for the whole family.

So, it’s inexpensive, easy to do, can be turned into any sort of soaking tub paradise you can imagine, and it can fit nearly anywhere. What’s the drawback?

My guess is, never wanting to get out

The post These Trendy “Stock Tank” Pools Are Popping Up In Back Yards Everywhere appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

So your kid is out there looking to buy a house.

You think to yourself, “I know she’s not a ‘kid’ anymore…”

But…she’s still your kid.

It’s hard to just stand by and watch. You want to step in and make sure she doesn’t make a mistake, or spend too much.

You can’t believe the prices of houses she’s looking at. You felt like the prices were high when you bought your first home, and now…now they’re just crazy. Who can afford these prices?

Everything she’s looking at are absolute money-pits. You feel like most of these houses are basically tear-downs.

And you’re pretty sure the agent she’s working with is just in it for the money…

Pushing her to make a quick decision.
Pushing her to go to the highest price she can afford.
Pushing her to make a decision before you chime in.
Pushing you away…so you can’t chime in and stop your daughter from making a mistake.

You have every right to feel this way

You’re a dad. You’re there for your kids, even once they’re an adult.

You’re there to help pick up the pieces if they fall. But, better yet…you’re there to help avoid pieces ever falling, and needing to be picked up.

And you’re right…

Real estate prices are higher than when you bought your first home. (And, yes, prices were high back then. It’s all relative.)

Many of the homes your kid has to choose from probably do need lots of work. Even the best of them might not be as nice as what you’re able to own and afford.

And, maybe the real estate agent is being “pushy” with your kid.

Annnnd…maybe the agent is pushing you away. Keeping you at arm’s length…

They have a right to feel this way

You aren’t the real estate agent’s client. Their duty is not to you. Your child is their adult client. And they also have a duty to protect them. Even from you (harsh as that may sound)…

Unfortunately, many dads (and, to be fair, many moms, too) have set the precedent.

Dads can be deal-killers. And not in the heroic you-saved-the-day kinda way.

Sometimes agents come across as being pushy, but are just expressing a need for urgency in a fast-moving market.

Sometimes agents seem to be “pushing the price up”. It would seem to be for their own benefit from the outsider’s point of view. But it could just be a reality their client needs to deal with. If they don’t go higher in price (even over asking at times), they won’t get the house they are going after. Or any house at all, for that matter.

Sometimes an agent may seem to be ignoring how much work a house needs. That might be because the house is a good deal as-is, or it’s the best location, or just as good as a buyer in that range can expect to find and afford.

Dads tend to swoop in during the moments of decision…coming to see a house their child is about to make an offer on…the house their kid fell in love with.

Dads don’t tend to be around for the entire process, and see every house their child saw along the way. Nor are they privy to every conversation they had about the market.

Buying a house is a process

Finding a house to buy is a lot of sifting through houses you don’t end up buying.

It’s a process of getting to know the inventory. Getting a feel for how the market is moving. How quickly other buys scoop things up. Making tentative low offers, and being beaten out by higher ones. Watching prices go above asking…or not. Seeing how few great houses there are to choose from, and being ready to pounce when you come across the “perfect” one (warts and all).

And often enough, buyers want to swing their dad by the “perfect” house to get dad’s opinion, blessing, and approval. (Plus, they’re also just excited to show dad the house they found and want to buy!)

That’s when dads often swoop in, without benefit of the entire process, and cast judgment down upon the house, the neighborhood, the market, and the agent(s)…and put the brakes on. Hard.

It’s usually with all the best intentions. And it’s undoubtedly meant to be good advice.

As a dad, you want to make sure your kid doesn’t make a mistake they regret. And the easiest way to do that is to give riskless advice…

“I wouldn’t buy this house. It needs too much work. It’s way overpriced. Wait. Wait for the market to get better. Wait for a better one to come along. Wait and save some money so you can afford a better house.”

Basically any advice but, “Buy this house! And buy it now!”

Because, advising your child not to buy a particular house, can never be proven as bad advice. It’s riskless. No mistake can be made. No pieces need to be picked up. They can’t get hurt if they don’t buy it.

Or can they!?!?!

Don’t get in the way

As much as you may not believe it at times, kids listen to their fathers.

Especially adult kids.

Especially on big decisions.

Even more so if dad has some skin in the game…like help with the down payment or closing costs. (Which is pretty common.)

Sometimes kids listen simply because they don’t want to make a decision and risk hearing, “I toldja so! Shoulda listened to me!”, the minute there’s an issue with the house.

And listening to dad’s advice can sometimes get in the way of getting the best house they could have, because someone else scoops it up while they hem and haw. And now they have to wait for the next needle in a haystack of a house to come along. If ever.

Or, eventually they have to settle for a house they like less when their back is against the wall of time, because they’re at the end of their lease, or they’re closing on the house they’re selling.

Once time is against them, all hope of negotiating the best deal is pretty much out the window.

That doesn’t mean don’t be involved

You should care.

And if your child wants you involved, you should be involved. Your perspective and advice can be helpful.

Believe it or not, most real estate agents will welcome your involvement. If your help, involvement and opinion are along for the ride, for the entire ride.

It’s best to be involved from the get-go. Go through the entire process with your child and their agent.

You may not want to go see alllllll of the houses they see in-person, or on-screen, but it’s important.

If you don’t, you lack a full picture and handle on the market that they build over time.

You don’t have to, of course…but then, you can’t just swoop in with your Superdad cape without feeling like you’re fighting your archenemy Superagent. And it’s a silly fight because you’re both trying to protect the same person.

You should both be protecting your child from potential pitfalls…not from each other.

The post The BEST Way To Be “Superdad” For Your Children During Their Home-Buying Experience appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

You want to work with a real estate agent who’s nice to be around. It’s stressful enough buying and selling houses. No need to work with someone you don’t get along with.

But it’s not like you’re looking to be friends with your real estate agent…let alone best friends.

More often than not, you end up becoming friends with your real estate agent.

The weird thing is, you don’t even realize how much of a friend you’ve become to each other, until you’re done buying or selling a house.

Sure, you both promise to keep in touch. And you do. But it’s not the same.

Here are 6 ways your real estate agent feels like one of your best friends.

1. Do I look fat in this?

Ahhh, that old question. Only a true friend can answer you honestly when you ask this question. Heck, a best friend will probably tell you even if you don’t ask.

Maybe your agent would too…

But more importantly, think about all of the houses your agent talked you out of “wearing” because it didn’t fit you quite right either.

Your agent cared more about you, and how you felt in the house you bought, than just smiling, being nice, and saying, “You look great in this house!”

2. OMG, don’t ever tell anyone I said that!

Your mother-in-law is a total pain in the ass.

It just slipped out. You even used the word “ass” when you said it to your agent.

It was probably at that moment you became like best friends. You knew, without even asking, that she’d never breathe a word of that to your mother-in-law, your spouse, or any other living soul. That was between you two. Your agent’s got your back.

And, your agent totally took that into account when showing you houses just a liiiiiitttttle bit further away from your mother-in-law’s house.

3. You get a little jealous.

You see your agent’s car driving past you on the other side of the road. Immediately, a smile breaks out on your face. You roll down your window and stick your arm out! You wave like a lunatic!

But, as the car gets closer you see there’s other people in her car. They’re laughing. Having a grand old time. Such a good time that your agent blows by you without even seeing you, let alone waving.

Was that another client?! Could your agent possibly be having that good of a time with anyone else?

You feel a little jealous. Or is it hurt?

You realize your agent needs to make a living, but, c’mon… are those clients THAT much more fun to work with than you?!

You vow to figure out a way to buy and sell more houses every year so that you are his/her only client.

4. But, you still want the best for your agent.

You quickly realize it’s impractical to be an agent’s only client. And you start to remember how he/she truly wanted the best for you in your life…beyond even just the home you bought or sold.

So, your jealousy is fleeting. You come to terms with it. You want him/her to be happy, even if it’s with another person.

But, you also don’t want to see your agent out with any old clients, so you always make sure refer your friends and family who need to buy or sell — people you know will treat your best friend (strikethru) agent right.

5. You truly miss seeing each other.

While you were working together, you saw each other more than once a week. But once the deal was done, there just wasn’t enough reason (or time) to get together every week anymore.

You both promised you would get together, even after the deal was done. But then you realize it’s been close to a year since you even grabbed coffee together.

You realize that you truly miss hanging out together. You start to feel like it would be easier to get together if you’d just sell your house, rather than try and grab coffee.

6. You turn your agent’s head.

You don’t realize it, but every single time your agent drives by your street, let alone your house, he/she turns and looks.

Why? For the off-chance you’ll be outside, or driving out of your neighborhood? Just to catch a glimpse of you? Just to wave?

No…

Because you’re always on your agent’s mind. Even if you haven’t seen each other in ages. Even if he/she is out having a great time with other clients. Even if it seems he/she is too busy to catch up and see you.

Your agent is busy making a living in a demanding career…but NOT too busy for YOU. Your agent does truly consider you a friend. And like a best friend, your agent will always be there for you when you truly need real estate assistance of any kind.

Don’t forget that.

The post 6 Ways Your Real Estate Agent Is Like Your Best Friend appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

There’s usually at least one home in every neighborhood that looks so attractive you can’t help but slow down and swoon each time to walk or drive by. On the flip side, there may be a few that force you to look away in horror. (Sorry, neighbors.)

It’s a fact: Curb appeal can make or break your home. So, it’s no surprise that a house that makes you want to move right in before you’re even past the mailbox not only commands a higher selling price but also sells faster.

Whether it’s the perfect paint job, meticulous landscaping, or a combination of these and other factors, some homeowners will go to extraordinary lengths to create the “wow” factor necessary to woo would-be buyers.

Let’s look at the ways you can boost your home’s curb appeal.

1. Freshen up the facade

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Nothing improves the look of your home faster than a power washing, fresh paint job, or new siding. Depending on your budget and how desperately your place needs a facelift, consider one of these options and see if your home doesn’t look as good as new. Need more incentive? An exterior paint job can potentially increase the value of your home from 2 to 5 percent, according to Consumer Reports.

2. Roll out the green carpet

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Think of a sweeping green lawn like a lush welcome mat. It’s just that inviting. If you’ve noticed some weeds or bare spots, it’s time to put your green thumb to work. Especially in good weather, your lawn is an extension of your home, providing a wonderful space to enjoy both recreation and relaxation. If your grass has gone to seed, consider rolling out some sod, which serves as a fast solution to your lawn dilemmas. Not sure about the effort or expenditure? Consider this: According to The Lawn Institute, a well-maintained lawn increases a home’s property value by 15 to 20 percent.

3. Trim those hedges

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Your grounds needn’t rival the Gardens of Versailles, but ensuring that they’re well-kept goes a long way toward creating an overall appealing look. Scraggly shrubs and bushes that have seen better days detract from your home’s appearance. Be sure to prune overgrown hedges and remove and replace anything that’s dead, as it can also be a fire hazard in some areas.

4. Spruce up the fence

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They say fences make good neighbors, but they’re also great for adding privacy while keeping kids contained and pets on your property. Depending on the material you select, such as wood, cast-iron, or concrete versus chain-link, a fence will add value during an appraisal. If you already have one, be sure it’s in the best shape possible.

5. Raise the roof

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You want your home to dazzle from top to bottom. If your roof is in bad shape, it’s not only going to drag down the look of your home, it’s also going to bring down its value while possibly making it less energy-efficient. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2013 Cost vs. Value Report, a new roof boosts a home’s resale value by a national average of nearly $12,000. Not too shabby!

6. Add a pop of color

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Now that you’ve taken care of the major items, it’s time to get creative. Ornamental plants provide a welcome burst of color and add interest and intrigue. This is a homeowner’s chance to show a little personality. Pick plants and flowers that fit your lifestyle, terrain, and budget. (Then, don’t forget to water them!)

7. Light it up

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Strategically-placed outdoor lighting allows you to show off your home’s best features. It also offers safety to family members as well as guests who come and go after the sun sets. If you’re interested in keeping electricity costs to a minimum, look into solar lighting.

8. Pave the way

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Though most of the time it’s simply a place to park your car, your driveway can up your curb appeal if it’s in tip-top shape. Asphalt makes it easy to plow if you live in a climate that gets plenty of snow. Homebuyers with young children love it as a spot to let kids play basketball, scooter and skateboard, or create a masterpiece with sidewalk chalk. If you have the means, upgrading to pavers adds an elegant touch that will truly make your home stand out.

9. Don’t forget maintenance!

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Whether you’re hoping to put your home on the market or plan to stay put permanently, increasing your curb appeal is always a good idea. So, if you’ve made improvements, stay on top of them. Small things like a missing shutter or a loose gutter rob your home of its chance to live up to its true potential. Plus, when you stand back and admire your property, you’ll remember why you feel in love with your home in the first place.

The post 9 Surefire Ways to Boost Your Curb Appeal appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

Some say in order to be a great Realtor you have to put yourself in your clients’ shoes. Kristina Smallhorn, a real estate agent from Lake Charles, Louisiana, really takes that heart.

In her hilarious YouTube series, Ascension Parish Realtor Stories, the clever agent transforms “weird and funny situations” that she’s experienced on the job into satirical videos, capturing the not-so-subtle challenges Realtors face while helping clients check all the boxes on their wish lists.

In her latest, Smallhorn, who’s dubbed herself ‘Your Real Estate Whisperer‘, plays three roles: herself, a homebuyer with a keen hatred for half-baths, and ‘Sunshine,’ the client’s loud and feisty toddler.

Whether you’ve been the Realtor, the buyer with very particular ideas, or the kid in the backseat whose heart is set on getting the biggest room in the house, you can’t help get a “kick” out of this video.

The post Video Nails Hilarity of House Hunting With a Fussy Mom & Toddler appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

Whether you’re putting your home on the market or searching for your dream house, a Realtor is going to help you achieve your goal as smoothly and seamlessly as possible.

From striking the best deal to simplifying that often-daunting paperwork, these pros truly do and know significantly more than their job title implies. In order to maximize your value and minimize your stress level, your agent must morph into nearly a dozen different roles to get the job done.

Let’s take a look at some of the other hats your Realtor wears throughout the course of a single transaction.

1. Expert photographer

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We’re all familiar with that expression, “A picture’s worth a thousand words,” but when it comes to selling houses, a great photo might be worth a thousand walk-throughs. Because most homebuyers are browsing the web before hitting the open house circuit, photography has the power to reel them in or convince them to keep scrolling.

Who’s going to make that tiny half-bath look like it’s large enough to host Thanksgiving dinner? Photographers, er, Realtors know just the right angles to show off your home and make it look so good you might wonder why you’re putting it up for sale in the first place.

2. Magician

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Though they may not carry a wand, Realtors are experts at working a little magic when it comes to transforming the average home into a stunning showplace. They also have the ability to make things happen. Negotiation stalled? A great Realtor is often able to reach an agreement when others would’ve considered all hope lost. Pulling proverbial rabbits out of their hats is par for the course.

3. Chauffeur

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According to the National Association of Realtors, its agents log approximately 30,300 miles annually for business-related driving. With their trusty GPSs and chargers, cars are virtual mobile offices for agents on the go. Visiting the car wash is almost a prerequisite for this post.

4. Home stager

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Knowing exactly which furnishings to keep and which to store takes a home from meh to marvelous. Recognizing that clean countertops, perfect accessories, and a well-placed plant may make all the difference, Realtors will put your furnishings to work for you and remove those that work against you. (Dogs playing poker painting, we’re looking at you!)

5. Landscaper

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Never underestimating the value of curb appeal, Realtors aren’t afraid to whip out their green thumbs when yards require a little TLC. Let’s be honest: If a lawn doesn’t look well-maintained, buyers assume the interior is probably in shambles as well. Enough said.

6. Psychiatrist

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For most people, a home is the largest asset they’ll ever own. So it’s natural that from time to time both sellers and buyers require a little hand-holding along the way. According to home design and improvement site Houzz, simply making home renovations can lead 12 percent of couples to consider divorce. We imagine those figures only increase when you think about all that’s at stake with a home sale or purchase — not to mention moving!

7. Plumber

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Toilets have an uncanny knack for overflowing just seconds before an open house begins. Water pressure in a bathroom sink or shower somehow dwindles down to a trickle moments before a buyer is about to cross the threshold. But never fear, Realtors are ready. If they can’t fix it themselves in a hurry, chances are they’ve got a connection who’ll have it repaired in no time.

8. Life coach

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Whether buying or selling, sometimes clients need a little pumping up — as in “You’ve got this!” From qualifying for a mortgage to hiring a mover, Realtors have your back and are rooting for you every step of the way.

On other occasions, clients may benefit from a bit of tough love. Realtors aren’t afraid to tell clients what’s best for them when they lose perspective.

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9. Lawyer

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Just hearing the words “attorney review” can strike fear in the hearts of most, but particularly first-time buyers and sellers. Your agent will put that legalese into layman’s terms and your mind at ease. And you don’t even need to put them on retainer.

10. Home inspector

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Going beyond the simple white-glove test, your Realtor will notice everything from less-than-gleaming light fixtures and mismatched doorknobs to sagging gutters and cracks in the foundation. If you’re selling, these extra touches will make your home sparkle during an open house and prevent any unwanted surprises from popping up on an inspection report.

If you’re the buyer, you want these eagle eyes on your side as well, pointing out repairs that may help you get a better price or at least help you negotiate when the time comes.

11. Marketing guru

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Marketing is so much more than ‘For Sale’ signs and postcard mailers — but, of course those are important too. Having a branded online presence and knowing how to harness the power of social media is key when it comes to promoting properties. Much like Mad Men‘s Don Draper, Realtors are powerful storytellers at a time when every word counts.

With so many talents wrapped up in one title, it kind of makes you look at those commissions in a whole new light, right?

The post When You Hire a Realtor, You’re Also Partnering With These 11 Pros appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

If you thought cranky and quirky buyers and sellers presented one of the biggest challenges Realtors face, you may have forgotten about something even more unpredictable: their pets.

Real estate industry experts shared the strangest encounters they’ve had with animals. Some are hilarious, while others are downright scary. All will make you think twice the next time you enter an open house.

1. Get off me, goat!

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“Was showing an acre of property to buyers. The sellers had some farm animals — chickens, goats, etc. One of the goats started following me around. Almost aggressively, harassment style, and this was not a small goat. Eventually, well, it tried to mount me. Horribly embarrassing, I ended up running inside while my buyers toured the rest of the backyard. For some reason, it was fixated on me. My clients could not stop laughing.” — Leah Bubb, Realtor® with HomeSmart

2. Dead or alive?

“Came upon a mini schnauzer peacefully sleeping on a bedroom bed. As I got closer, I realized it was not only dead and stuffed but that it had a breathing apparatus in it to make it seem alive!” — Amy Williamson, Realtor® with RE/MAX Integrity

Actual footage above, no lie!

3. Realtor or dog sitter?

“During an open house I was asked to hold a dog outside, but I needed to sing to the dog and rock it like a baby. I was like ‘…What?’ But I did it.” — Pate Stevens, an agent with luxury real estate firm Nourmand & Associates.

4. A wee accident

“I was getting ready to start the open house and the client was cleaning her things so I took the dog in my lap, and when he got back down I noticed it (he was tiny so it wasn’t a lot, but still! Pee!)! Not a great way to start off! It showed visibly on my outfit and the tenant freaked out, she was so embarrassed. Luckily I have a pup at home so I knew that with a tide pen and a hair dryer I could get it out. The tenant was mortified but had both of those things so I got it out and moved on.” — Sam Lazar, an agent with Triplemint.

5. Oh, rats!

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“There was a time recently, where my buyer and I were traveling through the home. I am not a fan of unfinished basements. With flashlight in hand, (because in the unfinished ones, the lighting is always horrible) we walked down the long hallway. And we heard the oddest sound. A mixture of a squeak and scratching. At first I was really nervous because I thought there were mice. Then there it was! A big fat rat in a cage. We both let out a screech and got out of the basement real quick.” — Denise Supplee, Realtor®/Investor/Landlord Expert/co-founder and operations director of SparkRental.com / Educator at Snaplandlord.com.

6. Dog day afternoon

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“My clients and I got locked inside an apartment because the door knob wasn’t secure. After not being able to get out for awhile one of my clients climbed out the fire escape and starting banging on windows. He unknowingly knocked on a doggy daycare directly under the apartment and when the employee opened the door, at least 15 dogs ran out and started running around. Once the employee corralled all the dogs back inside, we were able to walk through their store to escape.” — Maggie Fanney, an agent with Triplemint.

7. Reptile Room

“Showing Instructions: Locked door in basement is reptile room. Do not attempt to open, as they are uncaged. If buyer is interested, seller will open room for 2nd showing. Needless to say I didn’t show the house.” — Jessica Thomas, Former Professional Development Chair at Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS® and Realtor® at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate- Kansas City Homes

8. Horsing Around

“Here I am, fresh off the licensing train at the ripe age of 18. Meeting a new potential client, I show up early open up the house. It’s a cute little bungalow in a small ‘historic’ town. I walk around the corner and there is a horse in the living room! (vacant home) It’s just chilling there! To be honest, I’m not sure how it even got in there. But you could tell it had been in there a while. I called the listing agent and he had no idea how it happened or who the horse belonged to. So, I called up a family member who runs a rescue and after doing some footwork, we got it home. Almost a decade later and it’s still one of my favorite stories.” — Danyl Winderlin, Realtor® with Realtypath

9. Hogging all the attention

via GIPHY

“While I was showing a vacant home, a massive hog wandered up to the property and started eating grass. He stayed the whole time we were showing. When I told the listing agent about the hog, she stated that it was negotiable.” — Emily Isbell, Realtor® at The RealTeam Homes & Land

10.Table-sized turtle

via GIPHY

“I was photographing a home and the homeowners had left. I was on the third floor and heard a bunch of noise on the main level like furniture was being moved around. I thought they were back home, but when I came in the living room there was a GIANT turtle in the center of the room. I mean like the size of a big round coffee table. He was banging into the furniture and causing quite a ruckus! — Angela Romano, Realtor®; at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach

11. Hamster mishap

“During a showing, I was in the hallway turning on lights while my clients were checking out the hall bath. I stepped into a child’s room to flip on the light at about the same time the pet hamster escaped from his plastic exercise ball,apparently the child had forgotten to take the hamster out of the ball and put the little guy back into his cage. Before I knew it, the hamster had rushed passed me, down the hall and into the hall bath, where my client proceeded to stomp on him! He did not die right away, so we gently placed him back into his cage but I cannot imagine that he lived much longer… That was an awkward phone call to the listing agent but I was sure glad that I wasn’t in the listing agents shoes, having to tell the family before they came back home. My clients did not buy that home.” — Brenda Miller, REALTOR® at eXp Realty

12. Monkey business

“We have a local lender in this area that has a pet Capuchin Monkey. He brings it to closings sometimes, always a hit!” — Ed Cordle, Realtor® at Genesis Real Estate

13. Creepy Kitty

via GIPHY

“My partner and I were showing a precious little townhouse to a client. A beautiful solid white fluffy cat lived there. The cat had a pure evil expression the entire time and followed us around the house. When we got to the master bedroom, the cat jumped up onto the bed, looked us dead in the eyes and peed on the bed never breaking its glare at us. Pure evil!” — Danyalle Friday, Realtor® at Montgomery Metro Realty

14. Just ducky

via GIPHY

“A garage full of ducks at the home inspection. Keep in mind, they weren’t there before. And boy did it smell horrible!” — Roberta Tynik Lejeune, Realtor® at Better Home and Gardens Real Estate

15. Just Batty

via GIPHY

“Walked down into the unfinished basement of an older home a few weeks ago… was only down there for about 10 seconds until a bat flew by my head. Bye Felicia.” — Ryan Ballard, REALTOR® at Key Realty

16. Butting heads

via GIPHY

“Chased by neighbor’s goats all the way into the house, where they then began butting the door. A horse in the garage was a big surprise too.” — Jackie Merritt Realtor® The Danberry Co., Realtors

17. Polite Parrot

via GIPHY

“I was showing a house once, and I arrived before my buyers. I rang the doorbell just to be sure no one was home. When no one answered, I opened the door and heard, ‘Hello?! Who’s there?’ Startled, I started to apologize and explain that I was a Realtor® who was there for a showing. I got cut off again with another, ‘Hello?! Who’s there?’ About 30 seconds later, I finally realized it was a parrot and not a person.” — Kara Pagliarulo, Attorney at Law at Attorney Support Solutions, Kara Pagliarulo, Esq.

18. Squirrely showing

“I came across a caged pet squirrel once. He didn’t seem happy. — Jamie Hering, Realtor® at Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate

19. Magic carpet

via GIPHY

“I was showing a home and the owner was there. There was an empty glass tank. I asked what used to be in the tank and he said it was a snake. When I asked where the snake was he said he wasn’t sure but he knew it was around somewhere. When I looked in the corner there was a lump moving under the carpet.” — Heather Bennett, REALTOR® at Hunt Real Estate ERA

20. Pig contingency

via GIPHY

“The sellers had a pet pig, and for unknown reasons, they had decided to leave the pig roaming around inside the home when they left. Just as the buyers arrived, ‘Stella’ came swaggering out of a bedroom to greet everyone. She was a medium-sized pig, quite charismatic, and friendly, although noticeably aromatic if you catch my drift. That pig stayed right by my buyers’ sides during the entire showing, walking from room to room, occasionally squeaking it’s approval while looking up at the young couple. I could tell that these folks were becoming more attached to the pig than to the house itself. They had fallen in love!

As we were departing the home, the buyers were non-committal. I thought to myself, ‘They really love this pig, and I also knew that the sellers had a dilemma to solve that the buyers didn’t know about. They couldn’t bring their pig with them to the new apartment they were moving to. So just before entering our vehicles to leave, I said, ‘You seem to have taken a real liking to ‘Stella.’ They nodded in agreement. ‘If you decide to place an offer on this home I could write a contingency into the contract that the pig would go with the house. I think the sellers might just go along with that!’ They smiled and said, ‘You’re kidding with us, right?’ I said, ‘No, I’m serious! I’ll write it right into the deal if you want!’ The young bride looked squarely at her husband and said, ‘Hon, Let’s do that!’

Back at my office, I placed the contract/offer in front of Gene, my then manager, for him to peruse and approve. He smiled while staring down at the clause, ‘The pig (Stella) conveys with the property.’

The deal was made, and everyone was happy. Everyone at my office got a big kick out of this unique contingency which I included in the offer. We had lots of fun in those days at the office. All the agents were like family and friends. After the closing, one of my colleagues, Raylene, presented me with a little statue of a pig that really resembled Stella. I still cherish that statue to this day, and look at it when I need a smile.” — Tom Cirignano, author of The Constant Outsider

I’ll leave you with a viral video that’s making its rounds on the internet (trust me, it’s pet related — just wait for it). No word on whether the woman is a door-knocking agent or not. Let’s just pretend she is.

The post 20 Most Unusual Pet Encounters Realtors Are Still Reliving appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

So your home’s on the market — are you jazzed about getting it sold? Good. But there are a few things you need to know. More specifically, ten things. They’re called “The Ten Commandments of Selling a Home.”

Read them. Absorb them. Emblazon them to memory, because one tiny mis-step can make your dream of moving on to your next home come crashing down like a sandcastle at high tide.

(See below for text transcription)

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The post The Ten Commandments Of Selling A Home (Infographic) appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

Helping someone buy a home can be a wonderfully rewarding experience, but it’s not without its challenges. From finding the perfect place and completing piles of paperwork to negotiating like a champ and doing plenty of hand-holding along the way, a Realtor®’s job is all-encompassing. And it’s often made that much taxing by the bad behavior of clients.

We asked agents to share some of the things buyers do that drive them absolutely crazy. If you’re a Realtor®, perhaps you can relate. If you’re in the market for a new home, stay on your agent’s good side by keeping this conduct to a minimum.

1. Wanting to shop before getting pre-approved

"Oh wow, Windows. I don't think I can afford this place."

“I take pride in laying out what the buying process looks like, and help them understand the value of getting pre-approved first, however sometimes buyers, in the midst of the process (i.e. during credit repair) get excited about buying a home and want to start shopping before they’re ready to buy. The worst thing I can do is show a client a home they fall in love with and then let them watch it be sold to someone else because they can’t put in an offer yet. Most clients understand this…some I have to remind a few times.” — Katie Messenger , REALTOR® Keller Williams Louisville East

2. Ghosting

via GIPHY

“Being unresponsive when I reach out. This doesn’t mean I require my clients to answer every time, or call me back in 30 seconds, however don’t disappear for days at a time when we are mid-negotiation, or if we have a deadline. Most of this can be avoided in an initial meeting where expectations are laid out about when both parties are available or the best ways to communicate, however sometimes clients don’t understand the rules of a contract.” — Messenger continued.

3. Refusing to negotiate

via GIPHY

“When the buyer decides to walk because the two steps in front of the home does not have a handrail. Really?” — Cynthia Blackwell, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, REAL Broker, LLC

4. Neglecting the kids

via GIPHY

“Unsupervised children on showing appointments can be challenging. I try to watch my client’s kids, but there was this one time that a child picked up a toy in a house. His parents realized the mistake two homes later. Alas, I was showing mountain property and had to drive 45 minutes back up two canyons to the house where the toy was removed from. LOL. ” — Bob Gordon, Realtor® at Berkshire Hathaway

5. Dreaming too big

via GIPHY

“It’s awful when a buyer client falls in love with listings for homes that are out of their price range. It sours them a little on the homes that are within their range, because the more expensive properties usually have something that makes them more desirable and hence more expensive.” — Flavia Berys, real estate broker and attorney.

6. Bringing pets along

via GIPHY

“Buyers who bring their little dogs ‘who are part of the family’ and the dog pees on the new/clean carpet.” — Linnie Smith, Managing Broker/Realtor at Windermere Professional Partners

7. Keeping info (too) close to the vest

via GIPHY

“Not wanting to disclose their financial situation or provide documentation when they have a lot of assets and complain about having to do it…EVERY TIME.” — Sarah Bhagwansingh, a real estate agent with Triplemint

8. Touring homes to pass the time

via GIPHY

“A gentleman who insisted upon seeing the most expensive condos in the building I was representing. It turned out he worked as a doorman and this was his day off entertainment.” — Melissa Assael, Real Estate Broker, Douglas Elliman Real Estate

via GIPHY

“Or people to spend two days of your time in 112° having to drive them around to explore the city to discover they don’t want to make offer.” — Karey Maniscalco, Realtor® at RealtyPath

9. Making insultingly low offers

via GIPHY

“Buyers who want to submit a ridiculously low offer on a home the first day it’s listed in a market where homes are selling at or above list price.” — Helena Cameron, Realtor® at Sibcy Cline

10. Experiencing a change of heart

via GIPHY

“Tell me to make offers only to change their minds once it’s accepted.” — Maniscalco added.

11. Trying to run the show

via GIPHY

“Buyers that do their own searches and send over tons of homes for us to look up that are already under contract, or way over their price point, or not even close to what they said their needs were.” — Darlene Schmitt, real estate agent at West USA Realty,

12. Leaving their manners in the car

via GIPHY

“Buyers that stand on the porch or discuss negative opinions inside the home without regard to video and audio recording devices. I had a seller that overheard a buyer ask their agent how low could they get the house…agent said watch me work my magic! Not cool.” — Debra Jourdan, broker associate at Luxury Estates Realty Group, LLC

The post Top 12 Things Buyers Do That Drive Realtors® Bananas appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

For most people, their home is the largest asset they’ll ever own. That means that when it comes time to sell it, many experience a welling of emotions that makes them eager, anxious, and overwhelmed simultaneously. (A dangerous combination indeed.)

While Realtors® are there to help navigate this tricky time, often sellers become their own worst enemies — and drive their agents nuts along the way.

We asked real estate pros to share the behaviors sellers exhibited that bothered them most. See if any of these sound familiar.

1.Sticking around for showings

“A homeowner who not only would remain in the house during all showings and open houses. He insisted upon following me around and telling the buyers his personal stories. He even rolled up his pants leg to show off an injury he sustained while riding on a motorcycle. Suffice it to say, those buyers never returned. The house did not sell and I happily released the listing.” — Melissa Assael, Real Estate Broker, Douglas Elliman Real Estate

2. Refusing advice

“Not acknowledging sound advice regarding property pricing. Oftentimes many are emotionally attached of their properties leading to sentiment overcoming fair market value observations. The problem arises when lenders/buyers enforce appraisal contingencies disrupting a transaction.” — Michael Kelczewski, a Realtor® with Brandywine Fine Properties Sotheby’s International Realty.

3. Group inspection

“The top thing that drove my real estate agents (who usually referred me) nuts was having the buyer and the seller both show up for the home inspection. And although I always encourage the buyer (who pays me for the report) to attend the inspection, it really fouls things up when they are ALL there.” — Lisa Turner, home inspector and author of House Keys

4. Leaving pets on the loose

“Not removing (or crating) pets from the home for showings. I know it can be hard on short notice, and can be stressful for the pet sometime, however people with allergies (especially to cats) probably aren’t going to buy your home if they’re greeted by said cats because they’re going to be too busy trying not to sneeze to enjoy the home.” — Katie Messenger – REALTOR® Bello Dimora Real Estate Network (now serving Kentucky and Cincinnati, OH areas)

5. Refusing to clean

“When you are scheduling showings for your client and the home is not clean — who wants to view a dirty home?” — Cynthia Blackwell, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, REAL Broker, LLC

6. Making unreasonable demands

“Sellers wanting to price way over my recommendations and then asking me to discount my commission!!” — Kari Gollup, Real Estate Broker Associate at Realty Executives Cooper Spransy

7. Requiring too much notice for showings

“When the seller keeps asking why their home is not selling yet they need a 24 hour notice and declines the showing every time even with the notice.” — Cynthia Blackwell added.

8. Experiencing a change of heart

“When the seller likes the repairs and staging so much they decide not to sell!” — Melinda L Schnur, Realtor®

9. Expecting a bundle without putting in a bit of effort

“Expecting top dollar for their filthy home that hasn’t been cleaned, painted, vacuumed or updated since 1991.” — Rachel Carroll Johnson REALTOR®; Licensed at Keller Williams Realty South Tampa

10. Asking your advice … when they didn’t hire you

“Ask their realtor friends that they did not hire for advice.” — Roni B Sterin, Realtor® at Broward County Realty by Roni B Sterin, G&E Realty Group

11. Calling… constantly

“Calls and texts at all hours with no regard, and everything is an emergency!” — Jordan Sonner, Realtor® at Hilo Brokers

12. Shooting the messenger

“Getting angry at the me when a third party (like a buyer, inspector, appraiser, etc) gives them news they don’t like. I’m just a messenger relaying information between parties. I didn’t personally write you a lowball offer, or find termites in your crawl space. Thankfully, I developed thick skin and know that the process can be emotional when a lot of money is involved, so I remain calm and bring it back to facts and let them know I understand their frustration, and then typically everyone calms down.” — Katie Messenger , REALTOR® Keller Williams Louisville East

The post 12 Things Sellers Do That Drive Realtors® Nuts appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.