In other businesses that I have managed, my clients always appreciated having their expectations managed, therefore, I was always a proponent of giving information up front to save them time and limit disappointment.
With real estate, I see very successful listing agents who list properties with ambiguity or fantasy over plain old truth…not all realtors – some say it like it is….needs TLC etc…
Take this one:
Listing Agent Language: “Once part of the Dunellen Hall Estate – offered for the first time in 30 years”
Buyer Agent Language: Before the Queen of Mean aka Leona Helmsley owned the property historically known as Dunellen Hall, the equestrian parcel was part of the estate. Unique property translates to: unique buyer – exit strategy will be equally challenging.
NORTH OF THE MERRITT BETWEEN ROUND HILL AND LAKE
SHARED GOLDEN POND
Listing Agent Language: 8+ Pastoral Acres with Riparian Rights
Buyer Agent Language: Paying taxes on 8+ acres with 1/3 of it in the drink, that is also accessed by 6 of your neighbors
BUILT IN 1735 – RENOVATED IN 1998
Listing Agent Language: Colonial Home with gourmet kitchen. 4 Bedrooms
Buyer Agent Language: Really Old House – last renovated in 1998 – claims to have a gourmet kitchen, but the listing agent has chosen not to photograph it. 4 Bedrooms within 1654 SF
MORE MOSS THAN SHINGLE
Listing Agent Language: Equestrian Barn
Buyer Agent Language: Horse Barn the desperately needs a new roof
A more direct way to communicate this listing is to say it like it is. 8+ acres of country living. Unique horse property on Topping Lake with original barn, stable and country home.
For the nostalgic, restoration may be your path – and for the less sentimental buyer, FAR is XYZ – listing broker doesn’t mention what this may be, althouhg he has it listed for both residential and land….there are setbacks and obviously wetlands to consider, so too much homework that he should have done already….in my opinion.
The art of the deal transcends all businesses, and more so in real estate than in many other professions. For the client, it's often an emotional purchase or sale, rather than a simple commodity or luxury item. I make it my mission to have each side come to terms with a transaction that works for everyone. It's not always easy, but good things in life usually take effort - something from which I've never shied.
Licensed since 2009 as a real estate sales agent in CT & NY, I often work with clients on the border of both areas.
With sales and distribution experience for luxury designer products, and watching/reacting to the markets, my acumen for sales was established. Achieving success and contributing to the growth of many global apparel designer brands, such as Giorgio Armani and Paul Smith for over 20 years, it was time for a change. I wanted to explore another passion that would keep me in one location rather than traveling the globe.
Now I have the best of both worlds, a successful business as a fulfilling personal life. My husband and I have lived in back country Greenwich since 2003, where we enjoy easy access to great biking, hiking and golf. We love to ski and that's usually where our travel takes us.
Life is good in Greenwich!
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