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.
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| NORTH OF THE MERRITT BETWEEN ROUND HILL AND LAKE |
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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.