I was responding to another Blog I recently wrote and created a simple diagram that explains it all. Many times when a seller lists a home for sale they have a purpose. In real estate agents call this motivation levels. It isn't all about getting the most money, or pulling off the highest sales price in the neighborhood. It is more than that. A sale and a move must have some purpose or reason for doing so. If a spouse or a loved one is transferred out of state with his or her job and the family is left behind to maintain the home until it sells that is a big reason to sell. If a spouse loses a job in one city and has to relocate elsewhere to take a new job, or down size that is a big reason. If a person has an illness or the death of a spouse that is a big reason to sell the big home and down size. The big reason are the loved ones we have...the tough decisions we must make to get things back on track. The main reason to sell a home is part of a strategy that should include goal setting. That will define your needs and priorities. In other words...sellers create goals for themselves. Getting from where they are in one place in life, to that other place where things should work out for the best. I call this "Getting from Point A to Point B!" I am not saying this is an EZ task, but it is a mindset that has to be formed. In the movie the "Blues Brothers" they called this "On a mission from God!"
It may be tough, but it is more of how you look at the situation. Do you have hope, or are you hopeless? Is there a solution, or have you just given up? I feel in many cases there are solutions. If you take a loss on one side (selling a home), negotiate tough on the buyers side. Take hostages until you get what you want! There isalways that leveler in life where the playing field comes down to size, and the loss on one side may come down to size with a more affordable home, and much better mortgage rates. Do not let the big task overwhelm you, There are plenty of real solutions in life, you just need to work with someone that can provide them! Ellen and I have been providing great solutions in Atlanta real estate since 1992.
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I like that simple diagram. Too many times people get caught up in all the stress and drama of the situation and forget the simple basics.
Randy L. Prothero - Hawaii REALTOR® (Century 21 Liberty Homes) I agree! We must reduce all of the hype about selling a home to the most simple form in order the seller can move past the emotions and grasp the goal. Everyone on the team must be able to visualize the goal!
It's funny because there a quite a few people who do not sell their home because they do not want to realize a loss yet if they turn around and buy another home in the same market they will make that loss right back up and achieve their goal.
Bill Gassett Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate (RE/MAX Executive Realty) There are loads of items ou there, but many never step back from the emotion to see the potentials. Goal setting and achievement of those goals have to be a priority.
Jim,
It's all about making lemonade out of life's lemons!!! :) Thanks, Fran
Jim-Great post, I do agree with Bill Gassett and Fran "The Title Man" Have a great New Year.
Fran 'The Title Man' Gaspari Title Insurance-PA & NJ (Patriot Land Transfer, Inc.) Exactly. We can stand still and complain or we can sell and move on, and try to pick up the loss on the other end.
Joseph D. Federico Westwood, MA Real Estate 781-389-8700 (RE/MAX Landmark) Thanks!
It isn't simple at all - it says it all very clearly and is very creative just as I know your home marketing strategies are. Atlantans are lucky to have you and Ellen, Karen
Karen Kruschka - Fairfax Prince William Stafford County VA Real Estate Service (Long & Foster America's #1 Privately Owned Real Estate Co.) Thank so much. When ou know what you are doing it may look easy. You are correct. Happy New Year!
I just had this conversation with a client last week and ran some numbers on their savings at a 5% or lower interest rate.
You make a great point. You can still make a marvelous move up and get a great deal. A home you may not have been able to purchase in a sellers market.