Buyers, don't fall for these five ridiculous real estate marketing ploys, according to the blog Housing Bubble.

(Note: these were actual buyer incentives.  We're not making this stuff up).

1. Easy builder upgrades such as granite countertops, crown molding, etc.

Okay, we all know these aren't worth much.  Who's really being fooled here?

2. Cars. 

Well, the new entry-level Mercedes from Adkins Builders in Nashville may be the exception, but who wants a used 2005 Accord or an "antique" 1954 Cadillac?

3.Harley-Davidson.

Fella, not everyone is going to be thrilled with that one.  I wouldn't even know how to sit on it, much less drive it.

4. Extensive Remodeling

This is my most fav selling mistake, because savvy buyers can really rack up the points here.  That's if they care.  Most don't.

My real estate agent  sister-in-law sold a $900,000 house that had almost unbelievable remodeling. 

It didn't help move that behemoth one iota.  The price still came down and the buyer got one of the deals of the decade. 

"I can buy a ______ paintbrush, for Pete's sake," says Edgewater John, one of Housing Bubble's readers.

(I left out the expletive, and he's right, incidentally) .

5. $15,000 shopping spree.

I may  be sounding almost un-American for saying this, but I hate gift certificates.  Cash is just so much easier.

Which brings me to a profound realization that was well stated by Windermere realtor Mike Tinder.

"I think cash is king."

Amen.  And you can ditto that. 

Housing Bubble

Popularity: 30% [?]

• Wholesale Real Estate Investing Carnival - July 20, 2010 Don't wait to buy real estate, buy real estate and wait. ~ Mark Twain Money is made when you buy real estate and your cash is realized when you sell. Welcome to the July 20, 2010 edition of wholesale real estate investing carnival. Milton Berlinger55 presents 17 Public Administration......
• Real Estate - Latest News [/caption] The latest news in real estate from around the blogosphere: Low Mortgage Interest Rates = Real Estate Sales! | The Good News ... Low interest rates are providing those with their real estate license an amazing opportunity to prosper as the real estate market continues to stabilize and.......
• Is It A Good Time To Invest In Real Estate? Even though I've experienced phenomenal returns in real estate, I think its getting exceedingly difficult to invest in that asset class. If you're flipping houses and you have a good buying and selling system in place, then the story is different, but thats probably your full-time job. If you a......
• Commercial Real Estate Q&A #3: Running from Hotels and Successful Commercial Real Estate Investing Strategies Steve Maxwell's take: I also prefer commercial RE over residential … although both have their benefits.  2 of the biggest reasons for my preference are: 1. Leverage – I’ve found that acquire a multi-unit property such as a 200-unit complex is no where near 200 times as much effort......
• Commercial Real Estate Definitions #2: What in the World is GRM? Greetings from the handmade wig capital of the world.....Cedar Crest, NM! The Christmas season is over and I have added to my layer of fat in preparation for the lean times ahead of me (us). Yes....you may think I unintentionally overate like the rest of the U.S. population....but my......