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 [tag-tec]builder upgrades[/tag-tec] 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.
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