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No sooner had our newest listing hit the market, when an unexpected offer was dropped into my inbox from an LLC specializing in real estate investments. While preemptive offers are usually presented by highly motivated Buyers who are hoping to shut out the competition before the Sunday Open, this one was anything but . . .
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There's been a lot of news of late regarding DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and while I typically stick to lighter topics specific to Real Estate (avoiding politics for obvious reasons), it occurs to me that the practice of Real Estate would be NOTHING without diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As Sarah, Jill, Kate, and I specialize in "transforming" properties, we rely heavily on the contributions of our crews, vendors, and specialists; many who epitomize "diversity" (not to mention strength, courage, and generosity), and who now call the United States their "home" (and have for decades). "Are they serious?!?" my client asked, her frustration mounting with each passing moment. (We 'd sat down to work on her Seller disclosures.) "Who wrote these stupid questions anyway; they're incomprehensible" (not to mention redundant). Moreover, the questions themselves often require expertise that frankly, most Sellers - and their Agents - don't possess (and I work with extremely well-educated individuals).
My husband, Cliff and I spent last weekend in Santa Cruz at The Dream Inn, walking the wharf, biking to Natural Bridges State Park, exploring Downtown, and watching the surfers share waves with the sea lions. We woke up to crisp, sunny mornings, threw on our hiking shoes, strolled to the light house and back sipping hot chocolate from the kiosk en route. I was reminded once again, why this unique area holds such a special place in my heart. Only an hour and a half by car, it's the perfect last-minute getaway. (Happy Valentine's.)
I'm sitting at the kitchen table at one of our off-market listings, typing away while my colleague is taking another spin around the grounds with his prospective Buyer. Having given them both the VIP guided tour, I'm now providing some breathing room so they can wander the gardens, open the closets, and enjoy the spectacular view without comment from me. (It's hard not to love this house.)
I'll admit it; my ego was a little bit bruised when I received the following text message:
"We have a listing in Oakland, just freshly launched on market. We are looking for a strong agent to host open house (sic) this weekend Saturday/Sunday. After viewing your tracking record we would like to present this opportunity to you. Are you interested in hosting? Please call if you would like to be the host." (I wouldn't hold my breath.) On Tuesday, Sarah and I accepted offers on 111 Hazel Lane in Piedmont. This incredibly popular home seemed to check ALL the right boxes for both young families and empty nesters alike. Offering rare level living that wrapped around a sunny central courtyard, this lovely and inviting Mid-Century appealed to nearly everyone who saw it. As such, the Sunday Opens were packed and the private showings were nonstop. (We wish we had a dozen more like this to sell.)
So it wasn't really a surprise when 12 offers were submitted come the offer date. What was, however, was the number of prospective Buyers who came through the Opens saying, "Please send me the disclosures . . . we'll be representing ourselves." Really? "I'm thinking of getting my real estate license," the text said, "would you have coffee with me?" (Of course.)
With two decades of representing Buyers and Sellers, and having written hundreds of columns on the subject, I'm definitely a gal with not only a fair amount of experience under my belt, but a strong opinion as well. As such, I'm only too happy to discuss the industry in general - or more specifically - because, let's face it, I've got a lot to say. So yes, I'm happy to pass along what I know, what I think, and what I believe (both good and bad). "We found someone who will sell our house for less," the message said, "so we're going with him." (No doubt.)
A week later, the property showed up on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) as a "Coming Soon," with an out-of-area Agent (that no one seems to know) who had not only misspelled Piedmont but had improperly placed the house near Joaquin Miller Park. You get what you pay for. "I'm feeling a bit blue," my friend said. The girls are going to be with their dad in Piedmont, and my son is headed to London, so Christmas is going to be lonely here on the East Coast" (Fa-la-la-la.)
"Well . . . here's a thought," I said, "Cliff and I celebrate Chanukkah so Christmas doesn't mean a whole lot to me. Why don't you and I meet in New York City on the 26th?" And so we did . . . . |
AuthorJulie Gardner, has been writing The Perspective for 18 years and has published more than 775 humorous but always informative, essays on life and real estate. 
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