Counting Your Cards Carefully

My dad loved cards. Bridge, Hearts, Gin, Rummy, Casino, Canasta, half a dozen versions of Solitaire, and Cribbage, just to name a few. And he taught my sisters and me how to play from an early age. Cribbage was, and remains my favorite card game, and Dad being the cutthroat cardshark he was, if you missed adding your score correctly, he swooped in and pegged the points for himself. Consequently, I quickly learned to count my cards very carefully . . . .

As an adult, I run into few people who play cribbage, so I was thrilled last weekend when I discovered my Sun Valley hostess (with the mostest) shared my love of the game. Consequently, we pulled out the board and got down to business. I won the first round, but Sandy trounced me in the rematch.

I've taught a fair number of people to play, including Cliff, who beat me on our honeymoon 34 years ago and then retired, claiming himself: "the undefeated champion of the world!" Cliff is prone to hyperbole, but new players are always a little thrown by how points are accrued in cribbage and the seemingly randomness of the scoring system: "15-2, 15-4, 15-6, a pair is 8, a run is 11, a run is 14 . . . " (Huh?)

In fact, newcomers to the game might easily think I'm making up the score as I go along.

"And that's an extra point for cutting a jack." (Say what???)

Surprisingly, points are compiled as you play the hand, and once again as the cards are counted, including the cut card. (Have I thoroughly confused you?) Suffice it to say, that cribbage has several components, and as with any competitive situation, you are better served adopting both an offensive and a defensive stance - especially as it pertains to your opponent's "crib." In other words, the best offense is always a good defense.

If you don't think Real Estate is a high-stakes game, no need to read any further, but if you agree that homes have a unique value proposition and that their outcome can vary greatly depending on the cards you are dealt, how you play them, and how your opponent responds, it's worth noting that when selling your home, you need to think like a cribbage player; you need to know the score . . . .

For Sellers, it's about getting their houses as close to presentable as possible and eliminating any major flaws or discoveries along the way. In addition, you should thoroughly investigate the house for any hidden defects that need to be disclosed upfront. While this may seem counterintuitive, the more information you share as the Seller, the better off you'll be when negotiating the final sales price. Moreover, FULL disclosure eliminates the opportunity for disgruntled Buyers to return to the table AFTER the fact with potentially legitimate claims.

A high pest report?
Correct it.

An outdated design?
Update it.

A yard that's gone to seed?
Replant it.

A foundation that's settled?
Inspect it.

An unfortunate lawsuit with a neighbor?
For the love of God, PLEASE DISCLOSE IT!

"But do we really need to paint the woodwork?" (You don't REALLY need to do anything, but you will pay for it by way of fewer offers come the offer date. But, hey, if you're willing to accept FAR less, then by all means, don't paint. It's your choice.)

"We don't want to spend any money on the kitchen. (That's a miscalculation.)

"Do I need to mention the flood in the basement two winters ago? (ABSOLUTELY!)

If you believe nothing else, know that material information that is conveniently forgotten is fodder for a lawsuit when the Buyers discover the buried report, contractor's bid, or work order that was conveniently left out of the disclosure package (and chances are they will). Don't assume the Buyers will absorb these hidden costs over time; real estate attorneys make their livings from such mistaken assumptions.

Not surprisingly, not everyone agrees with us regarding the depth of preparation their house requires, and that's your prerogative (it's your house after all), but there's not much point in hiring a team of experienced Realtors® with years of hands-on experience, only to reject our advice out-of-hand. Your Agent should bring real value to the process. 

Finally, we are NOT in the business of "sabotaging your sale" as one unhappy Seller suggested when a report uncovered more damage than anticipated. We're doing our best to protect you and your heirs. AND as Agents are only paid when a deal is consummated, we're highly incentivized to close the transaction and bring you the highest and best result. But once uncovered, we cannot cherry-pick reports, nor can we bury them. However, we CAN do our best to mitigate problem findings with contractor's bids or by repairing or eliminating the unwelcome news.

With interest rates coming down, it's likely to be a busy Fall Market, so if you're planning on selling soon, think critically about the things you might object to were you a potential Buyer, and then address them to the best of your ability. Otherwise, there is likely to be good competition from other Sellers who know how to play, know how to score, and are only too happy to beat you at the game.

How can we help you?