Not looking to buy? Visiting open houses is still fine
Q: My significant other and I very much enjoy visiting houses to see what the owners have done in the way of decorating, etc. If we’re not looking to buy our own place, can we visit open houses anyhow? She thinks maybe it’s cheating. — F. Q.
A: Brokers might be lonely giving up a weekend afternoon to sit in an empty house, and I’m pretty sure they would welcome you. Or if they’re busy with would-be buyers, it always helps to have the bustle of additional lookers. Don’t worry if you’re asked to sign in. If it were your house, wouldn’t you want people to identify themselves before coming in? And you can be frank with the agent about not being in the market yet. Any good broker would welcome the opportunity to meet you anyhow.
Q: Your answer to the complaint of needing a greater number of smaller houses was weak and untrue. That complaint was 100 percent true.
Lots of us are tired of all the barrack-type neighborhoods with four bedrooms and four baths. There just aren’t enough for the retired, the childless couples and the young professionals who don’t want, don’t need or can’t afford them.
Since people are living much longer, the need will become greater. These contractors should be thinking ahead. — Mrs. R. H.
A: It wasn’t just a smaller house those retirees were looking for, Mrs. R. H. They wanted to downsize into something newly built in a neighborhood with houses — and families — of various sizes.
Too bad you don’t live where I do. There aren’t many barrack-type four-bedroom homes around here. We have lots of older entry-level or retiree homes. And occasionally — if not rarely — a developer plans new housing of assorted sizes for families of all ages.
Q: Please send information about how to sell your home by yourself and not pay a commission. — R. L.
A: Go to the nearest public library and ask for recommendations. There are books on how to sell real estate, and while you’re at it, take home a textbook for real estate licenses in your state. Then start reading.
Where I live, would-be real estate salespersons must pass a 75-hour course, find a sponsoring broker, pass a state examination and only then begin to work under the close, personal supervision of an experienced agent.
So I don’t think I can tell you how to do it in a single email.
Contact Edith Lank at www.askedith.com, at edithlank@aol.com or at 240 Hemingway Drive, Rochester NY 14620.