I was out with some buyers yesterday and showed them that there is a periphery or secondary cast of characters that can help do your homework when you're targetting a home outside of the agent's, home inspectors, sellers and lawyers.
When we got to the house yesterday a very kind nanny was there to greet us. She wanted so badly to be part of the action! So...I involved her as much as I could. I asked questions that I never dreamed I'd get answers to...
1) Any clue why these guys are selling...Response: "i know they've had a number of issues with recurring water". Wow...that's a goldmine to uncover.
2. Have there been a lot of showings here? Have you seen the same agents come back a few times? No not really. Seems a little quiet. I know the homeowners were talking last night about it feeling sluggish. Loving this.
When we were outside looking at the front of the house there happened to be a roofer redoing the house right next door.
Why not, I thought. "Excuse me Roofer...from your vantage point...do you notice anything odd about the roof on this house OR does it look fine? Immediately he was thrilled to let us know that there seemed to be some standing water on the flat roof. Again, this is all very helpful.
Across the street a neighbor was standing outside. Neighbors love to talk. We went and discussed the neighborhood for a bit. Schools, neighbours, traffic, safety, parking situation, etc. Nothing like learning first hand from a 10 year home owner on the street. Geez, we got names of babysitters, where the loud dogs lived, the house number of the old lady who does tailoring.
My point here is that if you and your agent are not "pushy" and "professional" there's no harm in asking open ended questions to learn more then the static MLS offers. Keep your eyes and ears open at all times. There's good info that you can learn from those who have no vested interest in your potential transaction!!
Please send any questions to mgruenstein@trebnet.com
And check out my website at http://www.TheSmithsBuyAHouse.com
Thanks-
Michael Gruenstein MBA CSC
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