For every ugly house, there’s an ugly buyer – Writer Debut

Some Realtors…

…think they are too good for a listing. They may feel it does not fit their clientele, or it doesn’t reinforce their brand. Believe it or not, some agents try very hard to live up to their reputation of being purveyors of properties and arbiters of taste. Well, that ain’t me.

Case in point.

After landing a listing, out of curiosity, I asked what made them pick me over the other agents. I thought they were going to say it was because I was a top producer with a UC Berkeley degree under my belt, or because I could speak Chinese to the sellers who spoke little English, or at least because I looked amazing in a suit. But no! They said, “You were the only agent who didn’t run away”

Truth be told, their house was never going to be featured on Million Dollar Listing.  That’s putting it kindly. It was a small dilapidated 2bd 1ba straight of the 1960’s. The sellers clearly didn’t want  to leave that decade. The house was painted turquoise paint with sea green trim, had awnings that screamed “retirement home” , and inside was cobalt blue carpeting and floral wallpaper.

But worse of all, next door was a dubious night club, that attracted ruffians all hours of the day & night.  No wonder some agents wouldn’t touch this with a 10 ft pole. Not only was it going to be a really hard sale and very little earnings, but you didn’t know if you were going to  get mugged at the open house (I made a mental note: pick up a can of mace on the way home).  Nevertheless, I took the house on to assist out these nice folks. My rationale: “For every ugly house, there’s an ugly buyer.”

Low and behold, in less than two weeks, an offer appeared! Two lesbians snapped up the property. Now, I’m not saying lesbians are ugly (I actually never met them in person, so I can’t tell you for sure), but I am saying that it’s a good thing I didn’t think the property/sellers were beneath me. Why? They immediately bought their next house from me, and also referred their son to me. All cash deals! Who knew! I’ll take an ugly house or ugly buyer any day!

Please welcome Herman Chan to the Agent Genius family! We are excited for Herman to join the folds- his energy is contagious and his writing and video will have you laughing as he analyzes the real estate industry. You can find Herman at his video blog Habitat for Hermanity or on Twitter. Please welcome Herman in comments (and razz him for being another writer with a hoity toity Berkeley degree)!