Sure… At least that is how some circles are making it out. But, I wonder…
On the surface, it looks like it might be a good idea. There are a couple of compelling aspects to this. The first, and probably most important is that according to the agents in the area it has been tried, 68% of the test drivers offered on the property they test drove. The second is that it really does offer buyers the opportunity to sample the lifestyle of the target property.
There are a few drawbacks as well. To start with, there is security and privacy. Some sellers don’t like having buyers traipse through their home when they aren’t there. Obviously, if the buyers are living in the home for a day or three, there won’t be an agent locking and unlocking the door… and keeping the key. There won’t be a third party watching to try to make sure that drawers aren’t rifled through, and private information and valuables stay where they are. Next on the list would be bedding and baths… I know that my wife is a stickler at hotels… She isn’t going to just be any different in someone’s house. And then someone has to come back and live in their house again.
The questions are:
Can the obstacles be overcome?
Is it worth it?
If you were in the market for a home, would you want to stay there for a day or three?
What would it be worth?
I’d love to get some feedback about this. I’ve seen it “discussed” but agent talk isn’t the same as consumer opinion. I want to know what you would think of this as a buyer or seller. Don’t worry about buyer qualification, as we would definitely have to make sure that only qualified buyers would be able to use the program.
Let’s hear it.
