Harleysville-Lansdale Real Estate and More

We recently had a condo for sale.  It had trouble selling.  The owner was a chain smoker and had numerous health problems.  As a result, she often had to deny showings when she wasn't feeling well.  But even when buyers were able to get in, many complained of the smoke smell in the home.  Finally the seller moved to warmer climates with some help from her family and we were able to get new carpets, fresh paint and a few kitchen upgrades done in her condo.

While we were there taking new photos of the now vacant, transformed condo, I noticed the ceiling fans...  There were three in the unit; all three had a thick layer of dust along the edges of the blades (in some cases, the dust was hanging).  Everything else was beautiful except these last tell-tale signs of the former condition.

What's an agent to do?  I got a ladder, spray cleaner and a whole roll of paper towels and painstakingly cleaned off every blade on each ceiling fan.  It was not a job I enjoyed, in fact I almost threw up as I realized how yellow the towels were becoming from also removing years of nicotine residue.  The whole job took about 20 long minutes.

The result?  A condo we couldn't sell previously at $240,000 now sold in a few weeks at $270,000.  The owner had put in about $15,000 in paint, carpet, and kitchen upgrades (appliances, countertops, and a new floor).  This is a story for another blog about the difference condition can make to a seller's bottom line.

Would the condo still have sold if we left the ceiling fans alone?  Maybe.  Probably.  Maybe not.

Are we glad we took the time to wipe down the ceiling fans?  Absolutely.

Scott and I often find that we have to perform duties outside of our "normal" job descriptions.  Maybe some agents would refuse to do the tasks we have done...  But sometimes a seller simply does not have the means or capability to get some things done.  And while we could bring in a handyman or housekeeper (and in many/most cases we have), sometimes it is just easier, faster, and cheaper to do it ourselves. 

A few examples of services we have occasionally performed for sellers over the years:

• Trimmed tree branches (all for the sake of a good photo)
• Installed smoke detectors and/or handrails for a Use & Occupancy inspection.
• Replaced a broken garbage disposal.
• Washed a window or two.
• Vacuumed up after new carpeting was installed.
• Restored a kitchen and connected faucets after new countertops were installed.
• Swept patios and kitchen floors.
• Shoveled snow.
• Pulled a few weeds.
• Oiled a squeak.
• Cleared all the magnets and papers off a refrigerator.
• Shop vacuumed a wet basement.
• Played general contractor and have arranged for everything from electicians, plumbers, carpet installers, painters, roofers, house cleaners, landscapers, appliance repair, damage restoration, masons... the list is endless.

Luckily Scott is extremely handy and I am extremely easy going and make a good assistant (kind of like the operating room nurse).

"Screwdriver" - "Yes, Scott"

"1/8" drill bit" - "Right here Scott"

"Can you plug this in for me?" - "Absolutely Scott"

We work well together and when we have had to step out of the norm for a client, we usually have been fast and efficient in getting a job done.  But I have to admit, we have never painted or cut the grass for a client - there is no urgency there and we have to draw the line somewhere!

How far will you go for a client?  Do you have a toolbox in your trunk?

~Lisa

Contact Scott Loper, Associate Broker, Realtor®, RE/MAX Realty Group at 215-513-1333 for help buying or selling a home in Lansdale, Harleysville, Hatfield, Souderton, Skippack, Collegeville, North Wales and the surrounding areas of Montgomery County Pennsylvania. To Search for Homes For Sale in Montgomery County Click Here.

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