Don’t let the smiley faces fool you…

I try to keep a positive attitude and to project that with clients; however, I refuse to be the devil in the smiley face mask, trying to paint a rosy picture of the current market in from of potential listing clients. We are still in a crappy market, especially here in Michigan. Our unemployment continue to run 3-4 points higher than the national average and almost all of our local markets are still declining in terms of home values.

So why would anyone put on the smiley-face mask and lie to potential sellers, just to get the listing? Well maybe the devil made them do it. The fact is that anyone who bought a home in Michigan within the last 8-10 years should consider themselves lucky if they are not underwater already or about to sink under the surface. Those who bought in Michigan in the last 7 years are already there and those who purchased at the peak, about 4 years ago are likely closing in on a 50% loss.

Well, gee, Norm, thanks a lot for making my day!

That’s not my job. If you want to feel good hire a comedian or a clown to follow you around doing funny things. But, if you want to (or need to) sell your home, then you need someone like me who will tell you what it is really worth in today’s market and who will do the best marketing job possible to get potential buyers through it. I am, however, not Mandrake the Magician (Wow, that dates me, doesn’t it?) and I cannot gesture hypnotically and make the market magically pay more for your house that the market will bear.

So, beware the devils in the smiley face masks that you may also interview. The good feeling that they will give you will last about as long as a good Friday night buzz and the hangover you’ll likely get from dealing with them could be the worst one you’ve ever had. It ain’t pretty out there right now in the real estate market, but things are selling. Price it right and it will sell. Can’t afford to price it right? Then don’t sell. It’s not rocket science, just common sense.

We now return you to your favorite reality TV show in progress; and, no, “The Biggest Loser” isn’t about real estate sales, even though it may feel that way to you sometimes.