When it’s all said and done, many of us are lousy when it comes to making decisions about our biggest investment: our home. Here’s a brief list of the worst mistakes I see people making when selling and a couple of thoughts on each one:

1. Thinking like an “owner” instead of a “marketer”

• Owners think “emotionally” since there’s lots of blood, sweat and tears associated with the property.
• Buyers think objectively, with little or no emotion, and only care about “the #s”: how much, how many days on market, how little can I pay to own it.

2. Choosing an agent based on an emotional relationship

• It’s important to trust the person you’re going to hire. But look at their qualifications first, then learn to trust them.
• Choose an agent based on your previous experiences with one or the recommendations of your peers, not on who you’re related to.

3. Ignoring statistics and the expert you hired, and pricing the property yourself

• Again, “emotional owner” vs. “objective marketer”. Are you pricing based on “need” or “history”?
• Experts can interpret statistics and price accordingly. Are you an expert? If not, better find one.

4. Lack of proper preparation

• New Apple products don’t go to market until they’re absolutely luminous. Neither should you. Throw it out, pack it, wash it, paint it. Don’t ever expect a buyer to “put up with it” because he/she won’t.
• If it’s broken and you know it, either fix it or get a price on “how much?” and tell the buyers.

Time and again I’ve seen these mistakes cost sellers $1,000s. That’s thousands of dollars. I hope you don’t have to make them yourself.

By the way, we talked about this on thegloucestercast this week. Click to listen.

As a real estate agent I often view properties and think, “this would be perfect for…” fill in the blank. Occasionally I will highlight a property for sale that I find note worthy for a particular reason.  Todays “pick” is really distinct because although the main home is exquisitely elegant I think the highest and best value of this listing is the view of the Annisquam.

Annisquam View

Full disclosure here: I’m a waterview junkie!!! Waterviews change every moment of the day and I love them all from the working harbor to the endless horizon of the open ocean.  This location (approximately five acres) and walking distance to the Boulevard (.7 mile)  lends itself to a stunning group of single level (with walk out lower levels) condominiums. Having arrived at this conclusion after scouring new condos with buyers on Cape Ann seeking to downsize and from observing which of our local recent construction has sold out the quickest.  Imagine a “Cape style” structure of quality construction with a first floor master as a basic unit.  People could upgrade and/or expand by developing the lower level (which would have a view also), since the land slopes down to the river.  Countless clients have asked me for one level living of quality construction for their downsizing or vacation needs.

Lured by the view I visited 141 Essex Ave., listed by Carole Sharoff, President of AVH Realty of Gloucester MA. Thats when my imagination really took off in another direction as I toured the main building known as The Manor Inn.  Built at the turn of the 19th century by one of the co founders of Lepages (then called The Russia Cement Company), no expense was spared on this Queen Anne Victorian home! Oh, what gorgeous craftsmanship.  Numerous fireplaces, built ins, intricate woodwork, leaded glass and pocket doors galore. Please, please whom ever purchases this charming structure may you have the resources to adapt it to the times and preserve its historic beauty.  This slide show highlights just how special this home truely is, but for me it will always begin and end with the view!!! If you’d like to see this opportunity and need a good buyer agent, give me a call.