Updated?

Recently, I went out looking at homes for myself. I am in the market to buy a home and off I went Sunday to an Open House. My husband, son and I spent some time in a house and it was nice enough. I must say very it was very clean and well cared for by the lovely couple.

My problem comes with the description that the realtor put out. At what point is "fluff" as we call it ridiculous? Well, I am calling this ridiculous. The information sheets notes the following:

"Perfectly updated rambler . . ." so the updates included a 1994 dishwasher, as I walked through the house nothing was updated with exception of the new carpet. The home still had the original cast iron pipes and fuses in the electrical panel box. I went home and read the information sheet and really had a good laugh. The question that came to mind was, "what was that realtor thinking?"

Then yesterday I went to see another home and encountered the same thing, but worse. The exception was that the house was filthy. I can't imagine what the agent thought when she listed the property other than OMG! She actually notes in the listing notes "1997 new appliances . . ." I realize she is trying to get the house shown but you walk in and you can barely stay in the home over the smell of the dogs and the smoke.

Okay let's get this straight recent updates for structural items like roof, HVAC, appliances, means no later than 2006 that's 3 years. That means these items have a life left of at least 10 years, not that they are 15 years old.

Agents, please do your seller a favor TELL THEM THE TRUTH even if its a short sale. Please tell them to clean the house. I have to be able to walk through the home without holding my breath.

Also, tell them that 1994 or 1997 even 2000 is not an update. Actually, its time to update again, now. If you painted in 2003 it's time to paint again. It's 2009 that's 6 years. You should be painting your home every 4 years.

In this difficult market you must have your seller's put their best foot forward or you are not doing them a service. They are paying you a good commission do your job and show them what they have to do. Can't put it in words then stick them in your car and show them the competition. If you don't know what to do then my fellow realtor time to retire. This is not a market for amateurs. Your client deserves your honesty in preparation to sell their home. You know, that is why they hired you in the first place.

I know you want them to like you. Take the rose colored glasses off and let them know you are their friend but more importantly you are their realtor.