5 Quirky Moves by Home Sellers

June 5, 2008 RSS Feed Print
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The folks over at DotHomes have passed along this list of five quirky things—from giveaways to name dropping—that homeowners are doing to make their homes stand out in today's sluggish market.

We'll have to check back with them later to see what worked (and what didn't).

But for now, have a look:

1. Bond over pop culture.
Do you watch American Idol? These sellers entice you to envision yourself enjoying next week's episode from the comfort of your lovely new living room.

2. Throw in free stuff.
How about a plasma TV, a pair of season tickets, or even a free car? With so many similar homes cluttered on the market, these sellers offer extra goodies to help give their properties the competitive edge.

3. Tempt the celebrity obsessed.
Name dropping sellers attempt to add an element of prestige by appealing to America's love for sports legends like Babe Ruth and A-listers like George Clooney...or B-listers like James Watt, inventor of the steam engine.

4. Personify your property.
Pick me I'm gorgeous! These sellers try for instant endearment as their homes come alive and beckon to buyers. This one plays the sympathy card: Help!!! I'm an ugly home!

5. Make movie magic.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is worth a million! Sellers like this aspiring Martin Scorsese are shooting with cellphone cameras to give their listings an up close and personal touch. Those using static photos beware.

The Home Front will have to take heated issue with one point. When did Scottish inventor James Watt become a B-lister? Clearly, the DotHomes folks have never cruised the western frontier by locomotive, paved a road with a steamroller, or subjugated a helpless island nation by wheeled (or tracked) steam tank. A true shame.

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real estate

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While many have been hit hard by the downturn, some are taking advantage of the many opportunities in the real estate rental market. Sites such as www.TDYHouse.com are a prime example.

of AZ 1:37PM August 30, 2008

The Home Front

Associate Editor Luke Mullins tracks the treacherous housing market and explains how to unload a five-bedroom McMansion or even find that dream home.

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