From time to time I will post an excerpt from my book-in-progress "BEHIND THE FOR SALE SIGN" - the confessions of a Real Estate Broker.

This excerpt is from the chapter, "Animal House"

Jo Messina, a mother of a classmate of my son's, phoned me to come over to see her house and advise her on what to do to get it ready to go on the market.  I was very happy to get the call because the house was young, pretty, had  granite countertops in the kitchen, was sited on a beautiful piece of property and looked like an ideal listing.  I had been to the home on a couple of occasions when our children had play dates but now I was going to tour it with Jo with an eye towards getting it ready to sell.

As we walked through the living room I admired the marble fireplace surround, the beautiful hardwood floors, the floral sofa and tasteful area rug.  I then looked above the armoire in the corner of the room and gave a gasp.  I was looking up at a stuffed cat that was so real looking that it put Steiff's to shame.

"That looks like Fluffy," I whispered to Jo.  I had seen Fluffy the few times I had picked my son up from the Messinas and this cat looked just like her.  The cat was staring out into the living room from its perch on top of the armoire.  Its green eyes were wide open and its fluffy white coat was beautifully brushed.  It certainly looked like a real cat but I assumed it was a toy that only resembled Fluffy.  Jo laughed and said, "It is Fluffy.  I had her stuffed when she died.  I couldn't bear to part from her."

I couldn't believe it! Jo had actually had Fluffy stuffed!  I was speechless for a moment and then said in my most professional voice, "Uh, Jo, I think it would be best if you put Fluffy away while the house is on the Market."

 And thank goodness Fluffy seemed content to spend all her time hiding in a closet until the house was sold!



Real Estate Hint # 4
Buyers often spend a lot of time with their Realtors in their search for a new home. But many times Buyers decide that they are not going to continue to look for a house with their Realtor  - their company transfers them to another state; they decide to expand their current house; they decide to look south of Boston instead of north of Boston; they win the lottery and move to Hawaii.  It doesn't matter what the change of heart may be, but please let your Realtor know that you are no longer going to be looking at houses with them. Realtors are persistent and don't give up on a buyer.  Please let your Realtor know your change of plans so they don't continue to consider  you are an active Buyer and continue to look for the "perfect" house for you.