I hope by now you’ve figured out there’s a difference in the way I sell, and promote, real estate. I have, at any given time, plenty of listings. Right now, I’m a bit low on listings, but that’s only because low inventory is the welcome consequence of selling inventory. It’s like when there’s a storm coming to pummel the East coast. The TV people report live from barren shelves of the local super center, they flash to guys using small nails to hold up large sheets of plywood, and then back to the store shelves. We’re supposed to feel badly for these people, because where there once was 100 bottles of Tabasco there are now only 11. I see those empty shelves and I don’t think dire thoughts, I just think, hmm, good for that retailer. Without that storm they’d still have too much Tabasco. As if there is such a thing.
Anyway, one of the differences on my side is that, aside from being awful at returning phone calls, I don’t promote my own listings at each opportunity. I think that’s sort of a rookie move, to proclaim every listing the best, every view sensational, every kitchen gourmet. I think it insults the intelligence of the reader to do such things, so I try not to. If I really wanted you to buy only my listings, I’d work for a different company. Zing! Along these promotional lines, I don’t like to talk about my own listings all the time, because the reality of this realty is that I possess only a miniscule fraction of the inventory. Lots of my listings are interesting and worthy, but the broader market has more to offer, so I talk about deals wherever they exist, even if there’s no file on my desk authorizing my praise.
With that, this: I have a listing in Abbey Springs that needs to sell. It makes absolutely no sense that it hasn’t sold yet, and I’m taking it to you, the people, to help me. The condo is an Alpine model, which is so much better than a Lookout. It’s a large unit, it’s clean, it’s offered fully furnished. It has a private wooded view, it’s not too close to South Lakeshore Drive, and it’s close enough to the clubhouse without being too close. It’s a nice condo, and even if it were priced above market I’d think it to be a nice place that someone may take a bite out of. The thing is, it isn’t overpriced. It isn’t above market. There isn’t anything wrong with it. It’s tasteful, well kept, and downright cheap. Yet, for the economical nature of it, I haven’t been able to sell it. For my shame.
Earlier this year, a similar Alpine model sold for $252,500. I’m asking $249k for mine. My seller is ready to move this unit, not because he hates the unit or because he hates Abbey Springs, but because he’s owned the unit for several years and it’s time to pursue something else. The seller bought the unit near the peak for $306k, and if we are to believe that prices are currently somewhere between 15-20% off the prior peaks, then our value in the $240k range is further cemented. Know anyone who wants a piece of the Fontana scene for a super low admission fee? Abbey Springs offers unrivaled amenities including indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, exercise facilities, a super nice golf course (a la carte), three restaurant options and a beach and pier system. It’s really quite nice, and if you could buy this unit for $240k or so, why wouldn’t you?