Tuesday 12 May 2015

The 7 deadly sins & 7 heavenly virtues of buying and selling

In all parts of life there are things that can raise the blood pressure; likewise there are the lovely things which smooth the ride, put the spring in one’s step and, basically, bring out the best in everyone.

The seven deadly sins are listed as lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride. And the seven contrary virtues are chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness and humility.

In estate agency, we see the good and the bad highlighted on an almost daily basis and we might adapt The Old Testament sins and virtues as follows:

THE SINS

The pursuit of perfection: The ideal house has never been built and never will be. Look at properties with an open mind, heart and soul. You can make it into your perfect home with a little bit of imagination.

Refusing advice: Agents help people buy and sell houses on a daily basis; good agents know their market and have a constant finger on the pulse. Just as you would listen to your doctor’s advice, it’s a good idea to listen to your property professional. However, we do acknowledge this is likely to conflict with some armchair and dinner party experts.

Disloyalty: Disloyal buyers are on a par with disloyal sellers. Some sellers think that by changing their agent a whole new crop of buyers will miraculously appear. That rarely happens. If a house isn’t selling, it’s probably the price. So don’t be seduced by the touts. If your agent doesn’t return calls, advise on the price or put in the hard work required however – it’s a good decision to move on.

Greed: Cheeky bids are as unhelpful as unrealistic expectations on price.

Untidiness: People love to buy a lifestyle – they like to see tidy lifestyles even though they might not lead one themselves!

Poor planning: Squeezing 10 viewings into one day and wholly relying on SatNav – maps may be old fashioned but they work in Suffolk!

Rudeness: Estate agents are humans too. We’re here to sell your house as best we can and to find you the loveliest house we can. We do our job because we like people and want the best for them. People can forget this.

THE VIRTUES

The virtues are simple and straightforward and, as obvious counterpoints to the sins, require no elaboration:

Trusting your agent; possessing an open and imaginative mind; realistic expectations; loyalty; patience; tidiness; appreciation.

And remember our business is minding other peoples’ – choose an agent with integrity. Buying and selling is as much to do with people as it is to do with houses.


Caroline Edwards
Partner
Residential Sales, Long Melford

T: 01787 888622
E: caroline.edwards@carterjonas.co.uk

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