Who knew that a house infested with termites (most people’s worst nightmare) could actually turn out to be the home of someone’s dreams?
No doubt, I would personally run away screaming like a little girl from any house riddled with those nasty wood-sucking, eusocial insects (whatever that means).
But guess what? It’s not about me.
When it comes to real estate investing, it’s not about me. It’s not about my taste in furnishings. It’s not about what home I would buy for myself (and my family). And it’s certainly not about my personal distaste for “gross” bugs, like termites.
Instead, it’s all about that home’s potential and – most of all – what the buyer wants. Period. And, believe it or not, some buyers are totally fine with termites!
But this sort of open-mindedness is not as simple as it might sound. No, our gut instinct often compels us to imagine that we know what’s best for everybody else. (Kinda arrogant, right?) In fact, this instinct is so ingrained into our minds that it often requires a massive wake-up call to snap us out of our counterproductive mindset.
Fortunately, we know somebody who can provide such a wake-up call…
Say "Hello" to My Not-So-Little Friend
Sergio DeCesare has over 25 years of experience as a Broker and Investor.
And this larger-than-life real estate veteran also has a knack for mentoring first-time buyers, distressed homeowners, and budding investors who are looking to beef-up their portfolios.
As such, Sergio has gleaned an impressive repertoire of market-savvy knowledge and hard-earned experience throughout his career, and he has learned (the hard way) about how important it is to put your clients’ needs ahead of your own preferences…
…no matter how counter-intuitive it may seem.
Sergio DeCesare explains how “going with your gut” can bite you in the butt…
{Mogul Elite: Download a transcript and MP3 of this lesson in the Power Pack tools for this lesson.}
Think Twice – Think twice the next time you’re tempted to pass on a deal because it doesn’t measure up to your personal standards and preferences.
Get Out of Your Own Head – Look at your properties through the eyes of your buyers. Some of your most profitable deals could be the result of the most unexpected or unappealing (in your opinion) conditions.
Consider These Questions – Ask yourself these questions about your buyer and your market:
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What can my buyer afford?
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What are the market trends?
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What features would immediately rule out a home for my buyer?
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Where does my buyer work?
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What hobbies and area activities is my buyer interested in?
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What will moving into this home accomplish for my buyer?
Consider Your Exit Strategy – Once you know your buyer and market, ask yourself what your exit strategy is. (Do you plan to rent the property to tenants, or flip it to another owner?) Knowing what your buyer wants and/or what’s in demand in your market will help guide you to a smarter decision.
Sergio DeCesare
Based in Naples, Florida, Sergio DeCesare has been a successful broker and investor for over 25 years.