Expert: Michael McClure - 3/17/2008

Question
What ingenious actions can I do and/or suggest to a potential R.E. agent/broker to get this 2002 30x40 sold fairly soon?  Already cleaned the rugs, painted the place, de-cluttered (more to do), added several potted flowers here and there.  I presume open houses will occur.  But what extra to do to get some potential buyers to drive by and even come in then or other times?  There is a little activity in this market, though well spaced.  Newspaper ads are apparently worthless.  What brainstorms or techniques come to mind?  

Thanks.  
Roseville, Calif., area

Answer
Hi Randy....well, this is an age old question.  I will just ramble off my thoughts and maybe you can find some inspiration.

List the home with a mobile home dealer, ask the park management who is successful, and reliable. I am assuming that this is in a park with leased land. Pennysaver ads will bring lots of calls in, but they need to be qualified for the park, as well as for a lender....this should be done before you even show the home.
As far as "eyeball", first impressions are the ones we are looking for.  80% of people have mentally formed an opinion in the first few minutes.
Let you agent worry about the details...have a lock box there in case you're not home, the home can still be shown.
Market should turn soon...right now: YUK!

If you are unsure of your agents ability to bring in customers, ask for a 30 day listing, just to see if they are sincere...if they bring the bodies through there, keep signing for 60-90 days at a time. If they operate like we do down here, sellers pay NO fees...buyer is responsible for everything....if there are lots of dealers around there, interview a few...just like you would shop for any other large item.

Hope that helped a little, and good luck....write back if you need anything.    "~ Mike