Stumble It!
Everyone has an opinion. If you ask, I’ll probably give you mine - I might give it before you ask. Unless it’s illegal.
My opinions aren’t popular. I’m one of 11 people who didn’t see Ghost in 1990. “Ya gotta see it,” I heard. Actually, I never saw it until 2005, when my daily radio dose of Unchained Melody was cut off. I wish I’d waited longer.
I also disliked Dances with Wolves, so popular that even McDonald’s had to sell it (with purchase of their simulated food product.) I earned laughs by imitating the quasi-Indian lady with the wild layered hair; I can say “Kicking Biiiird” much better than she can.
Currently, I love a box office bomb, Speed Racer. RottenTomatoes hates it. But RottenTomatoes hates many movies I love (not telling which ones as it may scare people.) People probably won’t see Speed because the reviews stink. Pity.
What’s this got to do with real estate? Whether it’s movies or real estate, people let the opinions of others influence them, rather than deciding for themselves. Opinions are so subjective though! City-Data forums are great but they’re made up of opinions from people with different values and world views.
I’ve been asked: “What kind of neighborhood is it?” or “Is it a good school?” Or my favorite: “Would you buy this house?”
Fact: my personal opinion is irrelevant. My kids go to Wallenpaupack; that’s where we live. It has strengths, it also has problems. This is true of any school district. But the thing is: I’m not allowed to give you my opinion on the schools! I’ll direct you to their websites. I suggest visiting schools in person; nothing beats personal interaction.
Ditto for the neighborhood question. I can give sales facts from the MLS, disclose amenities & fees, and
provide local news sources. I can’t say “what kind” of people live there, I can’t guess if you’ll “fit in.” Sorry, it’s a serious Federal Fair Housing violation to answer such questions.
How about: “Would you buy this house?” Chances are…no.
Doesn’t mean it’s not a nice house - but my idea of the perfect house is probably different from yours. When I retire for the day, I want solitude. I don’t want religious missionaries knocking on my door, nor do I want the Schwann’s guy offering ice cream (wait, yes, I do…never mind!).
My perfect homesite is middle Montana, where visitors arrive by chopper. While wearing my Official Name Badge, I’m delighted to interact and have fun. When I go home, I’m a hermit. So…chances are, no, I won’t like the house.
But who cares if I like it? Do you like it? Could you see yourself there? Isn’t your opinion the most important opinion?
Here’s some neighborhood info I can share.
Filed under: Home Buyers | Tagged: northeast PA real estate, real estate opinions
