To the seller

To the Seller

 Selling your property on Earth House isn't difficult. Now I realize that you want to know what the catch is. After all no one does things for free anymore. There are catches all over the place and each catch is a trap. And thus people spring them and run when its over because they are sure someone is going to say something.

 The fact is I don't. I have operated Earth House since 1998 and soon after people began approaching me to list their property. I've listed acreage's and homes from all over the United States(any country is welcome to list) and most end up selling their home.

 For me, I get people visiting my sight. And the fact is most people who have an alternative home, acreage or unusual property may find it difficult to find a buyer. Buyers though do come to this site. Thousands each month. And they are all looking for an unusual home. That home might be yours.

Now lets be honest. As far as I know there is no other site like this. I built it up by prayer and hard work for almost ten years of my life. I began putting it together at the end of 1997 and it wasn't my intent to operate a real estate business. It still isn't though someday that might change. I wanted to provide people with a way of seeing earth sheltered homes and related styles close up.

 So should you list here? Sure. Should you give anything? That is up to you. I see it this way. Most private sellers don't want a real estate person in the way. They want a free ride and freebies and free help. I'm the same way. I've been doing this for a long time and I still do it for free. I don't charge for my services. I've had one person send me a few dollars as a gift which I thought was nice.

The fact is its your home. The fact is this is my way of doing business. I don't earn anything but I would like to. But I've learned from life most of you don't want to give so don't.

But this is a short note to those who desire to give. Skip it if it bothers you because if it bothers you then I'll give help to you for free and not ask anything. This is for those who want to give.

 Feel free to send me a percentage of the final sale price. Anything is fine but try to incorporate that 1% into the final selling price. Think of it this  way. I am a free service but I want to be around to help you if you come back in another ten years. And that means I need income to help me be around ten years from now. Trust me I'm not in this for the wealth I'm in this for the calling. And if you believe in something strongly enough then remember that donation when the time comes we help you sell your home.

You do the talking and you do the showing and you do the hands on work. I do the inbetween stuff like helping to find you a buyer with this site. Now that 1% is up to you. If you are broke after its over don't give me anything. I understand. But give me a percentage based on how much help you think I've been to you. Just remember I do the online stuff and the rest is all up to you. This way there is no questions afterwards.

 

Things to remember. Please help the people. Provide contact information. Provide specific locations. Some folks want to buy but you have to help them feel comfortable.

Some have to travel long distance to see you. If they are traveling long distance you can be sure they are serious about it. Help them out by providing a map which you can mail them.

 Also be sure to help them find a place they can stay in the local area. The name of a good motel for example.

 Set up prearranged times. Ask them to double check with you. For example if you live in Colorado and they live in Montana they will want to let you know distance and time is a factor. If they contact you and are on the way don't sell the home until they've had their chance to see it. Let people know you have a prospective buyer. Communication is the key to a happy ending on all sides. Don't let money be the only factor. Some people dream of owning an alternative home. Let love be a tour de force.

 

Write me Joel earthhouse@gmail.com

Now I do have some suggestions especially for alternative homes. If its just an acreage it should sell quickly. But some homes don't. So having been around for awhile here is how you can help sell it.

1. Make sure the home and area is cleaned up before taking any pictures.

2. Include the name of the Architect and builders. Make sure you include any pictures, dates of construction, unusual features, blueprints availability etc.

3. Who provides you insurance on your home? Write that down and include the name of the insurance company as a recommendation to the people who purchase it. You'd be surprised how difficult it is for some to find insurance companies.

4. What are the benefits of this area over another region? What do you like about the area.

5. If you needed a mortgage provide the name of the bank and/or mortgage company. Again some find it difficult to finance and this would be a positive for the buyers.

6. If you have alternative features write those down. This might be solar power, wind turbine, rain collection, greenhouse, hydro power and so on. People desire to be self sufficient. What makes this home self sufficient? What kind of insulation does it use? What kind of materials or windows?

7. Be straight forward with any problems that go with the home. Have you ever had leaks, cracks, mold? Make that clear.

8. Give a brief description of the house. Number of rooms, levels, water source, bathrooms, special rooms, electrical source, type of heating for house and for things like your oven.

9. Send information if you wish on the area around you. How close is the nearest school, shopping center, hospital or town?

10. Include contact information. Need to sell by date if needed. And most important to you selling price.

 All these things are the kind of questions you'll be asked. Some you can wait on until you've met the people and are discussing a final price.