OVERPROMISE, UNDERDELIVER

By Robin Shapiro

Politicians are famously known for making promises which they can’t keep. The first President Bush is remembered for saying, “Read my lips, NO NEW TAXES!” We had new taxes shortly thereafter. During the Reagan administration, the Soviets arrested an American, Nicholas Daniloff, and wanted to trade him for a Soviet spy who was imprisoned in the USA. President Reagan proclaimed that he would never make that trade. Of course, the trade was consummated in short order.

Analogous things sometimes happen in Rockaway real estate. For potential new listings, I prepare a comparative market analysis which shows recent sales. I have thorough knowledge of similar homes on the market in our area. I give my honest opinion as to the property value – I don’t want to waste everybody’s time, effort, and money by misleading people just to get the listing – especially as the market has slowed down due to higher rates. Of course, I always try to get the best price for my clients – but too much optimism can best be described by the term “BAIT AND SWITCH.”  Don’t be fooled by some brokers who OVERPROMISE AND UNDERDELIVER.

Daylight Savings Time begins this weekend. At 2 a.m. Saturday night, or rather, Sunday morning, we push the clocks forward one hour. We lose an hour’s sleep that night. There has been talk about eliminating the semi-annual clock adjustments in future years. Call me. Love, Robin