Mike Bell – Lighter Side of Real Estate https://lightersideofrealestate.com An Escape from Your Daily Real Estate Hustle Fri, 30 Sep 2022 22:11:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1 /wp-content/uploads/2021/04/cropped-logo-5-32x32.png Mike Bell – Lighter Side of Real Estate https://lightersideofrealestate.com 32 32 Did You See This Viral Video? FYI, A Realtor Did NOT Set The House Ablaze https://lightersideofrealestate.com/news/fyi-realtor-not-set-house-ablaze Fri, 08 Jul 2016 23:45:14 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=10964 Maybe you’ve seen this story floating around the Internet, or maybe not. Maybe you instantly recognized it as a parody. Then again, maybe not. So what’s it all about? Earlier this week a video was posted on Facebook depicting a house on fire. The fire was real, but the caption was not. The caption read: […]

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]]> Maybe you’ve seen this story floating around the Internet, or maybe not. Maybe you instantly recognized it as a parody. Then again, maybe not.

So what’s it all about?

Earlier this week a video was posted on Facebook depicting a house on fire. The fire was real, but the caption was not.

The caption read:

Realtor sets home on fire after the homeowner decided not to sell!

In truth, a Realtor did not set the house ablaze. The caption was photoshopped over legitimate news footage covering an incident where a New Hampshire police officer was fatally shot while responding to a domestic dispute call at a home that subsequently exploded.

The video went viral on Facebook, fetching 4.2 million views, 33,307 shares, and 8,293 comments before it was removed. One can assume that it became so viral because many people in the general public believed it to be true.









We can only assume this was an innocent attempt at humor by the creator(s) of this video. However, the result is that in the eyes of many, it casts a negative light on Realtors and the real estate industry as a whole.




The unfortunate truth is that real estate professionals already have to defend against common misperceptions people have about them, and this video doesn’t help their case.

By and large, agents are hard-working, loyal professionals who strive to do right by their clients day in and day out. We encourage you to learn more about agents and the real estate profession by clicking the links below:

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]]> 20 Faces Every Real Estate Professional Will Recognize https://lightersideofrealestate.com/articles/faces-every-real-estate-professional-will-recognize Thu, 05 Nov 2015 00:10:54 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=9580 1. The “Did You Really Just Apply For a Kohl’s Card 10 Days Before Closing?” face. 2. The “You Picked My Brain For 2 Months, Now There’s a FSBO Sign In Your Yard” face. 3. The “Client Wants a 5BR / 4BA Brick Colonial with an Inground Pool For Under $150k” face. 4. The “Wait, […]

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]]> 1. The “Did You Really Just Apply For a Kohl’s Card 10 Days Before Closing?” face.

2. The “You Picked My Brain For 2 Months, Now There’s a FSBO Sign In Your Yard” face.

3. The “Client Wants a 5BR / 4BA Brick Colonial with an Inground Pool For Under $150k” face.

4. The “Wait, I’m Your Realtor Not Your Therapist” face.

5. The “Hope I Never Co-Broke Another Deal With You, Let’s Just Get Through This One Amicably” face.

6. The “I’ve Shown You 30 Homes, It’s Time To Sh!t Or Get Off The Pot” face.

Still Waiting Stare GIF from Stillwaiting GIFs

7. The “Just Got a Full-Price Cash Offer With No Contingencies” face.

8. The “Just Closed My First Short Sale, Before and After” faces.

9. The “Your Realtor Was in My Facebook Group Asking How To Fill Out a Sales Contract” face.

Girl Eating GIF from Girl GIFs

10. The “My Commission is Non-Negotiable” face.

11. The “Can’t Believe My Best Friend Had the Nerve To Use Another Agent” face.

12. The “I Soooo Need a Vacation” face.

13. The “Buyer Demands I Find the ‘Perfect Home’ and THEN They’ll Get Pre-Approved” face.

14. The “Home Inspection Report Came In and It’s 4 Miles Long” face.

Blink Blinking GIF from Blink GIFs

15. The “Just Got the Clear To Close” face.

16. The “I Can’t Believe How Low This Offer Is” face.

Really Bitch Annoyed Face GIFfrom Really Bitch GIFs

17. The “Did I Just Overhear You Talking About Real Estate?” face.

18. The “Client Insists His Home is Worth $40k More Than 14 Identical Comps” face.

19. The “Say ‘Zestimate’ One More Time” face.

20. The “I Know You’re Lying, But Continue” face.


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]]> Noticed These Blue Curb Strips Lately? Here’s The AWESOME Story Behind Them https://lightersideofrealestate.com/news/the-story-behind-blue-curb-strips Wed, 16 Sep 2015 16:46:28 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=8756 For some people, seeing blue lines spray-painted on curbs may signify utility markings. However, these lines (which are painted using tape or a rectangular stencil) are quite different, and the reason behind them has the Internet commending one man for starting an inspirational trend. The blue strip stands for something called “The Safe Harbor Initiative”. […]

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]]> For some people, seeing blue lines spray-painted on curbs may signify utility markings. However, these lines (which are painted using tape or a rectangular stencil) are quite different, and the reason behind them has the Internet commending one man for starting an inspirational trend.

The blue strip stands for something called “The Safe Harbor Initiative”. Basically, painting one on the curb in front of your home is meant to signify that you support police and “have their back.”

Anthony Welichko, a man from San Antonio, Texas, is the person credited with kicking off “The Safe Harbor Initiative” with this Facebook post:

anthony-welichko-post

Via Facebook | Anthony Welichko

As stated in his post, these little blue strips are a way that neighborhoods and communities can show their solidarity with the police. Although the police may have a few “bad apples” (as does any profession) who end up giving law enforcement a bad rap, we can all agree that we collectively benefit from the bravery and dedication shown by the vast majority of police officers who risk their lives to keep us safe.

Now that you know the backstory, will you head out to your curb this afternoon with some tape and a can of blue spray paint to support The Safe Harbor Initiative? If so, be sure to share this article first to help get the word out.

(H/T: Top Right News)

If you believe in community solidarity, you’ll love the story of these folks:

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]]> These Babies Sum Up Real Estate Better Than Any Realtor Could https://lightersideofrealestate.com/humor/these-babies-know-real-estate-better-than-you Wed, 08 Jul 2015 00:40:31 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=6370 1. Via Facebook 2. Via Facebook 3. Via Facebook 4. Via Facebook 5. Via Facebook 6. Via Facebook 7. Via Facebook 8. Via Facebook 9. Via Facebook 10. Via Facebook 11. Via Facebook 12. Via Facebook 13. Via Facebook 14. Via Facebook 15. Via Facebook 16. Via Facebook 17. Via Facebook 18. Via Facebook 19. […]

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If you liked this one, you’ll love this:

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]]> 16 Baffling House Photos, Taken By Baffled Agents, That’ll Make You Scratch Your Head In Bafflement https://lightersideofrealestate.com/humor/baffling-house-photos-taken-by-baffled-real-estate-agents Tue, 07 Jul 2015 01:33:22 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=6343 Once again, our faithful followers have sent photos in from around the world, giving us a look into the bizarre things one can find within homes of random strangers. So whether you’re in the mood to scratch your head in bewilderment, or just have a laugh (we bet it’ll be both), these photos will certainly […]

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]]> Once again, our faithful followers have sent photos in from around the world, giving us a look into the bizarre things one can find within homes of random strangers. So whether you’re in the mood to scratch your head in bewilderment, or just have a laugh (we bet it’ll be both), these photos will certainly entertain you.

1. This high-tech security system will also protect this home from getting sold.

Via: Stephanie Wetzstein

2. These fancy supports must be there to distract from the unsightly plumbing.

Via: Chrissy Vaselaros-Stevenson

3. Because moving the thermostat is just WAAAY too much work.

Via: Craig Fialkowski

4. Go from hot meal to hot tub in mere seconds!

Via: Jordan Hoskins

5. “I just can’t figure out why the pizza always tastes like Cascade!”

Via: Julie Kelly Knight

6. Lots of storage… for things you’ll never need again.

Via: Kelly Convirs Fowler

7. Exactly at what point does it become overkill?

Via: Laurine McClue

8. Before recessed lighting was cool.

Photo and caption sent in by: Lindsay Reid

9. If it overflows, who do you call first — a plumber or carpet cleaner?

Via: Lynn Weber

10. Grandiose staircase with magnificent views!

Via: Nelya Calev

11. Proof that Herbie really did go bananas. (1980 movie reference, you whippersnappers)

Via: Odedd Dayan

12. As seen on H(illbilly)GTV

Via: Ryan C. Sanford

13. Meet Happy, the town’s most intimidating guard dog.

Via: Name

14. Possibly the most voyeur-friendly bathroom I’ve ever seen.

Via: Steve Noga

15. In case your misbehaving husband requires an extended-stay doghouse.

Via: Susan Hayes Perzigian

16. “You had ONE job!”

Via: Susan K Thomas

If you liked this one, you’ll love this:

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]]> These 19 Old-Man Babies Can’t Stop Doing Real Estate, Even On Father’s Day https://lightersideofrealestate.com/humor/19-old-man-babies-cant-stop-doing-real-estate Sun, 21 Jun 2015 23:40:12 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=5896 1. This baby still blames Alan Greenspan for the mortgage meltdown. 2. This baby would love to show you his old collection of MLS books. 3. This baby will turn you in to the real estate board faster than you can say “dual contract”. 4. This baby still uses a rolodex. 5. This baby prints […]

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]]> 1. This baby still blames Alan Greenspan for the mortgage meltdown.

2. This baby would love to show you his old collection of MLS books.

3. This baby will turn you in to the real estate board faster than you can say “dual contract”.

4. This baby still uses a rolodex.

5. This baby prints out directions before showing homes.

6. This baby won’t stop talking about all the whippersnappers getting licensed these days.

7. This baby just called you from his Razr phone to ask where to fax the contract.

8. This baby’s email address ends with AOL.com.

9. This baby will offer you a Werther’s Original Caramel when you show up to his open house.

10. This baby will make you pick up a key before showing one of his listings.

11. This baby just dropped off a roll of film and can’t wait to see how your listing photos turn out.

12. This baby’s favorite topic of conversation is dual agency.

13. This baby still brags about the 14% interest rate he got on his first home in 1981.

14. This baby believes that a hearty handshake and stern eye contact will get more clients than your fancy Facebook ad.

15. This baby does the ‘removable thumb trick’ for every kid at his open house.

16. This baby arrives to CE class 20 minutes early to get front row seating.

17. This baby can’t survive open house boredom without AM radio.

18. This baby will begin negotiations… as soon as he remembers where he put his teeth.

19. This baby is disappointed that you’re considering selling your home, but haven’t called him yet.

If you liked these babies, you’ll love this:

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]]> After Nearly 8 Months, Photos Help Sell Home in 8 Days https://lightersideofrealestate.com/articles/proof-that-listing-photos-can-make-or-break-a-real-estate-sale Wed, 22 Apr 2015 03:07:33 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=4518 See this house? It languished on the Orlando market for 224 days. It’s no wonder; right? That photo doesn’t exactly scream “you’ve gotta see me!”. That’s before professional photographer Harry Lim was called by the home’s new listing agent — one who understands the importance of professional photography for his listings. “I shot it on […]

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]]> See this house? It languished on the Orlando market for 224 days. It’s no wonder; right? That photo doesn’t exactly scream “you’ve gotta see me!”.

That’s before professional photographer Harry Lim was called by the home’s new listing agent — one who understands the importance of professional photography for his listings.

“I shot it on February 28 and delivered the images the next day on March 1,” said Lim.

“On March 10 he told me a buyer had made an offer. So by my calculation, I believe the contract came in sometime between March 1 and March 9. To put it another way, after almost 8 months on the market, the home was under contract within 8 days after I took new photos.”

Lim is quick to give credit to the REALTOR® for the sale, but adds, “I have no doubt the photos helped. Take a look at some before and after shots.”

Exterior:

Photos courtesy of: Harry Lim Photography

Living room:

Lim says, “For the living room shot, my original composition was a little tighter. The REALTOR® asked me to pull back a little to show the hallway. I took his suggestion and I like it. It open up the room and gives you an idea of the space.”

Photos courtesy of: Harry Lim Photography

Kitchen:

Photos courtesy of: Harry Lim Photography

Dining room:

“This is the second angle of the dining room. The first was a head on shot but this one shows you where the foyer and room off to the left.”

Photos courtesy of: Harry Lim Photography

Master bedroom:

Photos courtesy of: Harry Lim Photography

Bathroom:

Photos courtesy of: Harry Lim Photography

Nursery:

Photos courtesy of: Harry Lim Photography

Was the sale of this home a pure coincidence? Or was it the result of great listing photos? You decide.

If you liked this article, you’ll love this:

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]]> 10 Essential Selling Skills Every Real Estate Agent Should Master https://lightersideofrealestate.com/marketing/business/10-essential-real-estate-agent-selling-skills Sat, 21 Mar 2015 03:29:21 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=3989 Real estate agents come in all shapes, sizes and personality types, and not all of them fashion themselves as true salespeople. “I’m a consultant,” they might say. Or an “advisor”. That’s all well and good, but one thing is indisputable — salesmanship sure does come in handy when selling homes. But are your home-selling skills […]

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]]> Real estate agents come in all shapes, sizes and personality types, and not all of them fashion themselves as true salespeople. “I’m a consultant,” they might say. Or an “advisor”. That’s all well and good, but one thing is indisputable — salesmanship sure does come in handy when selling homes.

But are your home-selling skills a bit rusty? No worries! YouTuber Bryan Reynolds is here to save your day with this hysterical video “sales-torial”. Enjoy!

Via Bryan Reynolds

If you liked this one, you’ll love this:

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]]> 21 REALTOR® Problems That Prove the Struggle Is Real https://lightersideofrealestate.com/articles/21-realtor-problems-that-prove-the-struggle-is-real Fri, 13 Mar 2015 00:58:24 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=3770 Selling real estate is a piece of cake, right? Show a few homes, scribble some ink on a few sheets of paper, and deposit wheelbarrows full of cash into your bank account. Right? Not even. Realtors work hard. They also grind through their own set of unique problems daily — problems most people outside the […]

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]]> Selling real estate is a piece of cake, right? Show a few homes, scribble some ink on a few sheets of paper, and deposit wheelbarrows full of cash into your bank account. Right?

Not even.

Realtors work hard. They also grind through their own set of unique problems daily — problems most people outside the industry can’t relate with. In fact, they’ve coined their own hashtag: #realtorproblems. Below are some of the truest (and most entertaining) examples I’ve seen. Enjoy!

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If you liked this one, you’ll love this:

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]]> Quiz: Which Home Style Suits You Best? https://lightersideofrealestate.com/humor/quiz-which-home-style-suits-you-best Fri, 06 Mar 2015 20:30:32 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=3704 If you’ve ever taken a quiz from the Lighter Side of Real Estate, then you’re familiar with various house styles and home prices. But what style of home is right for you? Do you know what your dream home looks like? Yep, there’s a quiz for that. Let’s play!

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]]> If you’ve ever taken a quiz from the Lighter Side of Real Estate, then you’re familiar with various house styles and home prices. But what style of home is right for you? Do you know what your dream home looks like? Yep, there’s a quiz for that. Let’s play!

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