3 Real Estate Lessons That I Learned From Taylor Swift
(Photo courtesy of AMC Entertainment)
3 Real Estate Lessons That I Learned From Taylor Swift
Whether you love her or hate her, it’s hard to refute that Taylor Swift is an amazingly talented musician and business woman - especially since recently making Forbes’ World’s Billionaires list. But I’m a Realtor, so why on earth am I writing about Taylor Swift? Well, aside from the fact that her songs make up a large portion of my ‘liked songs’ playlist on Spotify, I believe she can teach us a thing or two when it comes to real estate. So I ask you to indulge me while I share with you some valuable lessons, inspired by her lyrics, to help prepare you in your real estate ventures:
Lesson 1: "But I believe in whatever you do, and I’ll do anything to see it through…" (Album: Fearless)
Choosing the right real estate agent is a crucial first step, whether you are buying or selling. Look for someone who not only knows the ins and outs of the market but also lays the groundwork for a smooth transaction. A knowledgeable agent will guide you through the process, provide valuable insights, and empower you to make informed decisions that align with your goals and interests. And above all, real estate is about trust and support. Your agent should be your ally, advocating for your best interests every step of the way. It's not just about closing a deal but ensuring that you're making the right choices for your future. Find an agent who believes in your vision, understands your unique circumstances, and is dedicated to seeing your real estate goals through to success.
Lesson 2: "Everything you lose is a step you take…" (Album: Midnights)
For all the buyers out there, especially those of you searching in the GTA, be prepared to encounter some bidding wars and competition; we are seeing more homes being listed far below their true value in order to stir up multiple offers and drive up their sale prices. Suffice it to say that you will likely face disappointments, like losing out on home to another buyer. But don't lose hope if you don't snag the first few houses you bid on - in a market like this, most buyers will make at least three offers before landing their dream home! Learn from each experience, understand why things didn’t come together and use that knowledge to your advantage the next time. Remember, every lost opportunity is a valuable lesson that prepares you for the right one that's waiting for you.
Lesson 3: "You play stupid games, you win stupid prizes…" (Album: Lover)
Real estate is often portrayed to the public like it’s a game to be played or won, but I couldn’t disagree more. And thanks to new regulations being implemented in our industry, today's real estate landscape is more committed than ever to the importance of honesty and transparency in the real estate transaction. Unfortunately that doesn’t mean it’s a given. We see plenty of lowball offers from buyers, and we do encounter sellers who withhold crucial information, which I guarantee will backfire and lead to missed opportunities or legal issues. So whether you're a buyer or a seller, I urge you to be cautious, honest, and work with professionals who prioritize integrity in their dealings. Because when it comes to people’s homes, playing games rarely pays off in the long run.
Bonus Lesson: "These walls that they put up to hold us back will fall down…” (Album: Fearless)
I haven’t forgotten about the mortgage interest rates, I promise. We all know that they’ve been high for a while now, and for that reason, many buyers are waiting on the sidelines until they come down (and they will come down). But taking action before that happens is crucial, because we’ve seen this happen before: once the rates drop, everyone and their mother who have been waiting patiently will now be your competition, bidding against you, driving up the home prices; rendering the interest rate drop you’ve waited for moot. So don't wait, start your home search now and position yourself ahead of the competition.
So, there you have it – Taylor Swift's wisdom applied to the world of real estate. Just remember these lessons as you get ready to put your house on the market or start on the path to homeownership, and you’ll be one step ahead of the rest.
(P.S. I will still love you and work just as hard for you, even if you aren’t a Swiftie!)
