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The Kitchen Table

Question about selling things.

15 years ago

I just posted an ad on Craigslist selling my 6'x8' Greenhouse. I loved working in it, but with DH's layoff we are selling everything not nailed down. Bye, bye expensive hobbies! Should I tell people that is the reason I am selling it if they ask or make up a reason? What kind of reaction do you think I would get if I did tell them? That is the true reason.

TIA

Clare

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Comments (6)

socks
15 years ago
If you tell them you need the money, they may offer you less thinking that you are desperate. I would just say that you've decided to give up on the greenhouse gardening. You don't owe them much of an explanation; it's really not their business WHY you are selling. Good luck.
wifetojoeiii
15 years ago
I would say - "we will not use it any longer, I can assure it is in good condition". I don't think people care why you are selling; they just don't want to get "screwed".

GOOD LUCK
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I don't get it. I know what first refusal is, but last? Does that mean "James" expects you (and your realtor) to go through the trouble and expense of finding a qualified buyer and then he swoops in and (presumably) tops that offer? Sort of like sniping on eBay? While it is possible to exclude someone from the listing agreement's commission schedule, it doesn't seem fair to a potential agent to exclude a particular potential buyer who intends to top any other valid offer. Good for the sellers, perhaps, but a very bad deal for the agent - and a not so good deal for other potential buyers who are merely being used as stalking horses. Best bet is to get an appraisal and make an sales offer to "James". If he doesn't want to go for that price and you still want to sell to him, you could suggest that he pay for second appraisal, and then if the appraisals are still far apart, you could (jointly) fund a third appraisal to resolve the valuation question. The three-appraisal method is sometimes used in settling valuation disputes in inheritance or emminent domain matters. It only works if both parties are determined to settle on a price and proceed to closing. The cost of an appraisal (even paying for 1 1/2 appraisals each) is almost certainly less than a real estate commission. If James is really serious about repurchasing the property for a fair (to both parties) price, and not just wasting everyone's time, he shouldn't object to arriving at a sale price in this way. If he thinks the appraisal you paid for is wrong, then he gets a chance (at his expense) to provide another data point and you both have a way to further resolve any differences. You might point out to James that if he intends to top any offer that the REA scares up, he will be in effect paying for the amount of the commission anyway. In some circumstances if a REA finds a fully qualified, full-price offer that a seller refuses, the commission is still owed. It sounds to me more like James is hoping the property doesn't sell and he can pick it up for a bargain price due to the sluggish market.
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azzalea
15 years ago
On the other hand, a decent person hearing the true reason why you're selling, will: a) appreciate that there probably isn't anything wrong with the greenhouse and b) might even offer to pay a little more, if they can afford it, because they'll feel it's going to help you out.

Most honest people will NOT take advantage of someone in difficult financial straits. At least that's been my experience.

But it's true, you don't owe anyone any kind of explanation of why you're selling, at all. Just be sure to protect yourself by giving the buyer a receipt that states 'as is'.
Jasdip
15 years ago
I've sold a few things on Kijiji. (our Craigslist isn't as hugely popular as yours is). Anyway, it's been my experience that people offer you a lower price than the one you are asking. Only a couple things have people offered (and paid) full price. One was a sofa and loveseat. Yet I had a $12 purse for sale, and a lady offered me $5.

So if I were you, I would ask more than you want, as protection for when people offer you a lower price. You don't need to explain the reason. Just say it works great. If people ask you can say you're getting out of gardening, or even thinking of going bigger!
heather_on
15 years ago
I really hate the thought of you selling things that you value. Once your DH gets another job you may want to replace things and you will spend even more money to find the things you had before. Can you not justify your greenhouse by growing veggies for a long period of time instead of having to purchase them.

With the economy the way it is I feel that people are going to have to get creative and barter some chores and things with one another. If you lived my way I would gladly pay for you to start my spring and summer flowers for me.
caflowerluver
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

heather - I wish there was a way to make it pay for itself. I have tried that in the past and had no luck. I tried selling seedlings, full grown plants and rooted cuttings. Too much competition. Thank you for your kind offer.
Clare

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