July 24th, 2008 5:01 AM by Ron Mastrodonato
SLEEP ON IT In the spirit of such reality shows as "Date My House" and "Sleep on It," more home buyers are requesting an overnight stay in a home to determine if the property and the surrounding area are a good match for them. For example, Pat Skiffington of Orlando, Fla.-based Keller Williams Classic Realty is orchestrating a sleepover "test drive" in a downtown condominium, noting that the arrangement makes sense if the buyer is from outside the area. While allowing a sleepover can accentuate a home's positive features, Skiffington notes that buyers also will have more time to notice potential flaws. Before agreeing to an overnight stay - which may or may not result in an offer - some experts encourage sellers to speak with their attorneys and insurance companies. Meanwhile, other buyers are spending lots of time in the homes they are considering by arranging to tour them at various times of day and speaking with the neighbors.Source: Wall Street Journal (07/15/08) P. D7; Hoak, Amy© Copyright 2008 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD (301) 215-4688
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