For Sale, Again

Yesterday I found out that the house we owned in Pleasant Grove is for sale. Evidently the owners, for whatever reason, need to move on already. While I don't really care (since it's not my property), I am amused at a few things. First, it appears that the current owners haven't pulled a single weed since they moved in and the front yard looks like serious carp. Now that they are trying to sell, they want to do something about their jungle and have asked the local ward to come and fix the yard up for them. Second, I am amused at their asking price. According to the listing the house is "Priced to sell quick." We listed the house at, what we felt, was a very fair asking price,... $229,900 in December 2009. We sold the house, in 3 weeks, for $228,000 plus a counter top allowance and some closing cost assistance. Based on information in the newspaper yesterday, the median price of a house sold in Pleasant Grove during the second quarter of 2011 was 17% lower than the median selling price in 2010. So, house prices in Pleasant Grove are still on the decline. So the owners have listed the house at $240,000 and are offering a $5,000 allowance if they have an offer by August 12. Ummm, good luck. Evidently the owners believe that they are the exception to the downturned market. I have always felt that the PG house value was right around the median selling price. In this case, the house should sell for around $195,000 (and the house across the street is also for sale and is listed at $186,000). Sorry owners, but you are priced way high. The last thing that amuses me about the listing relates directly to the first thing- yard condition. I noticed in the listing that the front yard looks really nice in the picture... that's because they used my picture from our listing! Our lawnmower is even in the picture! Too funny. Well, I wish the owners luck in selling and hope they find something better suited for them. I wish for great buyers to move in that will love the house and the neighborhood, and will stay around for a while.

In case you are interested, the rest of the listing description is... Don't wait to see this immaculate home with beautiful new granite counters. Price includes a $5,000 seller paid allowance to be used at buyers discretion until Aug. 12. Other improvements include new undermount stainless steel sink with new faucet, under-cabinet lighting and new paint upstairs. Perched on the hillside gives you a million dollar view of the valley and sunsets. The garage is oversized. Water the lawn easy with the secondary water system. Neutral colors. Great floor plan. Nice neighborhood.