Jimmy Buffet might help you sell more real estate
September 3, 2008 |
I spent most of my Labor Day with the Parrot Heads at a Jimmy Buffet concert at the Nissan Pavilion. Kari and I aren’t huge Buffet fans (with the exception of a few songs) but my Mother-in-Law, Patsy, is a Parrot Head. We got the tickets for Mother’s day, and Jimmy Buffet on a holiday weekend ain’t such a bad thing.
I had never been to a Jimmy Buffet concert before, and I have to say, I was quite impressed. I wasn’t impressed so much with the music, Jimmy isn’t the best singer or guitar player, but the atmosphere is great. Jimmy Buffet is in his 60’s, and the guy sells out wherever he goes. Everybody is there to hear the same 4-5 songs, the rest is just filler. But still, the place was PACKED. I’ve been to shows at Nissan Pavilion before, and I have never seen that many people.
How does Jimmy do it?
How does he do it? How has Jimmy managed to sell out everywhere he goes, for decades, singing pretty much the same songs. People travel the world to see him, and people are fanatical about it.
Being at the concert made it obvious. Jimmy Buffet isn’t selling music. Jimmy Buffet is selling a lifestyle.
Sure, his songs are all kinda the same, and his best ones were written decades ago, but it doesn’t matter. People don’t listen to Jimmy Buffet for the songs, they listen to Jimmy Buffet songs because it takes them someplace they want to go. It helps them escape their daily lives, it puts them in a state of mind that they wish they could hold on to forever.
More power to ya, Jimmy.
Why selling lifestyle is important to you
Here’s the thing. You and your business can benefit from selling lifestyle, too. As agents, sometimes we get very wrapped up in selling the features of a home, the location of a home, the number of bedrooms, the upgraded kitchen, the great value it represents. . .
Sometimes we forget, however, that people aren’t just buying a structure. They are buying a home. The difference between a house and a home is the lifestyle that goes with it. Sure, they want a great location, but that is because that location allows them to live a certain lifestyle. Sure, they want a great kitchen, but that it because it enables them to live a certain lifestyle.
If you can sell the lifestyle that comes with a house, then it makes it that much easier to sell the features that make it all possible.
Maybe you have a listing or two that aren’t the fanciest homes on the block. Maybe they don’t have all the bells and whistles. Well, maybe you can focus on the lifestyle that those homes will provide for their new owners. Focus on what that home will be like when it is filled with family and friends, what it has to offer the new owners aside from appliances, bathrooms and bedrooms. There is value there for people, you just have to show it to them.
(the post image comes from jahdakinebrah, and is a photographic representation of famous Jimmy Buffet songs and lyrics. All of them are tagged here)
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8 Responses to “Jimmy Buffet might help you sell more real estate”
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Disclaimer
My name is Daniel Rothamel. I am a licensed real estate agent in the Commonwealth of Virginia and a member of the National Association of REALTORS. As such, I adhere to a strict code of ethics and all laws with regard to equal housing, which is reflected in the content of this blog. My broker is Strong Team REALTORS, 86 Joshua Lane, Palmyra, VA 22963; (434) 589-5800. My VA Real Estate License number is 0225 077325. All of the opinions in this blog are mine, unless otherwise noted.
I just sold a property that clearly sold as a result of the lifestyle it promised as there really was little else about the features that were marketable. Good points and I love Jimmy
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D.
Been to a few myself. Tell Patsy that if you don’t want to go I will. :>)
On a more serious note. You might also call what he presents as escapism. I love the man and what he represents, but I’m doubtfull than many would translate hunting for a lost shaker of salt having sucked up a gallon of margaritas as a desirable lifestyle.
just wastin away in…
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One of your best posts (since I’ve tuned in anyway)!! I love it! And I must respectfully disagree with Larry– Buffet is more than Margaritaville. It’s living a beach life of fun, song, and drinks with umbrellas. I will eventually be looking for real estate that offers me that lifestyle!!
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Buffet is one in the long line of American nonconformists, from Huck Finn, Jesse James etc. There’s others too, all which are selling a lifestyle based on their individual kookiness. I recently saw gary Busey doing the same thing on youtube, and I instantly saw the paralell between him and Buffet. Maybe it was the shirt.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzmDZUJhq_8&feature=related
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A little Buffet is good for everyone. People having a good time, bound by the parrot.
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Yea, DUH, I would hope anyone selling RE would be able to find the pros to sell…
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Selling the good things is just part of the equation. In order to do that, we need to know what they are. Sometimes, the pros of a particular property might be something other than the physical attributes of the property. Sometimes, as agents, we forget to look at a property from different perspectives.
The experience of a Jimmy Buffet concert is pretty comprehensive. He addresses a lot of themes, fulfills the desires of a lot of different people. It is quite fascinating.
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flowerchild, it’s beyond the “pros” of the house and the lifestyle to be had in the community.
Not saying we need to be LIKE Jimmy in the LIFESTYLE he promotes - but like Jimmy by promoting A lifestyle.
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