The mysterious Priority List
- Thread starter DrTravel
- Start date
NEW -> Contingent Buyer Assistance Program
I don't think the scarcity factor is that difficult to fathom or understand. People rush their decision if they believe that they may not have a choice soon. I don't think anyone buy a house because of it, but it hastens their decision on when and which house.
Even if it's new construction, RE is still relatively unique. The model you want...location etc.
A builder's sales practice tells me a lot about the other parts of their business. If they can't be transparent with me from the get-go, how can I trust their superintendent, their inspectors, their warranty staff, their sub-contractors? It's not about whether or not there's a wait list...the point is if the builder can't be up-front with me about the BASICS, then I won't trust them with the rest.
FWIW, I work in a sales organization, so that's why I put so much scrutiny on this part of the business. If people don't care, then I'm not going to make people care...just sharing my perspective.
I think the issue gets complicated when it's something that you want and the price keeping going up. You end up making a faster decision...it may not be a wrong decision...just rushed.
Bones you have a very optimistic view on life, and that's admirable. You're very accepting of circumstances, and adjust your expectations and needs to match what is available, and that is something rare to find these days.
Unfortunately, most people today are the exact opposite. Some say "knowledge/information is power", but in many circumstances (this being one of them), I believe it actually works against the consumer. The more information people have, the more paralyzing it can be for the decision process. Amplify that by the perceived urgency that the sales practices portray, and it's like adding fuel to the fire. Sales and marketing employees are DIRECTLY rewarded for increasing sales margins/volume/traffic, and the rewards are NOT contingent on ethical or moral techniques. Prey on ignorance? Reward. Take advantage of naivete? Reward. Creatively change wording of advertising, terms, conditions, & disclosure so that it reduces buyers' barriers to conversion? Big reward.
Because of who you are, you are in a unique position to both avoid getting taken advantage of (because you don't fall for the sales tactics), and not care if people use shady sales tactics (because you don't fall for the sales tactics). And yes, you ARE in the severe minority. The rest of us either (1) get screwed over and over and are unhappy about it but never do anything about it, (2) get screwed and simply don't know any better (ignorance is bliss), or (3) realize how badly people get screwed and go to TI to post about how badly people are getting screwed.
Nothing back-handed here. I actually envy you...my life would be so much simpler if I could have your perspective on things.
Perspective
Well-known member
The priority list was used against me because lots were available in January and all throughout May. e.g. "If you don't buy this lot, I can't guarantee that the lot you want with a decent backyard and at the end of the cul-de-sac will be offered to you due to the priority list. We have people interested in the same lots you're waiting for. Prices will increase each phase too. So the lot you want, if available to you in a future phase, will be much more expensive."
This type of pressure works very well. That's why they use it. I felt the pressure, but my mentality was, "If I can't get exactly what I want, then I'm not going to spend this ridiculous amount of money buying here." At that point I had in my back-pocket Beacon Park that would be opening soon. Little did I know how high the pricing and mello roos would be!
This type of pressure works very well. That's why they use it. I felt the pressure, but my mentality was, "If I can't get exactly what I want, then I'm not going to spend this ridiculous amount of money buying here." At that point I had in my back-pocket Beacon Park that would be opening soon. Little did I know how high the pricing and mello roos would be!
zubs
Well-known member
So years ago i was at a party and I noticed a girl that I thought looked ok....then one of my friends said she was hot, and it twisted my mind, taking her to a solid 8 from a 6. These days I try to understand my human nature and use my brain to adjust it back to what a robot might think.
Irvinecommuter
New member
bones said:
I don't think the scarcity factor is that difficult to fathom or understand. People rush their decision if they believe that they may not have a choice soon. I don't think anyone buy a house because of it, but it hastens their decision on when and which house.
Irvinecommuter
New member
bones said:
Even if it's new construction, RE is still relatively unique. The model you want...location etc.
bones said:
A builder's sales practice tells me a lot about the other parts of their business. If they can't be transparent with me from the get-go, how can I trust their superintendent, their inspectors, their warranty staff, their sub-contractors? It's not about whether or not there's a wait list...the point is if the builder can't be up-front with me about the BASICS, then I won't trust them with the rest.
FWIW, I work in a sales organization, so that's why I put so much scrutiny on this part of the business. If people don't care, then I'm not going to make people care...just sharing my perspective.
I guess I just don't overthink it. I've been denied lots bc ppl were ahead of me. I've been offered lots that I've passed on that presumably went to someone on the list after me. In the end, I ended up with houses I'm happy with. I never once thought someone was out to screw me and didn't spend a ton of time analyzing a wait list. I also never bought a house bc of some salesy tactic. Of course, the transparent process is a better experience. But that's just me. Obviously I'm in the minority.
Irvinecommuter
New member
bones said:
I think the issue gets complicated when it's something that you want and the price keeping going up. You end up making a faster decision...it may not be a wrong decision...just rushed.
bones said:
Bones you have a very optimistic view on life, and that's admirable.
You're very accepting of circumstances, and adjust your expectations and needs to match what is available, and that is something rare to find these days.Unfortunately, most people today are the exact opposite. Some say "knowledge/information is power", but in many circumstances (this being one of them), I believe it actually works against the consumer. The more information people have, the more paralyzing it can be for the decision process. Amplify that by the perceived urgency that the sales practices portray, and it's like adding fuel to the fire. Sales and marketing employees are DIRECTLY rewarded for increasing sales margins/volume/traffic, and the rewards are NOT contingent on ethical or moral techniques. Prey on ignorance? Reward. Take advantage of naivete? Reward. Creatively change wording of advertising, terms, conditions, & disclosure so that it reduces buyers' barriers to conversion? Big reward.
Because of who you are, you are in a unique position to both avoid getting taken advantage of (because you don't fall for the sales tactics), and not care if people use shady sales tactics (because you don't fall for the sales tactics). And yes, you ARE in the severe minority. The rest of us either (1) get screwed over and over and are unhappy about it but never do anything about it, (2) get screwed and simply don't know any better (ignorance is bliss), or (3) realize how badly people get screwed and go to TI to post about how badly people are getting screwed.
^ that seems like a very wordy, backhanded compliment
See - not all sunshine and pancakes here!
But this thread reminds me, I have a very lovely black chair with ottoman that needs a new home. It's amazing (!!!!) and so far, 15 people have inquired about it on Craigslist but I'm saving it for a very special TI member. Who wants to come and haul it away from my house. PM me NOW or it'll be gone. Won't last through the day!
See - not all sunshine and pancakes here!
But this thread reminds me, I have a very lovely black chair with ottoman that needs a new home. It's amazing (!!!!) and so far, 15 people have inquired about it on Craigslist but I'm saving it for a very special TI member. Who wants to come and haul it away from my house. PM me NOW or it'll be gone. Won't last through the day!
bones said:^ that seems like a very wordy, backhanded compliment
See - not all sunshine and pancakes here!
But this thread reminds me, I have a very lovely black chair with ottoman that needs a new home. It's amazing (!!!!) and so far, 15 people have inquired about it on Craigslist but I'm saving it for a very special TI member. Who wants to come and haul it away from my house. PM me NOW or it'll be gone. Won't last through the day!
Nothing back-handed here.
I actually envy you...my life would be so much simpler if I could have your perspective on things. paperboyNC
New member
It's one reason why homes that sit on MLS are hard to sell.. "If no one else wants it, there must be something wrong with it"
