How do you define a View?

In the Chicago Real Estate Market it is interesting to see the different interpretations of a “view”. Have you ever seen a listing described as fabulous view only to get there and find the home looks into a building? Or have them say Lake View, without telling you that you have to go out on the balcony and lean as far to the east as you can without falling to catch a sliver of the lake peeking out between two buildings? The obvious problem with these types of descriptions: as soon as the client does not see the ‘lake view’ or ‘fabulous view’, they are completely disappointed and would never consider the listing as their home, even though it may have everything they are looking for, you have deceived their expectations and they will not be writing an offer. I am not sure what is being accomplished by deceptive descriptions? If you say lake view, you should walk into the home and see the lake, period!

Fabulous city view, you should walk in and see a beautiful panoramic view of the city:

When we have a listing we all want showings, but if the client wants a lake view and they walk in and there is no obvious lake view, what have you really gained? It is just a waste of everyone’s time. Managing your clients expectations should be number one, if your client wants a home with a lake view do not try and sell the client on a home that does not have something that is number 1 on their list. I believe you will find that client moving on to another agent that does listen to them.

Start your search for a home with a view here.