POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) – A man looking to sell his Midlothian-area home came up with a way to make sure his property would be one real estate agents representing potential buyers would not forget. Homeowner Ken Jenkins is offering to buy a 2012 C Class Mercedes-Benz to the real estate agent who finds the person that buys his house.
The car is worth $37,900.
The home, at 915 Dalmore Drive, is on the market for $1.9 million.
Real estate agent Susan Stynes, who is handling the listing, said Jenkins is not desperate to sell, he is just motivated. She said sellers will sometimes offer gifts like cash or a gift certificate as a bonus.
“But as I was talking about more unique incentives that we might be able to offer, like a trip to the wine country or a Broadway show, he suggested the Mercedes. It blew me away,” said said.
Stynes said the giveaway has created a buzz among real estate agents.
Jason Saunders, associate broker at Keller Williams realty, had not yet heard of the offer when contacted to comment on the story.
“I think it’s a brilliant marketing tactic,” he said upon hearing the news. “It’s not uncommon to be offered a bonus, but I’ve never heard of a Mercedes-Benz being offered as a bonus.”
Richmond Association of Realtors CEO Laura Lafayette does not know how many potential buyers the offer will bring to the home. She said realtors abide by a code of ethics that require them to work in the best interest of their clients, not themselves.
“It may make the seller feel better,” she said about the new car offer. “But if this house doesn’t meet the buyer’s criteria, the incentive does not matter.”
Stynes said if the agent did not want the car, Jenkins would pay a $30,000 bonus instead.
According to the online listing:
The home offers a magnificent foyer entrance with inlaid custom marble floor mural and regal crown moldings which leads gracefully to the living area of high quality finished elegance. The state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen complete with cherry cabinets, the finest granite, double tray ceiling, , double drawer dishwashers, warming drawer and icemaker. The richly appointed master suite with fireplace, private french doors leading to veranda, generous his and hers wardrobe, and stunning marble bath is for the buyer looking for the very best but at the same time looking for low-key understated home living. A three-car garage, pool with brick terrace, and gated entrance all on 10 acres of secluded privacy complete this amazing must see estate with the finest of finishes throughout.
Stynes said the offer not only applies to local agents, but agents from out-of-state who bring a buyer to town. She said she planned to hold an agent-only house preview to generate more talk about the listing.
