Anonymous wrote:OP -- are either of you using an agent? Logistically, how do private transactions like this work?

FYI, no need for an agent. Get a lawyer--can draw everything up for less than $5000. Probably much less. Done.

Can someone please explain to me how Zillow gets its "Zestimates"? I happened to look at our house today and it's showing up as at least 100k more than it should and I just wonder how they even come up with it.

I saw a MMM on zillow, contacted twice stated want to check it out, but no response at all.

I am in N.Arlington/Clarendon and have been getting a glut of letters in the mail asking to me to sell my house. Zillow just estimated my house $300k more than I bought it in 2009. If you contact me for that amount--I might sell.

My friend just got a house this way....would never have thought to look at MMM.

Anonymous wrote:i'm noticing a bunch of "make me move" houses on zillow in the area i'm looking.

but we're already working with an agent. anyone know if we try to use MMM, will we be obligated to use our agent somehow?

If you signed a contract, you will. But actually this may be a good thing for you.

i'm noticing a bunch of "make me move" houses on zillow in the area i'm looking.

but we're already working with an agent. anyone know if we try to use MMM, will we be obligated to use our agent somehow?

This is an inspirational post! Exciting!

PS: When I say "do your negotiating verbally" what I mean is, talk general numbers. If someone wants to do an inspection of the house before talking numbers, go to your lawyer and ask for a pre-inspection form and make SURE you are not informed of anything wrong with the house (unless you want to know--when you know, you are obliged to disclose).

It might be good to talk with a real estate lawyer first if you're new to the game. That way you know what's what.

Here's how you do it.

1. Go to Zillow and claim your house. Click on "Make me Move." but don't stop there. Put in a description of your house and clearly indicate that you are open to discussion!

2. When Real Estate agents call you (because they will) wanting to represent you as a seller's agent, tell them you're only interested in paying them a flat fee for basic counseling and helping you complete forms. THAT IS IT. When they say no, tell them thank you very much and hire a law firm.

3. Wait for buyers to come to you. Do all negotiating verbally unless you want to jump right to lawyers (paid by the hour--shouldn't take too many hours) or your Real Estate agent-hired-for-a-flat-fee. All it takes is that.


You will have spent less than $2000, guaranteed, to sell your house.

Anonymous wrote:We have been searching for a home for a while, very discouraged by how quickly things are going under contract...appraisal contingencies being stricken from offers etc.
So on Sunday night, I got on Zillow - found around 10 Make Me Move properties, knowing it was a total long shot. Guess what? Got 2 calls back yesterday. One house we really love, the other - eh. Anyhow, contract being written today.

I know there was a discussion about Make Me Mover recently, just wanted to add my experience.

OP here with an update on my MMM experience! We offered $12K below their asking as they were a tad over what the banks would appraise the house over and there was no way we were going to kick in another $10K cash. During this time period they got an offer from another buyer. We submitted a heart-felt personal letter about why we wanted the house, all about our family etc. and upped our offer by another $2K and got word today that they chose US!! we got the house

Lesson learned out of this experience is that MMM works AND so does a personal letter. I know there was a discussion on here recently about whether or not that approach helped and many on here laughed at the idea - saying they would not even read a personal letter from a potential buyer. glad our sellers did we are so thrilled.

PP - Nope, you can look at any MMM houses.

Other PP - exactly! No agents needed on either side of the transaction.

Q: Do you have to use the MMM on your own house in order to view others?

interesting thread. do you even need an agent if you go with this route? could you just hire a real estate lawyer and pay his/her hourly rate to advise you and prepare all of the documentation?

OP here

I almost didn't post about my MMM experience as I was so 100% absolutely sure that I was going to be called either a troll or a liar. Glad that I sparked interest in using MMM.

Good Luck PPs. Hope you have as much luck as I did