This post is about doors. Mostly Carlsbad doors, but not all.
Not the most exciting thing in the world, but provocative, if you pause to think about it for a minute.
Doors serve a variety of functions.
They are the gateway to our personal sanctums, our homes, our havens, our escape from the world, our personal space.
They serve to keep the world, and the environment, at bay, although there are exceptions
They help protect us, our possessions, and those we love. But they are not invincible.
They keep our pets and children inside
They keep out what we wish to keep out, and let in that which is wanted. Or so we believe.
Doors can send a message.
They may be welcoming..."Please come in,"... or may strive to keep those out who do not belong..."Employees Only."
They can make a powerful statement about who we are, or perhaps yield nothing of the secrets behind them.
They can be cheap, unobtrusive, colorful, flashy, or cost many thousands of dollars. Some look like lots of other doors, while others are very unique.
Some doors say this is not a safe area
Our personal doors on our homes play an interesting role when we are selling. They may welcome in the buyers and ease their transition from the world outside, or they might not be so welcoming. Sometimes doors yield a surprise - maybe a pleasant one, or sometimes a shock, as in when one encounters a short sale, foreclosure or REO in poor condition.
Sometime our doors don't work well, or resist being opened. They may suggest to buyers that they are not welcome. Or that other maintenance issues are sure to greet them once they enter.
Knowing the right people can open doors for us, as they say. And there are many quotes about doors. And many rock fans remember The Doors.
What message does YOUR door convey? Is it a pleasant one, or one that suggests stay away.
I agree your front door says a lot, without words. While I was in London I saw some very interesting old doors. My husband thought I was nuts taking photos of doors. However I am using them in my business, I made note cards using the unique door photos. several clients have comented on how interesting and cool they are. Even while on vacation, I was working on my business. Wait does that make it a write off?!?!?
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Jeff D.... I agree, doors are very important and probably overlooked by so many. I would love to hear Carole Provenzale's take on this. Thanks for the reminder and for the insight.
Betina - could be, but then I am not your accountant! :)
I have seen many doors when I wish I had my camera, some hundreds of years old. And some real ugly ones when showing homes. The ones I hate are the doors that make it so hard to get in to see the house - not uncommon. How hard is it to have your front door fixed so it works like it should?
Lisa - ha ha. There are lots of icky doors out there, unfortunately. The other ones I dislike are the attractive front doors and then you walk in and go omigod!
Jeff.. what a treat it is to read your posts! Taking something as simple as a door and after reading this, I don't think I will look at another door in quite the same way!
Steve - so true. And some folks seem to have tried to break through in some cases. I saw one recently where the handle was completely non-funtional (no surprise, it was a REO).
BB - I actually had the idea first, then started paying more attention to doors, and taking photos when touring properties. There are many doors I wish I had taken a photo of, especially some of the ugly ones. Some are really sad and neglected...like their interiors.
Richard - abosultely agree with you on this. And it's surprising how many homes can really create a negative first impression. But then some are really impressive. What hurts most is the discrepancy between what you see outside and what's behind that door.
Jeff, interesting perspective that I never gave much thought to, but you are right a door can say many things about the type of person that lives behind it.
Jeff, speaking of doors, the first home I sold I had to crawl through the dog door in the backyard to get in. I had a showing appointment, my clients were excited about the house, but the key would not unlatch the front door. After all three of us trying to no avail, and after a call in to the agent who was an hour away, I decided to take my chances on smuggling through the dog door. I amazingly fit through, turned at an odd angle and with two delightful larger dogs attempting to lick my face while I braced myself from landing on the floor. I still think fondly on that sale and the clients...
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Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate ~ 760-840-1360
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I agree your front door says a lot, without words. While I was in London I saw some very interesting old doors. My husband thought I was nuts taking photos of doors. However I am using them in my business, I made note cards using the unique door photos. several clients have comented on how interesting and cool they are. Even while on vacation, I was working on my business. Wait does that make it a write off?!?!? ;)