In Part 2 of this tiny-home guide, I talked tiny homes via email with Megan Harried of Windermere Real Estate Whatcom in Bellingham, Washington, who has been selling homes for 11 years. Harried has been captivated by real estate since she was young. She would spend hours drawing homes and different floor plans.
Megan Harried
“I loved the idea that one could just dream up and design their ideal space. The older I got, I realized that’s not a reality for most, but there are homes of all types out there and having a job that helps people find those perfect spaces to call home is really exciting!” Harried said.
Harried’s favorite part of the job is closing the sale and being able to call to congratulate the buyer. But, like many agents, she has found that her biggest challenge is helping her buyers find a home that they love in their preferred price range.
What is the most appealing part of working in the “tiny movement”?
What appeals to me most about the tiny-house movement is that there are buyers who want to live a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
While there is still a market for large, luxurious housing, there are more and more buyers who are tired of constantly working to pay for space they are not using and would rather spend more time doing things they love.
My advice for those seeking the tiny-house lifestyle is be realistic, it’s a tiny space, so weigh the pros and cons. Remember that living in a tiny house can be more affordable, easier to maintain and give a homeowner more time to do the things they love — if that sounds awesome, then buying a tiny house is the perfect fit for you.
Can you describe what it was like working in the spotlight of “Tiny House Hunting”?
My experience with the show “Tiny House Hunting” was amazing. Even with all the cameras and mics pointed my way, the director and crew were so fun, high-energy and professional.
The buyers were really fun to work with, too. Being on the show was great for my business, it created a big buzz on my social media outlets, and also allowed me to have something fun and relevant to talk about with clients and my sphere of influence.
What are your best tips for agents looking to help clients buy and sell tiny properties?
My advice for other brokers working with people who are exploring tiny houses would be to really listen to what your buyers want and don’t want. Make sure you point out the pros and cons of living in a tiny space, so they really know what they are getting into.
Marketing a tiny house can be tricky — living in a small space is a radical thought and doesn’t seem ideal. I would touch on affordability, lower costs to maintain. Highlight location, as most of the time a tiny house is more affordable and that enables buyers to get into a more desirable location.
In a tiny house it’s all about maximizing space; make sure to point out anything creative in the way of storage. Because a buyer gains more time buying a tiny house, pointing out things to do in the neighborhood and area would be great.
You can watch Megan’s client’s find their perfect tiny house here, and connect with Megan on LinkedIn.
Putting it all together
To sell this lifestyle successfully, you will need to have an appreciation for the beauty of living modestly. The magic shows up when clients trade material possessions for real-life experiences.
Knowledge of this movement should prove to be valuable for any agent. Take the time to research and make connections with tiny-home options in your local area, this might be the solution that many of your clients want. It’s fantastic frontier-scape, and there is plenty of room for agents, homeowners and those seeking adventure.
Read “The ultimate guide to selling tiny homes: Part 1” here.
By day, Rachael Hite helps agents develop their business. By night, she’s tweeting for listingdepot.com.
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