As a real estate professional, I have the ability to train my eyes to see things others can't or simply don't make the effort to do so. And yes, really seeing requires some mental and physical effort. The more I observe and train my eyes, the easier it becomes to see things (almost in an instant) and seek out value in this knowledge. Here are some examples:
1. A listing agent says the ceilings are 12ft tall. My eyes have been trained sufficiently to know otherwise. I measure, and yup, they're 10ft 3".....
2. I notice a slight difference in the shade of white in the ceiling above a bathtub. Possibly indicating a repair from a past leak?
3. I observe the body language of another agent, unable to maintain eye contact, fidgeting a bit. Red flags rise.
4. I notice a damp area in the garden on a very dry day, screened off with plantings....hmmmmmm....
5. I observe a beautiful view from the home that the listing agent highlights but notice four very old, derelict buildings and parking lots a few blocks away that are ripe for development.
Spending the time to observe really closely often reveals multiple insights of great value. Often, they are non-Google-able or AI-able. This is an area where I can deliver enormous value to my clients. My eyes rarely lie. What I see is what you see. Yes, in this world, lots can be augmented via AI, staging, photoshop, etc. Some may attempt to make me believe I am not seeing what I clearly see with my own eyes. Often, a coat of paint is an attempt to whitewash something more serious. I acknowledge what I see. Investigate. Research. I may be wrong, but chances are I may be right. Trust your own eyes first!
