I hear tell that there’s an accepted offer on 253 Round Hill Road, that Billy Gardiner spec house asking $23 million. I’m not surprised, because I’ve had some very wealthy clients interested in the place myself. None were willing to even approach its asking price, and I doubt the guy whose bid was accepted did either, but even if it goes for, say, $12-$15 million (and that’s just a guess on my part) that’s a significant anmount of money.
Similarly, I was reflecting this evening that my clients, combined, have offered something like $20 million on a number of houses. Most of those bids are awaiting a response and some will come out next week but if I’m typical of other agents, the woes of Greenwich are attracting some serious dough. It’s ironic that, of the two bids I’ve had rejected so far, both were closer to the actual market value, in my opinion, than the seller’s asked for price. And one was actually very close to full asking price – the seller just decided that he would stick to what he’d decided he needed, rather than sell for what it was worth. His loss.
So we may see some real movement shortly. Or, the sellers will continue to resist and the buyers will retreat to the sidelines and wait another six months to see what time does to the sellers’ resolve. I have to admit, I am having fun in real estate for the first time in my career because there’s something to do other than just serve as an order taker. Dig up every scrap of information on a seller’s financial situation, talk to banks and private lenders, twist arms, kick tires and, all in all, earn my pay. It’s gratifying.