Movies about real estate: "5 Flights Up"

Today's New York Times has an article about a new Diane Keaton-Morgan Freeman film, "5 Flights Up."  Link here.  I hadn't heard of the movie, but it's apparently about a late-middle-aged couple who are selling their Brooklyn apartment.  And making an unexpected fortune, of course.  And naturally, there's at least one venal, grasping Realtor in the film, because hey, that's who we are. Or who Hollywood thinks we are (don't get me started on who we think they are).  But I guess there would be no story if there wasn't a bad Realtor guy driving the action. Anyway, the article contains many comments from NY real estate agents about how our biz is portrayed. Personally, I can't wait to see it!

Game of Thrones, real-estate style. (Yes, yet another GOT meme.)

For you prospective home buyers out there, I know buying a home can seem just as hard as battling for the throne of Westeros.  (Admit it, this is your fourth season of trying to buy something.) Your experiences on this journey probably look like this to you:

The part of town you'd like to live in:

It's a little congested, but it's really very walkable.

The part of town you can actually afford to live in:

The, um, "city" council is trying to get the next CicLAvia here, and has promised to create bike paths on the dirt roads.

Your seller:

Would have more fun killing you than closing the deal.  Would prefer it, in fact. Every encounter with your seller is fraught with menace if not outright danger.

Your agent:

Nice package but probably bitter, twisted and a little drunk.

Your lender:

Seems to be on your side, but can turn on you at a moment’s notice and scorch you.  Insatiable appetite for paper.

How the house you'd like to buy looks to you:

How the house you'd like to buy looks to you, after you get the inspector's report:

You, after you’ve lost out on yet another house.

Feeling trapped by fate.

Never fear.  If you are truly motivated and qualified, I can help you win your fight for your own palace.

Adult classifieds from Realtor.com?

You all know Realtor.com, the first listing megasite? It has been a little eclipsed by Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, etc. but it's still a place that serious buyers go to search for properties and contact listing agents.  I just got this contact:

To: Judy Graff

From: laproductionss@aol.com

First Name: robin

Last Name: y

Subject: Lead from a REALTOR.com website consumer about your other listings

Message:

Just saw your pic. You are beautiful.

I'm an investor looking for a beautiful agent to work with and have fun on the 

side.

Interested?

Um, no, Robin Y and you need to get your eyes checked.  Or I need to get a more recent picture.  Realtors out there, feel free to contact Robin if you're interested, but don't forget to give me a referral fee!