Selling Kubota with the House?

[HillStreet]

My wife and I are thinking about moving out of state to a warmer climate. Our present house has a steep driveway going up from the road. The land levels out nice once on top and has plenty of room for turning and getting into the garage. The driveway is 800 feet, paved, in good condition, and a consistent grade. It really does make it easier with the Kubota to clear snow but a tractor is not a necessity.

The house and grounds are in great shape but not sure how a potential buyer would view the driveway---as a hassle, or no big deal. I am thinking that I would offer the Kubota B2320 as an incentive right up front.
Or, should I not say anything and use it as an incentive only if it will seal the deal.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Kubota owner, former Real Estate Salesman/Broker and Taught College Real Estate classes. Doubt the tractor would make the difference but stranger things have happened in Real Estate buying reasons.
If you have a competent agent they could keep it in the back ground and only bring it out if they pick up the possibility that it could make a difference but rarely able to determine the competency level of the agent showing property unless required that a specific agent be there at all showings.
Possibly add to listing that a tractor is available for purchase as some times additional adjoining property is available for purchase.:2cents:

 

[MattEffinCameron]

personally I would not mention it in the listing, but if you get a showing have it all shined up out somewhere they can see it...or all prettied up for when they check the garage. Your agent can listen to any remarks that are made when the buyers are walking around looking and figure out if they are interested in the house with or without the tractor, if the guy was drooling over the tractor when he saw it etc...and you can play your hand from there.

I think if someone is squeamish about buying your house because of the long driveway and taking care of it in winter, they wont be interested in you offering the tractor as they would not be the sort of person who would want to be outside in the weather for a few hours clearing it themselves. More likely than not the potential buyers probably feel that the setback quiet location of the home is what they are looking for and they are ready to accept a long driveway if it gets them that setting. I bought my house knowing the driveway would be an issue but ready to figure it out.

 

[AStanton]

Hill,
Your house sounds like it's a young person's game. I would highlight stuff that appeals to young people like ATV trails and man caves. Personally, I would get into the negotiation process before I mentioned the tractor. I heard a salesman tell me one day the best line I ever heard, "There is an aasss for every seat."

 

[bellweather]

I would sell the tractor separately. You will likely get more for it than as a bargaining chip during negotiations with a potential buyer of your house.
The buyer of your house may or may not be interested in owning a tractor. There are different strategies for dealing with a long driveway, including contracting snow removal to a plow service.

 

[avc8130]

When I bought my house with a few acres of grass I negotiated the ztr mower into the deal. Once the seller said they weren't going any lower I said throw in the mower and we had a deal.

For me I was coming from the suburbs and wasn't equipped for the big property. This made a nice difference to me and the seller didn't have to try to sell the mower separately.

I would have the tractor shined and ready but not list it directly. It's advantageous to both parties to make it one deal.

ac

 

[HillStreet]

OP here with update:

Seems not an issue at all, got an offer in 2 days with no issue whatsoever, for asking price. Buyers liked the rural, isolated, private nature of the property. My agent advised me to offer the tractor for sale separately. Buyers asked right away if it was for sale so we are negotiating.

Nice turn of events. I am happy with the offer but will miss it here. Now, off to NC, just east of Lake Norman.

 

[AStanton]

I'm glad that things worked out. Good luck on your new adventure.

 

[HillStreet]

Thanks AStanton. May have mentioned before but I did grow up in Brooklyn and Killingly, left there in 2004 at age 52. Since then lived in VA; Holden, MA; Germany; Iraq; VA, then Maine.

Move to NC is good, and the wife is very happy as her son will be closer. I am going to miss the privacy here, very unique property. Not many like this but am trading for a "neighborhood". Trade-off is no maintenance, and plenty of things to do. And I do have to admit that if something happened to me here--- my wife would be overwhelmed with snow and lawn.

Will remain on this site even though my tractor will be gone.