Lots of buyers, sellers...agents and lenders ....people in general, rely on "Mother in Law Research". This is a term coined long ago that means...ask the people you know...not the people THAT know....and draw your conclusion based upon this "research."
Everyone wants family and friends to agree with them, applaud decisions, congratulate successes,it is human nature to want approval. When there ar large decisions to be made...the Mother in Law system may not be the "highest and best source" for the answer.
- Deciding on the state of your local real estate market based upon what was said on the evening news may not be an accurate reflection of what is happening in your neighborhood
- Using the Mother in Law recommendation for choosing a professional to perform a sevice without the benefit of further research or collaboration may not be the best choice (ask the person with the now wet basement, leaky roof, etc. who used their neighbor's nephew)
- Choosing a lender without the benefit of finding out what other programs and interest rates may be offered for a particular purchase, especially today in the ever changing economy, may be costly
- The lowest bidder....hmmmm...maybe and maybe not...was price the only criteria in choosing that vendor ?
The best decisions are made from a position of strength. The strength of independent collaboration and not necessarily the person you are related to, a friend of or who is most likely to agree with you. For your own protection, whether or not you like your mother in law, use objective sources to make the highest and best decisions.
Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, CSS, e-Pro,ILHM, REDS
This is so funny to me... It is always well my sister said and my cousin said and my mother said... I always tell them if they think my professional opinion is not correct perhaps they should check in with their attorney and not their mother to run a checks and balances on what I know! Nicely of course!
Ah, this is so frustrating! Do these people say to pest control, my mother-in-law says its not termites, or to a home inspector my mother-in-law says that outlet is not a problem?
Highest and best...not necessarily on the family tree ...or the neighborhood block...10:00 news....
I have put my hands on the monitor and I can feel your pain. Far too often, folks let family or friends get in the way of the transaction. Not a good time will be had by all - that's for sure...
Sometimes common sense over ruling the "recommendation of your mother in law" will ned up saving lots of heartbreak...money...anguish...
LOL, don't mind if I print your post and include it in my buyers and sellers packages....:)
Have at it Cathy,,,,we will dust it with prosperous sales wishes !
You mean I'm NOT supposed to ask her?
Wow, after all these years - off the hook!
You have my permission Jay...Free at last !
I've never heard the term mother-in-law research before. I find it ironic since too many people seem to have problems with their mothers-in-law, so why would they ask their mothers-in-law anything regarding such a large purchase? I'm one who loves my mother-in-law, especially when she treats me to fantastic Famous Dave's barbecue for my birthday. I get my barbecue later today!
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We have Dzve here too...not as Famous but he does make great ribs...hope it was happy and you enjoyed our singing telegram..