Holy election tie-in: Erik Ekstein, who’s developing +aRT, an 88-unit Chelsea condo that just began sales last week, says he’s including an “Obama Contingency Clause” in all contracts that go into effect between now and Election Day. If Obama wins, the contract goes through, but if John McCain prevails, buyers can back out — and presumably move to Canada — “with no questions asked.” (He says he came up with the idea after talking to potential buyers, who seemed to be holding off until the election.) Ekstein, a big supporter of the Democratic candidate, says he’s not worried he’ll lose business. “It’s a very narrow window, and we’re fairly confident he’ll win,” he says.
Technorati Tags: real estate, real estate marketing
Geno Petro says:
As usual. Different rules for different folks.
October 30, 2008 — 11:19 am
Greg Swann says:
> Different rules for different folks.
Sales is the art of taking away objections. If it matters, it matters, but the commitment of action says that if I can get the check today, I should.
October 30, 2008 — 11:32 am
Sean Purcell says:
God Bless people who allow their political wishes to confound their economic reasoning. A fool and his money are soon parted.
October 30, 2008 — 12:04 pm
Eric Bramlett says:
As a sales tactic, I think this is fantastic. My first inclination is that he should remove all presidential barriers and allow clauses for both parties. However, New York being New York, this got him the publicity, which is what it’s all about.
Great viral marketing!!!
October 30, 2008 — 12:17 pm
Bob says:
He knows that is just another empty threat.
After all, Alec Baldwin and Whoopi Goldberg have stayed here for 8 years after promising to leave in 2000.
October 30, 2008 — 1:31 pm
Geno Petro says:
GS,
So true. And the best way to overcome one (objection) is to anticipate it to begin with.
October 30, 2008 — 3:11 pm
Robert Kerr says:
Clever marketing!
I disagree with Geno; it’s the same rules for all folks.
October 31, 2008 — 2:41 am
Brian Brady says:
I agree with Robert on this. That wouldn’t fly in San Diego or Dallas but it will be praised in San Fran or Manhattan.
We always say that a “guarantee” is helpful when selling things. This developer’s guarantee panders to his market’s political persuasion.
How many conservative Republicans, who will naturally be turned off by his “guarantee”, do you think might be buying a Chelsea condo?
October 31, 2008 — 7:37 am
J Boyer Chatham NJ says:
“How many conservative Republicans, who will naturally be turned off by his “guarantee”, do you think might be buying a Chelsea condo?”
Not a one Brian, Not a one. Chelsea, is well known as a heavily Gay influenced area. The W crowd would not be very comfortable there.
October 31, 2008 — 8:10 pm