Airplane enthusiasts. Real estate experts.

herr_oberst · 11-09-2009, 10:32 AM

I have an issue that is bigger than me, and I really need some advice.

Dad and Mom, both elderly, live on an airpark in Idaho, miles from civilization.

Dad had a stroke, he's now permanently disabled, lives in a nursing home, about 30 miles from what used to be his home.

Mom drives to see him EVERY DAY!! on two lane farm roads. (see 'elderly' above, she's 78, dad is 83) I am really worried about that, but she insists.

Mom needs to buy a house in town, she also needs to sell the house at the airpark.
This will allow dad to live in a home with mom with some in-home care that is impossible to get right now, because of where they live.

Us kids (boy, I use that term loosely) can afford to buy her a house, until she sells the other, so that is a plus.

We've tried two realtors, never got a single prospective buyer to take a look. Just one guy who lives at the airpark trying to totally lowball mom.

(Oh, btw, I live in Portland, 400 miles away) (Oh, BTW, she and dad are borderline hoarders, maybe not even borderline)

Any thoughts? All advice would be appreciated, this is just an all around bad situation.

willtel · 10:49 AM

I would think that a property like that is going to need a specialized agent to get it noticed. People shop for houses by price and location, the location of this house is most likely not too desirable for non-pilots (just assuming) and the price would be inflated because it is attached to an air strip. I think you are going to need focused marketing to get it in front of the right set of eyes.

A while back I found a real estate website that specialized in homes with massive amounts of garage space, I wonder if there is something simmilar for fly-in communities?

Here are a few links that may help you find someone that has sold an air-strip home before.
http://livingwithyourplane.com/
http://www.thirtythousandfeet.com/resident.htm
http://www.flyinhomes.com/

herr_oberst · 11-09-2009, 10:53 AM

Here is the overhead, just to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. That's the Snake River running alongside.

widgeon13 · 11-09-2009, 11:54 AM

I would list is in Trade-a-Plane, good audience and they have a section for real estate and airparks. Obviously, you are targeting a small audience. A local realtor has no idea how to move that kind of property.

Also, AOPA Magazine might be interested in listing it. Check for a local chapter of EAA (Experimental aircraft assn.)

Hope that is helpful

herr_oberst · 11-09-2009, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by widgeon13

I would list is in Trade-a-Plane, good audience and they have a section for real estate and airparks. Obviously, you are targeting a small audience. A local realtor has no idea how to move that kind of property.

Also, AOPA Magazine might be interested in listing it. Check for a local chapter of EAA (Experimental aircraft assn.)

Hope that is helpful

Very helpful. Thanks for taking the time, much appreciated.

widgeon13 · 11-09-2009, 01:07 PM

I'll see if I can think of some other options, good luck. The good thing is that most folks that have airplanes have discretionary income so you are not marketing it to the poor.

Joeaksa · 11-09-2009, 01:53 PM

Contact the manager of the airpark. They should know of some realtors who specialize in this sort of thing.

Then think about advertising in something like Trade A plane, Pacific Flyer and Barnstormers.

herr_oberst · 11-09-2009, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joeaksa

Contact the manager of the airpark. They should know of some realtors who specialize in this sort of thing.

Curiously, I am in pretty close contact with my dads best buddy at the airpark, (the managing director of the association!) and he hasn't come up with the ideas that you guys are giving me. So, thanks! (of course, in Jacks defense, I am casting my net to a much wider array of folks with this BB)

Thanks!

javadog · 11-09-2009, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

Oh, BTW, she and dad are borderline hoarders, maybe not even borderline.

Don't show the house until all of the "stuff" is gone and it's been cleaned. Nobody will give you any serious money on a house if it looks like a packrat lived in it.

JR

Tim Hancock · 11-09-2009, 04:24 PM

While I have never been in the market for a house at an airpark as I have my own home runway, I know for a fact that pretty much every pilot that owns a small airplane drools at the thought of having a runway and hangar for a backyard. As the others stated, you need to advertise in the publications they listed along with maybe putting up some for sale brochures at the local airports. If you wait long enough I would assume someone involved in aviation with deep pockets will snatch it up.

herr_oberst · 11-09-2009, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by javadog

Don't show the house until all of the "stuff" is gone and it's been cleaned. Nobody will give you any serious money on a house if it looks like a packrat lived in it.

JR

You sure do have that right. And believe me, trying to part mom from some of this stuff just takes me to the edge sometimes. Realistically, therefore, when we get her situated into a new place, she will have to give the old heave ho to a lot of accumulation.

Thanks for the advice! Mucho Appreciado!

MT930 · 11-09-2009, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joeaksa

Contact the manager of the airpark. They should know of some realtors who specialize in this sort of thing.

Then think about advertising in something like Trade A plane, Pacific Flyer and Barnstormers.

Great Advise !!!!

Be aware that Real Estate and General Aviation are both in tough shape as far as the current market. The property should be made to provide a good first impression. The association president should have some R/E contacts. I think I know where that is, great area.

1979 930 · 1979 930's Garage

Send it to airplane brokers in and out of the area!!! If it is like yachts we use the docks
of houses for sale as good marketing for both parts. A free place to park a nice plane
will help you!!!
Good luck!

herr_oberst · 11-09-2009, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1979 930

Send it to airplane brokers in and out of the area!!! If it is like yachts we use the docks
of houses for sale as good marketing for both parts. A free place to park a nice plane
will help you!!!
Good luck!

Thx for the reply - sent you a PM

1979 930 · 1979 930's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

Thx for the reply - sent you a PM

sent one back, but my typing sucks!!! hope you get the idea!!