Comments on: Bike to Work? It’s possible in Scottsdale. Sell real estate? Hum…

By: Scottsdale & Tempe among most bicycle friendly cities in US — Phoenix Area Real Estate Blog

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:28:24 +0000

[...] Dru Bloomfield and I were chatting recently about showing property while riding a bicycle. I have never had a [...]

By: Dru Bloomfield

Dru Bloomfield — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:55:25 +0000

Cost of Commuting – You have a very interesting web site. A great way to help people understand the economics of their travel choices.

Jim, Tony, and Jeremy – Is it coincidental that you are all located in Virginia? Thanks for sharing how you use your bikes for real estate. I know I can expand my bike use and you’ve given me a few more ideas. Thanks!

Steve – Scottsdale is spread out pretty far north and south, so we have a challenge or two. At the same time, the City of Scottsdale has created a fabulous network of bike paths and lanes, so it’s pretty easy to get around. We’ll have to brainstorm a bit more.

By: Steve Belt

Steve Belt — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 21:41:24 +0000

PS- It’s funny you write about the greenbelt, and riding it on Saturday…did you see this iPhone photo I took Saturday morning from my bike:

http://www.mysidedoor.com/2008/10/18/mccormick-ranch-greembelt/

By: Steve Belt

Steve Belt — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 21:36:57 +0000

I ride my bike (both mountain and road) a lot, but have never considered riding with a client and showing homes. I think in South Central Scottsdale it would be very doable, given how flat it is, and how many bike paths there are. It’s really quite bike friendly.

Personally, I’d need to invest in a clipless platform for my bikes, so I wouldn’t need cycling shows when showing homes, but that’s a minor problem. If I found a client that wanted to ride and look, I’d be ALL OVER the opportunity. As I like to say, there’s never a bad day spent on a bike.

By: Jeremy Hart

Jeremy Hart — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:59:15 +0000

Like Jim and Tony, I’ve started using the bike for days where I’ve got simple tasks to accomplish. I don’t think I’ve used it as a commute to and from a showing yet, although I’ll likely start doing that in the spring. In the meantime, it’s a nice way to see the community I live and work in.

Jim’s right – it gives you a different sense of what’s happening in your marketplace, and makes some of the connections a little more personal. I had a streak – if you can call it that – of three straight days riding, and saw the same guy watering his lawn each day. Day two he called out and waved, day three he invited me to stop and we shared a cup of coffee. Come to find out, he’s moving next year and wants to talk in the coming months.

More important than the bottom line though, it’s a good thing to do. Companies like Pedal 2 Properties, or others you’ve highlighted above, are just putting it into practice.

Since it seems the thing to do …

(PS – I’m in Blacksburg, VA)

By: Tony Arko

Tony Arko — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:20:20 +0000

Although I haven’t started showing properties while on my bike, I do use my bike to take care of daily tasks like previewing, dropping off lockboxes, taking pictures of new listings, taking pix for blogs about neighborhoods, going to settlements, etc.

(PS – I’m in Loudoun County, Virginia)

By: Jim Duncan

Jim Duncan — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:10:28 +0000

I’ve found that riding my bike around my market has put me in touch with with the market much better than driving a car –

- Clients who are interested in biking to work know that I have first-hand experience with biking around – and that’s important to them.
- I’m able to interact with friends and clients and strangers versus waving from a car
- I smell great foods wafting about neighborhoods
- I see gardens and unrepresented sellers’ signs
- I save gas and have lost a few pounds to boot!
- I’m setting an example for my kids and others

(PS – I’m in Charlottesville, Virginia)