Over the years there have been a lot of great movies about real estate in some manner. Most are funny but oddly have a good message about the common mistakes we as consumers sometimes find ourselves in. So with that said here we go.
1. "Moving" - Richard Pryor finds himself out of job and the only company offering a position is cross country in Boise, Idaho. After difficulties getting everyone in the family on board with the move the family takes off for their new home and new start only to arrive to even more problems!
Lesson to learn: There are two major lessons we could learn after watching this movie. The first and most important is getting everything in writing. The second know who you are working with and ask for references.
2. "The Money Pit" - Tom Hanks and Shelly Long find the perfect house for the perfect price. Shocked and scared they could lose this perfect house to someone else if they don't act they buy the home. Shortly after living in their new dream home they figure out why the got such a deal!
Lesson to learn: For existing homes it is always very wise to get a home inspection!
3. "Mr. Blanding’s Builds His Dream House" - Cary Grant stars in this comedy about wanting a second home away from the hustle and bustle of the city. After hearing an advertisement about homes in the country he and wife go out looking for a perfect get away home. Soon the couple run into a salesman who tells them why buy when they can build? After taking this advice the couple runs into all sorts of problems!
Lesson to learn: Don't rush into a real estate transaction. Do some research and talk to a lot of people before you make a rather large investment and plan to be very hands on.
4. "Batteries not Included" - Hume Cronyn & Jessica Tandy star in this classic family movie about an older falling apart neighborhood apartment building that is prime for redevelopment due to lack of space in the city. A greedy developer does everything in his power to get ownership of this one building standing in his way only to face residents who refuse to move due to all sorts of reasons. With pressure from the city there seems to be little hope for this old run down building, that is until the building receives some visitors from a far off place with an amazing knack of fixing and repairing just about everything.
Lesson to learn: Eminent Domain is a major issue in real estate these days. Is removing the old for new development that will generate taxes a better use for the area? Or should private property rights be protected against developers? (This movie just skims the topic and is still a perfect movie for the family and kids)
5. “A Good Year” – Russell Crowe is Max Skinner, one of London’s top investment brokers who’s only passion in life is to make as much money as possible regardless of whom and how it may affect others. After hearing that his Grandfather passed away and left him a French winery where he spent many summers as a child Max is off to France in order to sell the property and make a quick buck. While in France Max gets the old house ready to show by clearing out the old items, painting the walls, and clearing the overgrown brush only to recall how fond of this home he was growing up. Things begin to change even more when Max runs into his old childhood crush who challenges him to think about life at a much slower pace. How much money is enough?
Lesson to learn: It is always wise to get a home cleaned up and repaired before selling. Curb appeal on the outside is just as important as taking care of the inside. However don’t discount all the fond memories of a home. Selling a home sometimes is a must but can also be very sad if a lot of memories were made there.
These are just a few movies that talk about real estate in some form. There are plenty more, can you think of any?
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