We all have a realtor friend or two within our neighborhoods to whom we might turn if we want to sell our homes. It just makes sense. No one knows a neighborhood like those who actually live there, so when a potential buyer asks, "What's the neighborhood like?", they can get a down-to-earth answer.
But have you ever heard of a whole neighborhood being such an agent? If things work out, the residents of the Aycock Historic District may be just that.
The Greensboro Housing Development Partnership owns a two story house at 711 Park Avenue. Originally purchased and renovated by them several years ago as a specialized "group home", the house has now been vacant for some time and the Partnership is looking to sell it.
In one of the most creative moves ever to come out of City Hall, they are seeking to enlist the Aycock Neighborhood Association's help in marketing the property and are willing to pay the Association a commission for its efforts. Here is an excerpt from a listserve email that was circulated yesterday by Association member Jacynthia Mitchell (Grunkle Guru's wife, BTW)- who lives right down the street from 711 Park Avenue...
"They would like to sell the property "as is" and are currently having it appraised as such. The appraisal is expected to come back within the next two weeks. In return for our efforts, Aycock will receive a percentage based on the appraisal value. The home may be sold for less then appraised value; however, Aycocks fee will remain the same. Both individuals and developers/contractors are eligible to purchase the property and a proposal process will be held to determine the buyer."
It is damn smart on the part of the City staff at Housing and Community Develelopment to do this. I know of no group of neighbors who loves where they live as much as we do here in the Aycock 'hood. Enlisting the referal power of hundreds of motivated Aycock neighbors to help market one of our own historic properties to like-minded folks in exchange for much needed funding for our Association is as close to a win-win as your ever likely to find.
Kudos go out to City staffers Dan Curry and Mike Cowhig for their creative thinking.
7:05:09 AM 
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