B
enzinga and Yahoo Finance may receive commissions from links below. The Wall Street Journal reports that the latest real‑estate buzz is “try it before you buy it.” Los Angeles broker Ari Afshar likens it to test‑driving a car: “If you can drive a car off a lot, why not test‑drive a home?” One extreme example came from Newport Coast, where Eric Albert listed a 11,095‑sq‑ft estate for $60.2 million. When a foreign couple asked to stay overnight, Albert agreed. The overnight visit turned into a two‑month lease at $250,000 per month, covering furnishings, staff and vehicles. Although the sale collapsed over price, Albert called the deal a “win‑win” because it generated substantial rental income.

    For buyers, the idea is to reduce uncertainty. A quick showing can miss hidden issues. A commenter on the Journal noted the importance of viewing a property “in the dark, at night, with lights off, during rush hour… smoking neighbors, trains, traffic, and other nuisances.” A Manhattan couple working with Douglas Elliman’s McKenzie Ryan, wary of a $600,000 Hudson Valley home needing repairs, requested a 14‑hour stay. They brought an air mattress, tested water pressure and HVAC, and listened to nighttime sounds. The experience convinced them the house would suit their lifestyle, and they closed the deal.

    However, sellers face significant risks. Miami agent Ruthie Assouline warned that the practice can open a “Pandora’s box for liabilities.” She recounted a buyer who turned a one‑hour dinner at a $25.5 million property into an eight‑hour party, attracting uninvited guests, triggering a fire alarm and prompting a fire‑department visit.

    Backers are betting on this vacation‑home platform at $2.90 per share, while Kevin O’Leary praises real‑estate as a smart 200‑year‑old investment. Trending: A former real‑estate mogul sold a company for nearly $1 billion and is now building the future of U.S. industrial growth.