Let’s talk about Bluey and real estate

Iconic homes have always been a staple in movies and television—that in itself is not unusual or worthy of a blog post. However, when one of the most beloved current television shows showcases what we do and teaches plenty of lessons meant for all age groups, the Birthright Title team knew it wanted to address it all. Yes, we’re talking about the recent super-sized Bluey episode called “The Sign.”

For some, especially if your family includes a toddler or preschooler, the Heeler family from Australia needs no introduction. But if you looked at the title of this blog and thought, “What’s a Bluey?” Here are some answers. It’s shown here in the U.S. on Disney Channel and Disney+ and is adored by kids and parents alike. Most importantly for us, the latest episode focused on real estate. It was so anticipated that Bluey’s imaginary home resulted in a very real for-sale listing.

Here are four things buyers, sellers and real estate professionals should take away from Bluey’s latest lessons for us all.

People will need to continue to move. This reminder is the foundation of the episode. Bluey’s dad is relocating the family to a new city for a better-paying job, but the entire family is struggling with what this means for the future. While the market isn’t as active as we’d like right now, this lesson is a good reminder that no matter what, people will need to move in and out of our region for a myriad of reasons, and they all deserve a team of expert real estate professionals to help them navigate home.

Saying goodbye to a home can be hard. While Birthright Title loves being the start of your “home sweet home,” we know you likely loved your old place as well. So, while moving represents a joyful beginning, it’s important to acknowledge that every move is a bit bittersweet for parents and children alike. How can you make the transition easier and still celebrate your old milestones and memories? This article can help!

Sellers shouldn’t be at open houses or showings. This lesson came from the “Ghostbasket” episode before the much-talked-about season finale. In it, Bluey’s dad tries to convince their “Mum” to buy their house, but his efforts keep getting foiled by the sisters’ alter Granny egos, Janet and Rita. While it seems extreme that our agent friends would have sellers who are making up ghost stories to scare off buyers, it’s a good reminder that prospective buyers want to be able to imagine themselves living in a house they’re looking at, not being reminded of the people who already live there.

Buyers should have a list of must-haves. While compromise is often the key to a successful journey home, house hunters should have a list of the features they need in their next home – as well as a separate list of amenities they would like to have. The couple who was in line to Bluey’s home really wanted a pool. Instead of listening to his buyers, their agent tried to convince them that a pool wasn’t needed in order to get them to settle, and that wasn’t good for anyone involved.

We won’t give away any spoilers, but we do have one complaint about the episode – the title, escrow and closing process – the part we can take care of for customers in Middle Tennessee – was not accurately portrayed. (We checked; closing a home in Australia sounds a lot like it does here in Tennessee, but you wouldn’t have ever guessed that.)  The show does not show how a closing protects both buyers and sellers – or how much work goes into finalizing a transaction, but we’re used to doing our work behind the scenes and out of the spotlight.

However, if you have any questions about how your closing works with Birthright Title, we’d be glad to talk to you. Reach out to us anytime!