Upsold: Real Estate Agents, Prices, and Neighborhood Inequality

In the next five to ten years, a real estate agent might ask questions about marriage, kids, a new job, and other factors to upsell a property, leading to increased neighborhood inequality. This book by Max Besbris reveals how face-to-face interactions influence buyers' ideas about desirable neighborhoods, ultimately contributing to housing prices and resource distribution.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 05 September 2020
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary urban communities, stratification emerges as a defining feature, shaping the very fabric of cities across the United States. Amidst a growing trend of income segregation, housing prices assume a pivotal role in perpetuating this inequality, serving as a critical driver of wealth disparities and their attendant consequences. Moreover, housing prices are intricately linked to the unequal distribution of resources across neighborhoods, as well as to the perpetuation of racial and ethnic segregation.

Upsold, a groundbreaking book by sociologist Max Besbris, delves into the intricate dynamics that shape the housing market and, in turn, contribute to neighborhood inequality. Through a comprehensive exploration of ethnographic and quantitative housing data, Besbris meticulously uncovers the profound influence that interactions between real estate agents and buyers wield in shaping neighborhood reputations and determining the perceived value of properties.

Within the pages of Upsold, readers embark on a deep dive into the decision-making processes of buyers, shedding light on the critical role played by sales agents in influencing their choices. The book reveals how neighborhoods are differentiated, valued, and ultimately deemed worthy of specific price tags, perpetuating a cycle of stratification and perpetuating existing inequalities.

By examining the interplay between social influences, market dynamics, and individual preferences, Upsold offers a nuanced understanding of the complex processes that shape urban communities. It challenges the conventional narratives surrounding housing markets and provides a critical lens through which to examine the broader societal implications of housing prices.

Through its insightful analysis and compelling storytelling, Upsold serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, urban planners, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of urban inequality. It prompts us to question the role that the housing market plays in perpetuating social and economic disparities and to explore innovative solutions to address these challenges.

In conclusion, Upsold is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the intricate connections between housing markets, social influences, and neighborhood inequality. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the sales process and its impact on communities, Besbris offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of urban dynamics and the urgent need for equitable housing policies.

Weight: 328g
Dimension: 280 x 173 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226721378