Top 5 Things Buyers Don't Like About Your House by Pam Simpson Desoto-Tate County Real Estate
I came across a discussion on city-data forum the other day on what people dislike about looking at homes. The following items were mentioned over and over again. Here are the Top 5 Things That Buyers Don't Like About Your House:
SMELL...Overwhelmingly, the #1 complaint among prospective buyers were unpleasant odors in the home. The chief offenders weresmoke, petodors, and strange cooking aromas. Some in the discussion said they turned right around and walked out because they found the smells so oppressive. Most of us are unaware of the 'peculiar' odors of our homes because we become immune to the smells - the buyers are not immune to these same odors.
CLEANLINESS...This one just boggles my mind - the #2 complaint that buyers had about the homes they viewed was that the seller simply did not bother to clean. We're not talking about home staging (which will help) or even unrealistic expectations of the home being spotless - just simple old-fashioned cleaning. Selling your home can be a bit inconvient, but when you have advance notice that a buyer is coming to view your home - clean it up!!! At the very least, remove the pile of dirty dishes from the sink.
SELLER AT HOME...Coming in at #3 is having the owners at home while the buyers are tring to view it. Most buyers felt very uncomfortable with the seller there. Many said they could not take the time to really look at the features of the home because they were in such a hurry to get away from the seller. This is a real problem for FSBOs, as they are usually the ones showing their own home.
CLUTTER...The #4 complaint is related to the cleanliness point - the dreaded clutter. We have all seen it on the home shows, many buyers have a hard time seeing your home because of all the stuff. When I was selling my small (875 sq. ft.) home, I hauled a big truckload of stuff to a storage facility. How in the world do we accumulate so much stuff?
UNFINISHED PROJECTS...Unfinished projects take the #5 spot. If you are planning on selling your home, finish up any on-going home improvement projects before placing it on the market. Homes with half-finished painting, flooring, trim, etc. gave buyers a bad overall impression.
But, none of the above matters if your home is overpriced. Buyers really hated it when the homes were priced above what the market indicates. An obviously overpriced home discourages offers because the buyer believes it is an indication of an unrealistic and unreasonable seller. The more out-of-line your price is with the current market, the longer your home will sit unsold and the more inconvenient the process is for you (the seller).
If your home is priced correctly and you have addressed the other items on this list, it will stand out like a diamond among the many lumps of coal out there.
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Disclaimer: All information provided by this author may be based on information collected from several sources and is believed accurate but not guaranteed.
Pack up those personal photographs and family heirlooms. Buyers can't see past personal artifacts, and you don't want them to be distracted. You want buyers to imagine their own photos on the walls, and they can't do that if yours are there! You don't want to make any buyer ask, "I wonder what kind of people live in this home?" You want buyers to say, "I can see myself in this home."
De-Clutter.
People collect an amazing quantity of junk. consider this: If you haven't used it in over a year, you probably don't need it
If you don't need it, donate it or throw it out!
Pack up those knickknacks.
Clean off kitchen counters
Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use.
Rearrange Bedroom Closets and Kitchen Cabinets.
Buyers love to snoop and will open closet and cabinet doors. "Think of the message it sends if items fall out! Now imagine what a buyer believes about you if she sees everything organized. It says you probably take good care of the rest of the house as well.
Rent a Storage Unit.
Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways and put them in storage. Remove extra leaves from your dining room table to make the room appear larger. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room's purpose and plenty of room to move around. you don't want buyers scratching their heads and saying, "what is this room used for?"
Remove/Replace Favorite Items.
If you want to take window coverings or fixtures with you, remove them now. If the chandelier in the dining room once belonged to your great grandmother, take it down. If a buyer never sees it, she won't want it. Once you tell a buyer she can't have an item, she will covet it, and it could blow your deal. Pack those items and replace them, if necessary.
Make Minor Repairs.
Replace cracked floor or counter tiles.
Patch holes in walls
Fix leaky faucets
Fix doors that don't close properly and kitchen drawers that jam
Consider painting your walls neutral colors, especially if you have grown accustomed to purple or pink walls. (Don't give buyers any reason to remember your home as "the house with the orange bathroom.")
Replace burned-out light bulbs
If you've considered replacing a worn bedspread, do it now!
Make The House Sparkle!
Wash windows inside and out
Clean out cobwebs
Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks
Polish chrome faucets and mirrors
Clean out the refrigerator
Vacuum daily
Wax floors
Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures
Bleach dingy grout
Replace worn rugs
Hang up fresh towels
Clean and air out any musty smelling areas. Odors are a no-no
Scrutinize
Go outside and open your front door. Stand there. Do you want to go inside? Does the house welcome you?
Linger in the doorway of every single room and imagine how your house will look to a buyer
examine carefully how furniture is arranged and move pieces around until it makes sense
Make sure window coverings hang level. Tune in to the room's statement and its emotional pull does it have impact and pizzazz?
Does it look like nobody lives in this house? You're almost finished.
Check Curb Appeal
If a buyer won't get out of her agent's car because she doesn't like the exterior of your home, you'll never get her inside.
Keep the sidewalks cleared.
Mow the lawn
Paint faded window trim
Plant flowers or group flower pots together
Trim your bushes
Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number.
One trait that separates the successful from the unsuccessful is the ability to look at change with an eye to opportunity, and Americans in general are good at this.
At the end of 2008, an international survey by the Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research studied the impact of the global financial crisis on 17 different countries.
The study revealed that Americans, despite the overwhelming tide of negative indicators, are among the most positive in the world when asked about their economic prospects, ranking well above Canada even though the Canadian economy is stronger right now.
The most pessimistic nations were Britain, France and Iceland.
Analysts generally agree that this U.S. optimism and can-do attitude (which leads to a willingness to invest and spend in hard times) will help turn the U.S. economy around, which will, in turn, affect economies throughout the rest of the world.
According to CIBC World Markets economist Meny Grauman, while the U.S. economy has never been in such rough shape in modern times, there has also never been such an unprecedented response from the U.S. government to deal with the crisis.
According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), there were 4.9 million homes sold in the U.S. in 2008, and the projection for 2009 sees that number growing by 6.6% to 5.2 million.Considering the numbers of real estate agents are declining, that means more homes sold per agent this year!
Calvin Lindberg, president Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) says, "The increase in the Home Buyers’ Plan and the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit to cover closing costs are both important for first-time home buyers, and they are an important factor in an active housing market."
You'll find additional information to shine a light on the brighter side of what's happening in real estate and home staging today in a new free special report: "Ask Staging Diva: Can I grow a home staging business in a depressed economy?"
I spent a ton of time researching and writing this report because I'm tired of watching all the doom and gloom in the media suck the energy out of entrepreneurs.
How are you keeping your spirits up? What new things are you doing to take advantage of what's happening in real estate today?
Debra Gould, The Staging Diva® President, Six Elements Inc.
Entrepreneur and Home Staging expert Debra Gould, The Staging Diva®, knows how to make money as a home stager and has taught over 1000 others to do the same. Discover her secrets to business success in the Staging Diva Home Staging Business Training Program.
Today I've decided to cancel a listing, which is something i never like to do, but the seller has a friend. You know how it goes, the friend gave him some advice and they pass it on to me and then when the home doesn't sell, whose fault is it?
From the very beginning, the seller has never wanted to quite listen to my pricing suggestions and he is always one step behind the market. When we first put the home on the market, he had to have it about $5,000 above where I suggested. The neighbor who put his home on the market 5 days later at the price I had advised my seller, sold in 6 days. OK, Max, now I get it, lets lower the price. But now it has been 30 days since that home had the offer and if we only lower it $5,000 it won't sell. There is another home going on the market tomorrow at a better price and we need to beat them.
But my seller stands fast on his $5,000 price reduction only because the friend said, if they really want it, they will offer you less and you can just accept it. Well, guess what, the next buyer that came along liked both homes equally and put an offer on the other one (priced $5,000 less) and it was accepted. Hmmmmm, so if they had been equal in price, could my seller have won and had the offer on his home instead?
This happens over and over in our market, chasing the market down always one step behind. Six months is coming up and the seller still hasn't learned and wants to do it again (staying one step behind the market) on the advice of his friend. The moral of the story, if you are a seller, don't be one step behind the market and always chasing it down, get in front to the market and get it sold. The winner in any race is the one who sets the pace and finishes the race first, ahead of the pack.
As I write this, the president is poised to sign the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, better known as the $787 billion Economic Stimulus Plan. There has been much speculation about what this plan might do for housing, real estate, homebuyers, and mortgages, ranging from 2.99% to 4.5% mortgage rates, $15,000 tax credits, and more, but when the dust settles and the plan is signed into law, the final effect will be quite different.
The most important thing the finaliztion of this plan will accomplish is it will end that speculation. Over the past few weeks, I have spoken with dozens of homebuyers, realtors, financial planners, and fellow mortgage advisors about the economic situation and the stimulus ideas, and the overwhelming consensus was this: "I'm not doing anything until I see what comes out of the package."
This is exactly why finaliztion of the package is important: not because the package might contain some magic bullet that will stop foreclosures, recapitalize banks and restore Amercans' faith in the financial system; rather because finalizing it puts an end to further guesswork regarding its contents.
So what does the package contain for the average homebuyer?
$8000.
Section 1006 (page 54 of the conference report) describes changes to Section 36 of the Internal Revenue Code modifying the previous homebuyer credit that had been enacted in October of 2008. Specifically, the following important changes have been made:
Credit has been increased: the original credit was limited to $7500 or 10% of the home's purchase price; this has been upped to $8000 or 10%.
Credit no longer requires repayment: a significant criticism of the original 2008 credit was its repayment requirement, as those taking the credit would be required to repay it over 15 years. That has been addressed in the new law so that repayment is now required only if the home is sold within the first 3 years.
Credit is now allowable for buyers using "revenue bond" funded mortgages: many state and local entities offer first-time homebuyer mortgage programs that sometimes offer terms more favorable than government or conventional mortgages. Previously those buyers had been prohibited from accepting the credit, however they may now claim it.
Time to purchase extended: the original credit was due to expire June 30th; the revision extends that to November 30th
Meanwhile, many components follow the original wording instituted last fall, specifically:
Credit is refundable: this means that a homebuyer who would otherwise owe no tax may still claim this credit and receive it as part of a tax refund
Credit is for first-time homebuyers only: sorry, move-up buyers, but you won't receive this credit; do expect many more first-time homebuyers to be looking at your house, which should help you sell more quickly, if you're priced correctly
Credit is income-limited: the legistlature didn't see fit to modify the terms of this program to allow all homebuyers to benefit, only those who haven't owned in the past 3 years
Finally, certain components are still somewhat unclear:
Credit may be retroactively claimed: the prior credit offered the option to claim as if the purchase took place 12/31/2008 even if it closed in the early parts of 2009. The final bill's language appears to replace this paragraph (page 122, Stat 2981, section 36 subsection g) with something unrelated, which may mean buyers will need to wait until 2010 to claim the credit.
Overall, this program does a lot to change current programs by making them significantly more attractive to homebuyers. The removal of repayment requirement makes the credit much more attractive than the previous offer that had been made. The other changes are more semantic than meaningful, but the most significant thing accomplished by enactment of the bill is this:
Clarity
At least now, we can stop guessing, and start working towards improving the housing market.
Dan Hartman is a Senior Mortgage Advisor with Province Mortgage Associates, Inc, and has worked in the mortgage industry for over 9 years. A 2005 MBA graduate of Clark University, Dan also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Finance for the University of New Haven and Roger Williams University.
The Holidays have come and gone again. It's hard to believe that we are already back to the routine in a New Year. I certainly wish you all of the best in the months ahead.
One thing that I have noticed over the past several months is the fact that people seem to be frozen in place. There are so many great opportunities out there right now from the stock market to Real Estate. Media hype over the poor economy and bad Real Estate market have created a situation where everyone is afraid to act. There are investment opportunities today that we may never see again in our lifetime. People were standing in line to purchase Real Estate when the market was peaking and prices were inflated well above reasonable values. Now that the market reflects values that are well below those levels at the top, few people are interested. To sweeten the pot, mortgage interest rates are now at historic lows as well. If you are considering making a change from a large home to a smaller home, if you need more room and a larger home or if you are a first time home buyer, this is a wonderful time to take action. If you would like to see how this market can be an opportunity for you, get in touch and I can do an easy overview of what you would like to accomplish and see if this just might be the perfect time for you to think about a home sale or purchase. Don't let this market and the opportunities it brings slip away.
Whisque Here's breaking news from the west side. We were planning a dinner outing with some friends to Whisque at Coors and Montano. At first we were told that they would be closed for the week after New Years. We just called to make reservations for this Friday and there is a recorded message saying that they are closing their doors for good. This is too bad. We had tried them once and they were sub-par. We thought we would give them another chance to see if they had gotten their act together. I guess we'll never get that chance.
Many people think that the main reason you hire a real estate agent is for the MLS exposure. And, unfortunately, in some cases that may appear to be the primary service some real estate agents provide. However, a good agent provides much more than simply a "For Sale" sign and a listing on the MLS database.
In this challenging real estate market, you can't afford to take the big risk of navigating through the many obstacles, disclosures, and fine print of the purchase and sales contract without the help of an experienced professional Realtor. You've just got too much to juggle to be able to go it alone.
Moreover, when choosing a real estate professional to guide you through the sale of your home or the purchase of your next one, you'll want someone with the experience, skills, expertise and resolve to advise you correctly and get things right the first time around.
Over the past 22 years of my real estate career, I've seen just about everything that can go awry (in the good times and the bad) with a real estate transaction and helped my clients resolve these problems. Drawing on those years of experience, I can spot, and help prevent these issues before they arise and make sure your purchase or sale is smooth from start to finish. Well-versed in the nuances and understanding the legalese inherent in the 10+page purchase contract, I'm here to counsel and advise you on real estate matters - not to sell you something.
Over the years, I've also furthered my real estate skills, and expertise with hundreds of hours of valuable, practical education that keeps me on the cutting edge in servicing my clients' needs. I continually seek out instruction to sharpen my negotiating skills, understand developing technologies in the industry, learn about appraisal methods, and keep abreast of new laws and regulations that affect your purchase or sale. Having passed a rigorous course of study and examination along with years of experience to become a New Mexico Brokerand having shown a proven sales record to qualify as a Certified Residential Specialist, you can feel comfortable knowing that you'll be working with a top real estate professional.
If you're selling a home, I'll employ the latest & greatest technology tools to market your house to the public, including my websites, blogs and syndication of the listing of your home to dozens of other websites. Plus the traditional marketing through advertisements, open houses, and the Multiple Listing Service will also assist in selling your home.
On the buying side, I'll listen to your needs, use my extensive Westside market knowledge and experience to scout out the right home, help you understand and enjoy the process, and refer you to reliable and professional mortgage experts to help you through the financing end.
I will help minimize your anxieties and make the journey fun.
Ladera Golf Course - located at 3201 Ladera Dr. is a challenging city-owned course, with the longest playing yardage of any of the other city courses measuring over 7,000 yards from the championship tees. Uniquely designed in natural terrain, and nestled at the foot of the volcanoes in the Ladera community with great views of the Sandia Mountains. Ladera also features pratice facilities, a driving range and a restaurant.
Desert Greens Golf Course - Located at 10033 Country Club Ln. in Paradise Hills on the Westside of Albuquerque. This is a privately owned 18 hole public course featuring tree lined fairways and some of the finest practice facilities in the state. Both courses are located in "golf course communities" where your family can easily walk or bike to play golf.
The near perfect climate of Albuquerque makes for a golfing paradise be it January or June.
For information on properties in either one of these golfing communities please go to my website MyAgentMax.com or give me a call.
I first came to know Mimmo's by way of a friend who introduced to the place. The owner, it turns out, is from Italy and the manager is from New York City, an awesome combo. While looking like just another casual pizza joint from the outside, inside you find a great relaxed atmosphere and the best eats on the Westside and Taylor Ranch. No stuffy self-importance of some the places in Albuquerque, nor the canned taste of others, just great home-style Italian cooking.
The pizza, the best in town, tastes nothing like you'll find anywhere else in Albuquerque. Just a little slice of heaven. Great food, quality service and atmosphere, you can't go wrong with an evening at Mimmo's. Kids are welcome and the seating is accommodating. You'll feel right at home.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
home. The chief offenders were smoke, pet odors, and strange cooking aromas. Some in the discussion said they turned right around and walked out because they found the smells so oppressive. Most of us are unaware of the 'peculiar' odors of our homes because we become immune to the smells - the buyers are not immune to these same odors.
viewed was that the seller simply did not bother to clean. We're not talking about home staging (which will help) or even unrealistic expectations of the home being spotless - just simple old-fashioned cleaning. Selling your home can be a bit inconvient, but when you have advance notice that a buyer is coming to view your home - clean it up!!! At the very least, remove the pile of dirty dishes from the sink. 
De-Personalize.
One trait that separates the successful from the unsuccessful is the ability to look at change with an eye to opportunity, and Americans in general are good at this.
According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), there were 4.9 million homes sold in the U.S. in 2008, and the projection for 2009 sees that number growing by 6.6% to 5.2 million.Considering the numbers of real estate agents are declining, that means more homes sold per agent this year!
Today I've decided to cancel a listing, which is something i never like to do, but the seller has a friend. You know how it goes, the friend gave him some advice and they pass it on to me and then when the home doesn't sell, whose fault is it?
Moreover, when choosing a real estate professional to guide you through the sale of your home or the purchase of your next one, you'll want someone with the experience, skills, expertise and resolve to advise you correctly and get things right the first time around.
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