We hear about the buyers market and all the choices buyers have with so many listing being available.
The abundance of homes on the market are for multiple reasons. Some are over priced others are in dis-repair and others are in locations that has caused them to be less desirable.
Some of the hidden gems are just not being marketed properly to be found by buyers. So if you are a seller how do you rate your situation?
Have you considered how a buyer rates homes they select to view and ultimately purchase?
- Location, is the home within driving distance to work?
- Are the bedroom locations suitable for the kids or family members?
- Do the bathrooms have double sinks in the master? This may seem like a little issue but most families have both adults working and heading off to work at similar times. So two sinks make the morning activities much easier than planning around each others routines.
- Is the kitchen updated with solid surface counters, if not are the counters chip free or blemish free from burns?
- Appliances are they ready to be replaced or do they look like they will last a few years?
- The hot water heater, how old is it? They have a serviceable life of 10-12 years...if it is already 11 years old guess what it will have to be replaced shortly.
- Is the furnace high efficiency or is it an older 80% unit that is 17 years old? Replacement may not be in the cards for the sellers because the furnace works fine but the buyers view the newer technology of the 97% efficient furnaces much less costly to run. Why shouldn't they consider this?
- As a seller is your home competitive with new construction? Think like this. High efficiency new construction has 6" walls, better furnaces and layouts that offer more modern uses of space. So how do you compete? Price and quality is your only option. Location can also be a determining factor for purchasing older properties.
- Yards, lots and acreage can be an issue too. Most new construction are now using less land and have smaller lots unless it is in a more upscale development.
- City water and sewer vs well and septic are also considerations. Rural vs urban are also considerations.
These are only ten issues that buyers can consider. There are many more that are not so definable, like "cozy" or that "homey feeling". Curb appeal when they just like the looks of the home. So as a seller you have some very important issues to consider and prepare your home to show all it's features to it's best advantage.
Agents and stagers can provide you with key information to increase your chances of a fast sale at a higher price. Consider all the options a buyer will review when turning your property. Look at your property through buyers eyes and you will find sellers eyes have blinders on at times. Make sure you are selling with your eyes wide open to take advantage of the market as it presents itself to you.
So how do you view your clients home to make it competitive?
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