Do We Learn More About a Car Before Buying It Than We Do a Home?
Well there's a thought provoking question, and one that came to mind after I had purchased a new car last week. Before deciding that the car I chose was right for me, the salesperson took me for a test ride. I got to use the radio, navigation and test the car at various speeds. We pulled over and I got to look at the trunk size, how the rear seats folded down and even test the sunroof. I even paired my phone to it to test out the Bluetooth.
Got me to thinking, what would be considered "test driving" a house?
Sure, Buyers will walk around the home for thirty minutes or more before they feel like this is IT. And later they will have their home inspection. But all in all, considering the amount of money being spent, there is very little time spent in the home before making a decision.
Would it make sense to stay in a home for a weekend before making the decision to buy? Have a chance to make a few meals in the kitchen, live in the space, use the washer and dryer. Doesn't that sound strange to even propose? It may, but some builders have tried that tactic in Western Prince William County, VA. In fact, one builder of Active Adult Condos would offer EXACTLY that in their new construction model to folks who were interested, but not quite "there" yet in their decision to make an offer.
In slower markets, this may be a good sales tactic. Thankfully, for Northern Virginia Sellers looking to list their homes anytime in the near future, we are not in a slow market. But it's an out of the box idea for the next time our market sees more inventory than Buyers.
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