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What today's buyers are looking for.

I opened my mail today and noticed the new issue of Realtor Magazine. There were the usual articles about how to sell and lots of ads to spend money on. But one of the most interesting articles was the one titled "Cars and Cable" It was about what buyers want, are looking for and what they are willing to spend money on. Since the market seems to have taken a downturn, it is important to spend money in the right place when improving your home. When asked to rank most desired home features, the number one spot landed Central Air Conditioning. The number two spot went to oversized garage, up from number 5 last year. Walk-in closet was next, backyard/play area, cable/satellite TV ready, then access to the internet with High-speed internet, then separate showers in the main bath. The last two spots went to Patio, and last fencing.

My next issue will be what buyers are ready to spend money on. So check back in a day or so.

Posted by Diane Thomas on 10/18/2007 01:04 PM

Comments (8)

buyers, what they want, home improvements

This post has been included in Pennsylvania Information Bucks County, PA Information
Post is included in group: Keller Williams

8 Comments on What today's buyers are looking for.

Must haves do seem to change over time. What happened family room and kitchen island?

10/18/2007 01:13 PM

by Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty)

Seriously! I thought a chef's kitchen was number 1 from what all the home improvement shows indicate. That, and large bathrooms. Very interesting information Diane!!! :) I wonder how often those home improvement projects match what the Buyer will be looking for? I guess it all depends on what you have to work with.

Here's a link to HGTV to show what they've been recommending (based on return for the Seller):

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/pac_ctnt_988/text/0,,HGTV_22056_52571,00.html

Apparently, everyone is entitled to their own opinion/criteria/grading system!

10/18/2007 01:18 PM

by Martinelli Caputi & Associates, Ltd. (Martinelli Caputi & Associates, Ltd.)

My guess is as you have stated. Wants and need change over time. Just like what people like in a style of a home, so does what they want in that home.

Family room and kitchen island were not mentioned as high on the list of desires in the poll.

10/18/2007 01:19 PM

by Diane Thomas (Keller Williams)

I read that article too. I think the ranking was interesting, not what I expected. Central Air is a must here in AZ, so that isn't even a "want". Oversized garages are common here but not needed for everyone. Most buyers do want a 2 car though. Kitchens and bathrooms are the #1's here.

10/18/2007 01:19 PM

by Dan Mullarkey (Re/Max Excalibur)

I do know that some of the wants/desires are very geographicly determined. Keep in mind this is a nationwide survey. For example, main floor master bedrooms are a must in the Dallas area.

Goes to show, one size does not fit all in real estate.

10/18/2007 01:21 PM

by Diane Thomas (Keller Williams)

My question has always been what are you looking for in a home.Maybe i should get these aricals you are talking about.(((not sure where is getting them lol ))))))))

10/18/2007 01:31 PM

by Joseph Melchiorre (Prudential Zack)

You got that one right, cars and cable. Keep my car running and my cable on and then I think I can eat. lol

11/04/2007 10:51 AM

by Keller Williams Realty Brazos Valley

A couple of years ago bamboo flooring was all the talk. But that fad dissapeared pretty quickly. And the formal dining room seems to come and go in fashion.

11/09/2007 02:53 PM

by Shannon Aldrich ~ NH & Maine Real Estate Seacoast (Keller Williams Coastal Realty)

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