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Sellers or Buyers: Who is Lazier?

By
Home Stager with Home Staging & Organizing

I would propose that they are equally lazy. Many sellers do not seem willing to put the time and effort into getting their home is the best possible condition prior to listing. Sellers do not realize that most buyers expect a home that has been updated and is move in ready. There are a minority of buyers looking for a "fixer upper." The majority of buyers cannot even see past the stained carpet and purple paint. 

Let's face it, the longer you live in a home the more likely you are to become complacent with the way it is. Projects and repairs are put off. Sellers need to consider that their buyer is probably lazy, too. Buyers are not motivated to take on a seller's neglected home repair projects.

Buyers form an attitude toward a home within seconds. Does the buyer get the impression that the home is well cared for or neglected? If a house needs work, it should be done before it is listed. I am not talking about taking on major renovation projects. Instead, remove wallpaper, replace worn out carpet, paint walls and generally fix anything that needs to be repaired or replaced.

The more fixing and updating a buyer thinks a home requires, the more concerned they become. Mentally, they are calculating the costs. In the current market, they are more likely to choose the comparable house that needs less work. If they do make an offer, they will reduce the price based on what they perceive to be needed repairs.

As a seller, making the changes prior to listing can improve your selling experience. Leaving your house "as is" will only help your competition. If you do not have the time or skill to do the work yourself, hire someone. You will more than recover the cost in the selling price.   

 

Comments (5)

Gaylen Thornton
Desert Heritage Real Estate - Surprise, AZ
I go with your first line and agree, they are equally lazy. Very god points Linda, thanks for sharing your excellent views.
Oct 20, 2007 09:26 AM
Jeffery Griffin
Jeff Griffin LLC - Wailuku, HI
Broker Owner

Aloha ha ha ha ha

Well here on Maui the Buyers are getting their request met on repairs and lose ends.

Jeffery 

Oct 20, 2007 09:54 AM
Robert Whitelaw
Whitelaw & Sons Real Estate Services - Morgan Hill, CA
Broker, CEO, Realtor , ePro
I am happy to say that I had a meeting with the "perfect" seller today. They are about 6 months away from selling and invited me in to give them some suggestions on what to do to the home to prepare. In my nearly 20 years in this business, I have never had a seller who was THAT on the ball.
Oct 20, 2007 09:56 AM
Konnie Mac McCarthy
MacNificent Properties, LLC - Cobb Island, MD
Broker/Owner - VA & MD "Time To Get A Move On!"
I think the answer there is both??  Is this a trick question  :)
Oct 20, 2007 10:37 AM
Linda Sticklin
Home Staging & Organizing - Berwyn, PA

Robert,

I recently did a staging consultation (at the suggestion of his realtor) for a seller that is not planning to list until February! I agree--it is a dream when that happens. They are obviously very motivated and appreciate the current market conditions.

Oct 20, 2007 02:02 PM