Buyers/Sellers Mistakes: Only Considering Move-in Ready Homes

Jeffrey,  Very good information.  It is so easy for sellers to make minor changes in order to sell their home.  I always wonder why sellers don't take the extra step sometimes.

You make some interesting points because it is limiting mindset especially when theres no inventory. Ive never bought a move in ready home but ive sold all of my personal homes that way! Im suggesting because buyers need to get realistic

Great info for buyers and sellers alike.  It is sooooo true that a buyer can purchase a "messy" property for generally a good deal less, especially in a local market with substantial inventory.

Sue of Robin and Sue

Great twist on the "move-in ready" mantra we speak of so often!  The homes that are not show ready are the homes that buyers can get a good deal on....if they learn how to visualize!

Hi Jeffrey ~ regarding your statement:  "If a home has been staged by a professional...I also go over things the seller may be trying to hide with staging techniques"

If something has been "hidden" by staging techniques ... then very likely it wasn't staged by a professional home stager but instead one who doesn't abide by the code of ethics developed by the Real Estate Staging Association, which promotes and requires ethical standards for all of its members.  Professional stagers would never agree to hide anything in a home ... instead, they'd work to convince the seller to fix it first.  If a seller refuses to fix a known defect that could affect a sale, then professional stagers would either walk away from the job or leave the defect as it is.  The key here is "professional" stagers -- there are plenty of stager wannabies out there, and those who don't abide by a code of ethics.

Jeffrey, this is a great post again, definitley worth reading for anybody thinking about Buyer a new home. And you are right, even Sellers can pick up a couple hints. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

Hi Jeffrey -- this is the kind of information that should make sellers re-think the adage that buyers will "look beyond" an issue that if corrected will bring more dollars to their net proceeds.    That said, you are absolutely correct that the shop-worn, tired, stage-frightened home seem to be calling out to buyers who will give them the once over --- there are great deals to be had.   With your experience in real estate and staging, buyers in your area are wise to contact you if they lack the vision to "look beyond"

Hi Jeffrey- so many buyers walk into those less than perfect homes and dismiss them.  I always see the potential...but many buyers just don't.  Your point that there is money there, is well made.

Jeff,

EXCELLENT blog!  I can't tell you how many times I have explained this to people.  Some get it right away, and then others...well, let's just say they can't grasp the concept!  lol

Jeffrey - I always educate my buyers to look past paint, carpet, even outdated kitchens and bathrooms and while some can invision their "new home" some cannot or some do not have the funds to do the work after the purchase.  Some of the best deals out there are on homes that show poorly.