What's on Your Shelf Life?
When it's time to move, it's easy to think about all the amenities a Seller has to offer to the prospective Buyer. But what exactly are amenities and how does that differ with items that have a shelf life?
Amenities according to Merriam-Webster are things "that help to provide comfort, convenience, or enjoyable." While a Buyer may be attracted to amenities, an Appraiser records features of value. Only an Appraiser can determine value when it comes to appraising property for the purpose of a buyer obtaining a mortgage loan. It stands to reason that age and condition can change and cause depreciation.
Shelf life per Merriam-Webster includes the following:
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"The length of time a product may be stored without becoming unsuitable for use or consumption."
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"The length of time a product (especially food and drugs) will last without deteriorating or without being sold."
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The maximum time a packaged material can be stored under specific conditions and still meet the performance requirements specified."
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The length of time during which something or someone lasts or remains popular.
It's easy to understand and accept food, drugs, spices, chemicals, or freezer food will eventually need to be disposed due to expiration dates. But when it comes to buying a house, many people focus more on the amenities perceived as luxury items that are quality products upgraded from builder grade.
How does shelf life compare to a buyer's wants or needs? Paint, wallpaper, cabinetry, flooring, wood trim, and counter tops deteriorate with age and condition, neglect, reasonable wear and tear including care and maintenance. Maintenance is key.
Material goods inside a home can cause coughing, choking, sneezing, and itching. A vacant home may be much better to preview if it isn't occupied; however, smells and odors remain. When a home for sale is on the market a longer time than usual for marketing trends, serious thought to price must be taken into consideration. Staging can help significantly to possibly sell the home quicker and cost is a factor.
When making repairs, solvent-based adhesives and sealants ventilation needs to be taken into consideration because of potential toxic vapors. The more fresh air a house gets, the better. Today, indoor pollution is something to consider.
Obsolescence, out of date material goods, old or neglected carpeting, unclean homes all contribute to what a buyer is willing to pay and how long a property stays on the market. Ventilation is something buyers should think about. An HVAC sucks in air from outside, runs through filters, warms or cools; then delivers it to the occupants through the duct system. Fresh air is recirculated. Having an HVAC serviced on a regular basis and repaired is important.
The bottom line is, occupants rely on the home to enjoy and live comfortably, and to provide oxygen and fresh air to breathe --- Patricia
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