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Do You Know the Universal Criteria For Buying A Home?

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty 0575737

Little Heart GirlIn working with home buyers of all different family make ups I have concluded there are at least two universal criteria that people are looking for in their home. Sure there is the schools, location, shopping, everything you see on everyone else's list. But listening very intently to the women buyers especially two things stand out.

Safe - the abode must be safe, whether there are children or not. Why invest in something that you don't gut feel have a good feeling about? This is dominant among the women and very strong among men too whether they will admit to it or not.

Quiet - what I mean by this is your shelter is a refuge from the world. It must have its quiet spaces. Men have game rooms or garages, women have kitchens, large bathrooms or special study rooms or a nook here or there.

Next time YOU are buying a house or as a REALTOR pay attention to your buyers, what their eyes, ears and words say about safe and quiet. There's a lot there to rule a house in or OUT!! These emotional signs might overrule anything else they have on their wish list.

Marchel Peterson
Results Realty - Spring, TX
Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro

It all boils to listening with eyes and ears!

Jan 20, 2009 01:26 PM
Teresa Harris
Lake Real Estate, LLC - Denver, NC
Denver . Lake Norman . Charlotte

Very good advice Gary!! Personally, I am in search of a space to call all my own....

Jan 20, 2009 01:29 PM
Dom Naidoo
Westside Properties - Venice, CA
Malibu to the Marina Real Estate

it is very important to know exactly what your clients are looking for. If you cannot get a clear picture, just ask them. It's easier that way.

Jan 20, 2009 01:30 PM
Justin Ukaoma
Vizion KC - Kansas City, MO
Kansas City Real Estate Investments

I think you're right these are two things that come up almost everytime.

Jan 20, 2009 01:33 PM
Bo Kociuba
McGraw Realtors - Mustang, OK
Realtor - Mustang, Yukon & OKC Metro 405-812-1572

Very true Gary. Lots of times, however, even if I listen as a Realtor, of course, people have a tendency to base their decisions based on reasoning what is more practical financially, in other words they settle for next best because of the price. I guess it must be a human nature....I usually go by features, benefits, and the original "wanna" list of the client to help them understand if the compromise is worth it...Bo

Jan 20, 2009 01:36 PM
Debbie Hutchins
Birmingham, AL

That's right Gary!  They are looking for a "Safe Haven" with spaces for everyone to "do their own thing" in!  All of those puff words are directed to the one with the yearning....."man cave", "cooks delight", "soaking tub".  Great post!

Deb

Jan 20, 2009 01:40 PM
Kelly Willey
Coco Plum Real Estate, Kelly Willey, FLORIDA KEYS - Marathon, FL
Florida Keys Luxury Sales, Marathon, Key Colony

Gary...Some good points to consider...Kelly

Jan 20, 2009 01:40 PM
Mary Douglas
United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado - Red Feather Lakes, CO
REALTOR, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Hi Gary, Yes, the people I have met want quiet....and a view :-)

Jan 20, 2009 01:52 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Gary, You're right, everyone wants to feel safe at home.  And some quiet which doesn't always happen around here but I love the days I am home when it is :)

Jan 20, 2009 02:21 PM
Dona Reynolds
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Stein Summers - Saint Joseph, MO
St. Joseph MO

Hi Gary!  Yes, we must listen to what the buyers are saying and what their real importance is in their home selection.  You are right about the women/men important spaces in a home but children usually are the utmost importance in a home purchase.

Jan 20, 2009 02:55 PM
Jennifer Fivelsdal
JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Rhinebeck, NY
Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection

Gary - I agree with you,however I would lke to know why my space is always invaded.....Lol

Jan 20, 2009 04:18 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Gary,

Sound basic advice..and so true!

Jan 20, 2009 10:26 PM
Charlottesville Solutions
Charlottesville Solutions - Charlottesville, VA

excellent post! Safely and location are so important! And for many schools...

I just posted on my blog about a mapping site for Crime. Worth a look!

Your friend in Charlottesville, VA 

Charles McDonald

Jan 20, 2009 11:40 PM
JL Boney, III
Coldwell Banker - Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC Real Estate

I've noticed these trends myself with virtually everyone I have worked with. I can't blame them either, I want to feel safe where ever I live too and we all need our quiet space.

Jan 21, 2009 01:48 AM
Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing and Online Advertising Consultant
Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision - Lake Geneva, WI

Gary,

Peace of Mind- That is what safe and quiet places bring to homeowners.  Very true.

Jan 21, 2009 03:23 AM
Laura Watts
Positive Properties, LLC - Laurinburg, NC

Gary-I like this blog. Great advise. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Jan 21, 2009 04:32 PM
Tracy Santrock
Santrock Realty Group Inc. , - Cary, NC
Raleigh - Cary Broker

More great advice from a real estate pro!!  Listening and understanding clients needs is critical to making our clients "clients for life". 

Jan 21, 2009 11:48 PM
Debi Ernst
St. Charles County, Missouri - Prudential Alliance Realtors - O'Fallon, MO
GRI, e-PRO, Broker/Sales Associate

Gary - Listening is so important, and safety is definitely a must!  :)

Jan 22, 2009 07:59 AM
Heather Goodwin
Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission - Shreveport, LA
Results That Move You

I agree with you Gary.  Just today, at one house, the husband commented about a barking dog and a distant, constant "drumming" sound.  I also have a client who absolutely doesn't want a front door with large panes of glass.  As a single woman, safety is of paramount importance to her.

Jan 22, 2009 02:30 PM