Do you really need granite counters and high end appliances?

As a listing agent. It never  ceases to amaze me how some home buyers refuse to consider anything less than the granite counters and high end appliances.

When the Buyers Agents feedback is. The house is perfect for my clients. The only thing is, because it doesn't have granite counters and high end appliances. My clients have decided to wait till another home comes on the market.

That is a choice.

On that same topic. I was talking to a young homeowner, on Friday. He was sharing with me that he really wanted to upgrade his current house and felt he needed to update the bath and the kitchen counters and cabinets etc. But, he explained I've had a change of heart.  I asked why. He said he had recently returned from a visit to his parents home country to visit relatives he had never met.

His exact words were:

"I do not need to do anything with the home we live in! I saw with my own eyes that just a few plane hours away in other countries people live with so much less than we do here in America. There is simply nothing wrong with our house. It's gorgeous, we are just so bombarded with keeping up with everyone else. That's crazy. Our house is very nice, older but nice."

I shared with him, I witnessed the same thing just recently on my vacation to the Dominican Republic. A short three and half hour plane ride to a totally different way of life, and living.

The two photo's below show you what an average cooking station and kitchen looks like in the  average in the Dominican Republic home.

This is where the family eats and does the dishes etc..     

Notice the kitchen cabinets. They don't have any!

On our bus tour we saw what the average home looks like. No running water. They collect water from the downspouts, they only have electricity eight hours a day. Things like TV or radio are run by small generators after that. Can you even imagine? They buy fresh meat everyday only what they can consume in a day due to the lack of refrigeration. ( this is only 3.5 hours away by plane!)

 

So I could relate to this young man's epiphany when he went to his parents homeland and saw how differently people lived. I witnessed the same thing. As a matter of fact. On my return flight. I sat next to a college student heading back to California. In chatting with her, she said she was traveling with her digital media class. They had an assignment to create a documentary about the differences between what they know and live and what they witnessed in Domincan Republic. She explained they traveled the country side to  several different cities to get a feel for the way of life, the schools and salaries that people made. She didn't know what the professors would actually do with their final productions, she was mainly concerned with the grade. I asked her, what did you learn? She said, so much.

She said, "I learned we have so much in America, we are so spoiled." 

I then asked her. Do you think that every young person in the United States should be required to visit a country just like this to really grasp and understand that? She said, most definitely. She was so cute, She explained.  I met girls that are the same age as myself. Things that we may toss away because it is not in style anymore or maybe we just want to re-decorate our apartments etc. These girls would just love. We even went to local class rooms. One room classes they have nothing, no tools, no computers...just pen and paper. They need so much, yet they are happy, really happy.

From where I sat and what I heard. It appears the professors did far more for these students than getting them to do a documentary. They gave them a life lesson that will serve them for years to come.              

So when it's time to buy a home.  This post serves as a reminder to look for a home that meets your needs, your lifestyle and fits within your budget. If the paint colors turn you off, remember it's just paint. If you would like better appliances, save for them. Buying a home that has a floor-plan you like, one that aligns with your lifestyle, your commute.  Make sure you can afford to keep up with the landscape, and the home owner maintenance. You can always upgrade things over time that meet your wants and desires.

Hope you enjoyed this post. Have a super week.

Always remember, if you have a real estate question. I am only a phone call away. 703-851-3085

           

" You would want to hire me as your REALTOR®, if you're looking for a high energy, positive, take charge,knowledgeable person that is passionate about helping you get what you want! "

That's me! I'm easy going, and prefer to communicate by email, text and I use the latest technology to not only to stay in touch with you, but to market homes for sale as well and to negotiate. My direct number is 703-851-3085.

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The area's I service in Virginia are Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, Manassas. If you live outside these area's let's talk. If you have found my information helpful and you like what you see, chances are if I cannot help you, I know another REALTOR® who can. 

Tip: when reading any blog post, pay close attention to the date post was written as homes sell quickly. Call author for up to date information.     

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Note: This real estate blog is written by me Peggy James and it is is my opinion and may not reflect the opinion of Exit Choice Realty 14067 Crown Ct, Woodbridge Virginia 22193.

I have been blogging since 2008 and I am a full time REALTOR® .