We Preview houses in our niche, and I have not yet seen all of the 40 Floorplans in our community of 2500 homes. Some have had extensions, so the square footage is not the same as the 'original' floorplan from the builder, which could include enclosed front or back patios.
I always want to be aware and informed of what is new on the Market, or what has come back into the Market - both for current clients as well as to mentally compare the differences in similar models. Some homes have had remodels, some have had renovations, and some have remained exactly the same over the last 30 years. For today's client, that can make a huge difference in their interest or not, in a home. What was popular when these homes were built, is not necessarily what is in vogue today. True, these homes are all resales and not new construction, but that being said, it doesn't mean potential clients are still not 'looking for more', and having 'boxes to check off', be it realistic for this community or not. They can get an education fairly quickly by viewing homes on-line, at Open Houses, or with their realtor.
In my case, I make Notes on everything that I observe - the positives and the negatives - and most of the homes are vacant, with only a few still occupied - so it's very easy to see the bones of that house. There are no distractions!
What I find interesting, is that people that start renovations often 'stop' before completing an area. They will do a lovely kitchen counter and then will not do a counter that is in another part of the kitchen, because it's 'separate' from the counter with the sink, cabinets, and appliances. You can see both counters just by looking into that room. Also, mismatched appliances always stand-out, and not in a good way. I understand replacing an appliance, just don't see why the same color couldn't have been purchased - or was someone going for that On Sale model, or the least expensive one, and it didn't come in a matching color?
This is similar to having all new 'different' flooring in each room, some will be new tile, some will be older tile, some will be carpet, and some will be a wood laminate. Nothing flows, and a transition piece in doorways does not make it better. When you look at an open floorplan and see different patterns and colors of flooring, you go, 'What were they thinking!' Or was the flooring done by different owners and could not be matched up, and the current owner didn't care to even come close?
Then I do love when someone has done bathroom and kitchen up-dates, even without a complete renovation. It really does help to modernize a home that goes back decades, so one does not have to spend tens of thousands of dollars, if they spend wisely, and if that is not in their budget.
New refaced cabinets with accessories that blend in with the counter, the flooring, and the walls.
I think homes for snowbird owners, who did not live there permanently (meaning year-round), might not have thought it seemed worth the effort, time, or expense to repaint, or up-date, or even do simple fixes. That is too bad, because it totally affects the potential buyer's opinion - and some older folks are not willing to make all of the up-dates themselves or cannot, and would have to contract those projects out to others. So a house with potential can be crossed off The List, just by looking too dated.
On the other hand, we do have permanent full-time residents that loved the look of wallpaper borders and certain wall colors from decades past, and they do not truly see how 'dated' a home can look. They are not going to change it when the home goes on the Market either - they figure the new buyer can make the changes - so this becomes subjective per individual.
On my Home Previews, it is very obvious which homes will not 'last long' on the Market, and that can be with or without the coveted mountain views - it does depend on how you maintain and up-date your home. Deferred maintenance, which can be very obvious, is never a plus. I've seen some homes that were undescribable, and everything that someone had put in themselves (a true DIY'er), had to be removed - not pretty, and not inexpensive.
So, I do LIKE Previewing new homes on the Market, and with our low inventory - keep 'em coming!
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