As in any sale, one must have a keen understanding and profile of the purchaser of their product. The same is true for anyone who is contemplating a successful transaction in an ever-changing real estate market. Over the years I have observed a change in buyer’s expectations when searching for that right home which meets their requirements.

Young people today are delaying marriage and having children later in life. This has led to the increase of single buyers purchasing on one income and a more cautious approach to their search. This group typically 25-32 years of age are looking for homes that require little updating. They do not have the funds to make major repairs such as updating kitchens and baths, or correcting structural issues. Their price range would be in the lower price point of the market in the community they choose. Since this is usually their first home, they do their homework and are more educated in the real estate market than ever before, due to the proliferation of information via the internet. A seller today would be smart to (more…)

Have you ever tried to paint the outside of your home in the winter? Not a good idea! All too often, I visit with folks ready to make their move and put the home on the market. They are excited about the apartment or condo they just found, and now it is time to sell their home. However, it is February, and the home needs inside and outside improvements. Downsizing of personal property has not been started, and the interior needs several upgrades before showing the home. Improvements have been avoided because moving seemed so far off until they stumbled into this perfect new home which they don’t want to lose. The excitement has now turned into panic and all the seeds for high stress have been planted by their inaction to prepare their home for sale.

Today’s buyer wants a property that is in great condition both exterior and interior. If you’ve read my past articles, I have stressed to make sure your property does not compete with foreclosures if at all possible. Foreclosures often are homes that have been neglected due to lack of funds, and are selling at up to 70% off the top market value! Therefore, your home must be far superior to the foreclosure competing in your neighborhood. If you know you will be selling sometime in the next 5 years, begin downsizing today! As Realtors, we can begin your process of preparing your home for market by offering the services of a stager. A stager is a professional trained in not only decorating, but placing furniture and artwork to compliment new flooring and carpeting as well as choosing the right colors which are attractive to today’s buyers. There are companies that will assist you in downsizing by packing, sorting, and coordinating estate sales as well as donations.

If your home needs exterior work, do it right now, while it is still warm outside. Don’t procrastinate on exterior work, as you never know when you are going to want to move. If the work on the outside is done now, you can always do the interior improvements in any season. If paint is needed, a stager can help you pick out (more…)