Selling 101: Factors for Buyers

Buyers are looking at several factors when they are viewing your home.

Location

First and foremost, they are looking at the location, whether it fits their lifestyle. Maybe they want to be near work, or friends, or in a particular school. Whatever it is, location is almost always #1 on their list.

Condition

Updated kitchens and baths draw people in. These are usually on the top of the list when buyers are looking for homes. They want timeless wood (maple or cherry, not oak) cabinets, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and updated lighting. These items will help sell the house. I used to have a house that had a kitchen with formica cabinet doors with an oak trim on it. I hated that kitchen! It was so 90’s.

Comparison Shopping

Buyers are also looking at how different homes compare. If one house has 3 bedrooms upstairs, while the next one has 1 bedroom up and 2 bedrooms on the main, that makes a difference even though they are both 3 bedroom houses. If one has an updated bath, and the next house doesn’t, it makes a difference. They are comparing every aspect of each house they can find. Fireplace or not. 3 bedrooms on the same level or 1 up and 2 down, or 2 up and 1 down. 2 car garage with storage, or just a normal 2 car garage.

Disclosures and City Inspection Reports

Today’s buyers are well informed. Several cities around the Metro Area have city required inspections before selling a home. This coupled with the sellers disclosure allows a buyer to have a better picture of a house, even before they come for a showing. They can get the sense of whether a house has been taken care of or not. They can usually figure out the age of appliances, etc.

Pricing

Lastly they are looking at pricing. Pricing can account for many things such as a lack of a 2 car garage, or condition isn’t in showroom shape, or unusual floor plans. Whatever the issues are, pricing can account for the differences. This is the reason I put pricing last. It can account for any difference, whether it’s condition, lack of amenities, differences in square footage, whatever it is, pricing can account for it.