There are many factors that influence a buyer’s
decision to buy a particular home. It is not feasible for sellers to meet all
the requirements of prospective buyers but, there are some common things that
are considered basic requirements and are expected. If you are unsure of how to
steal a buyer’s heart or what investments can help you make a quick sale,
compiled here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about home selling.
Answers to these can help solve some of your dilemmas.
by Stefan Baudy
1. What key home improvements influence a home buyer’s decision?
Does the roof need replaced? Is the plumbing
working? Do the walls need repainted? These are just some of the questions you
need to ask yourself. There are so many repair options to consider, but the
answer depends on individual preference. Most home buyers want a house that
doesn’t need tons of repair work.
The first two things to consider are the yard and
exterior, including the entry. These two places are seen first and are the most
important because they are a potential buyer’s first impression. Keeping the
yard mowed, trimming the hedges, touching up paint, and replacing broken doors
are important. In most cases the state of the roof is not considered by the
buyer, unless the inspector informs them of problems. It is then possible to
negotiate getting the repair done or offer an allowance for it. Keep in mind
that hanging or missing shingles, overgrown hedges, and chipped paint lead a
buyer to feel that the home has been neglected. You don’t want that. After all,
you want them to be willing to come into the house.
Once a potential buyer is inside, they see halls
and rooms. Wall coloring can sometimes turn people off. A basic white or neutral
color is preferred by most buyers. A renovated bathroom can also give a positive
impression, if it is done well. Make sure that there are no plumbing issues,
loud noises coming from the furnace, broken appliances, damaged walls, etc. Most
of these items are easy to have fixed and can make all the difference.
It has been seen that most sellers like to opt
for repairs when they have money and time to spend, or they leave it to the
buyers. However, if they do make repairs it becomes advantageous for them
because in buyer’s perspective, the home that is easy to move-in is more
appealing than the one needing lot of repairs.
2. Is selling a home with furniture a good idea for vendors and should a home be shown furnished?
The answer to this question depends on the
preference of the seller. However, it does help to include furniture when the
floor plan is unusual. For standard floor plan homes it is fine not to provide
furniture. Some sellers may not want to move their furniture. If this is the
case, they can always offer the buyer’s first choice on what they are interested
in. Final negotiations can then be written into a purchase contract.
In most cases, a property with furniture allows
buyers to visualize how their own furniture will look in the space. Most new
housing developments come with furnished models to help buyers visualize and
know what floor plan works for them. Clutter may divert a buyer’s attention from
the actual spaces in the home, so it is better to only use essential furniture
and offset that with elegant decorations. Besides, too much furniture can make a
house appear small.
3. Does any new construction near my property affect my property value?
When it is about new construction in the
neighborhood, it can attract a prospective buyer or affect your property value.
Most buyers prefer new homes as this gives them the opportunity to customize.
For instance, they can select paint color and settings according to their
liking. However, if your property is of same size and square footage, pricing it
slightly less than the new construction can bring the ball to your side of the
court.
4. Does the property’s location affect its value?
Yes, property location can affect the value of a
home. A home located next to a big factory, a garbage disposal site, a commuter
railway, or a busy highway may not sell for as much as one located on a quiet,
slightly travelled street. When a buyer is looking for a home, they take
several items into account. These items can be beyond a sellers control and can
cause them to have to reduce the price of a property. Below are a few items:
- Crime rate in the neighborhood
- Closeness to shopping outlets
- School ratings
- Noise levels
- Traffic on the street
- Parking availability
- Views
- Noise levels
- Neighboring houses and how they are kept
No comments:
Post a Comment