Recently, I have had several conversations with successful
\nreal estate agents about specific properties that are not selling even in a
\nlow-inventory seller’s market. It would seem that in this situation, homes
\nwould sell regardless of their condition – making the need for certain
\nlong-standing real estate recommendations, such as staging and updates,
\nunnecessary. However, given that some homes are sitting well past the average
\nnumber of days on market, it would seem that other factors, such as price and
\ncondition, are influencing buyers’ attitudes toward certain properties.<\/p>\n
\u00a0In today’s market, buyers are serious and discerning – there
\nae very few “tire kickers”. Those who have chosen to pursue a purchase of a
\nhome in the middle of a pandemic and political chaos are thoughtful. They are
\nmost likely making a change in response to economic or cultural conditions.
\nTheir reasons may include a job change, a need for more (or less) space, family
\ndynamics, such as aging parents, or taking advantage of the attractive low
\ninterest rates. Whatever the reason for purchasing a home now, they want to
\nmake a wise and well-investigated decision.<\/p>\n
\n
\u00a0Buyers are choosing their home carefully and are not
\nnecessarily willing to overpay, even though home prices have increased. They
\nare looking for opportunities that will allow them to make the most of their money.
\nWhile on the other side, sellers are pushing the envelope with sales prices,
\nthinking that now is the optimum time to maximize their sale. With older homes
\nin excellent condition and with a relatively up-to-date with kitchen and
\nbathroom, a higher end sales price is likely achievable. However, homes that
\nlack updating and have other issues that buyers may find problematic, such as
\nan awkward floor plan will likely sit on the market unnoticed. Today’s buyer is
\ndiscerning, looking for a new or updated, move-in ready home at top dollar or
\nan opportunity home at a bargain price.<\/p>\n
\n
\u00a0What can be done to captivate a discerning buyer in 2021?
\nHere are some suggestions to make your home relevant in this changing market
\nand command a higher sales price:<\/p>\n
\n
\u00a0Paint with on-trend neutral colors<\/span><\/p>\n \n \u2022 \u2022 \u2022 \u2022 \u2022 \u2022 \u00a0Paint<\/p>\n \n It’s no secret that new paint is attractive to a buyer to \u00a0Updated Flooring<\/p>\n \n The costs associated with updating flooring can be pricey. \u00a0Modern Kitchens<\/p>\n \n Today’s buyers are comprised of 30% millennials with minds shaped \u00a0Bathroom Updates<\/p>\n \n Likewise, the thought of updating an entire bathroom makes \u00a0New Lighting Fixtures<\/p>\n \n Trends in lighting have changed significantly, even in the \u00a0Professional Staging<\/p>\n \n A well-staged home stands out on the market. Staging \u00a0Premier Photography to include Floor Plans & 3D Tours<\/p>\n \n Photos are EVERYTHING. As I have mentioned in previous blog \u00a0Today’s smart and savvy home buyer is not only in search of a \n \u00a0Lorelie Brown, M.A., CPRES, CID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Captivating Discerning Buyers in a Seller’s Market<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1036,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\r\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Updated flooring<\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Modern kitchen finishes including countertops
\nand appliances<\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Bathroom updates that are fresh and on-trend<\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/span>New Lighting Fixtures<\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Professional staging that adds value<\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Premier photography to include 3D Tours and
\nfloor plans<\/p>\n
\nhelp them feel like they will not have to invest in painting right away.
\nNeutral colors are always best – for example, a gray, white, or cream. Regardless
\nof whether a buyer may paint a different color later, fresh paint is helpful
\nway to add perceived value.<\/p>\n
\nWhether refinishing hardwoods, replacing tile or carpet, or installing all new
\nflooring, this expense may be a tough decision to make if you are selling. Buyers
\nwill appreciate that floors are clean and new, and just like paint, it relieves
\nthem of the burden of doing that themselves after the home is purchased.<\/p>\n
\nby social media images, including beautiful new kitchens that boast of all the
\nconveniences and looks of the modern age. Leaving a dated kitchen to chance in
\na hot real estate market could mean a lower offer and longer time on market.
\nNew appliances, freshly painted or new cabinets, quartz countertops and new
\nplumbing fixtures could help produc a significant return on investment, as most
\nbuyers cringe at the thought of a kitchen remodel.<\/p>\n
\nmost buyers retreat and turn to the next property, not only for the hassle, but
\nalso for the costs associated with bathroom renovations. Making these updates
\nprior to the sale can justify a higher asking price.<\/p>\n
\nlast few years. Lighting is generally a low-cost update that can have dramatic
\nimpact in how a house presents to buyers. Sophisticated lighting does not have
\nto be expensive but provides the “wow” factor buyers will appreciate and look
\nfor in a home.<\/p>\n
\nprofessionals are trained in the art of interior design and the science of
\npsychology behind a buyer’s perception of a property. Homes that have the
\nbenefit of quality staging are more likely to sell faster and at a higher list
\nprice.<\/p>\n
\nposts, online photography is likely the single biggest driver in real estate marketability.
\nMost buyers are looking at homes many, many times online — exploring specific details
\nand learning everything they can about a home BEFORE making an appointment for
\na showing. Even the smallest details in a photo can make or break a buyer’s
\nwillingness to view a property in person. Floor plans and 3D Tours also help a
\nbuyer to understand a home’s flow and function.<\/p>\n
\nhome that fits their budget, but also a home that meet their needs for a
\nmove-in ready home with updated appeal. Sellers should be mindful of the
\npotential buyers’ wants in order for their home to sell quickly at their
\ndesired list price.<\/p>\n
\nis the Owner of Showhomes Charleston in Charleston, SC.\u00a0 RESA-PRO member,
\nan HSRA-Elite Member and\u00a0HSRA Elite Leadership.\u00a0She is passionate
\nabout the power of home staging and has staged over $300 million in real
\nestate.<\/i><\/p>\n