What’s “In” & What’s “Out” in Real Estate Today
I’m not sure if I agree with all of the findings of the article put out by Broker Agent News (link will open a new window), but see if you do. Smaller square footage in? Not in my Chicago suburb area. Hardwood floors out? Another one I question, although it’s mainly talking about laminate woodgrain flooring. Gas grills that use a tank? These are usually not left with the home since they are portable.
Although there are some homes with awnings in Chicago suburbs, I never really thought of them as being popular to begin with. On some homes with extremely sunny windows they are a good thing. As long as they’re in good shape I certainly would not recommend that a home owner should remove them in order to sell their property.
I have to agree with bold decorating colors and wallpaper. It might look sharp with the home owner’s furnishings but if the buyer’s decor is a completely different color scheme, they most likely will move on to a more neutrally decorated home unless the property is priced very low. In most cases, it would be worth it for the seller to neutralize their home as much as possible if the feedback is negative because of bold decor.
Time on market is increasing so if you don’t have a "buyer friendly" home in move-in condition, you have two choices to get your home sold quickly. Either make recommended changes suggested by your agent and/or buyer feedback or keep reducing your price until a buyer feels it’s a good enough value as-is.
Many buyers use their last cent for their down payment and closing costs and don’t have anything left over to purchase new flooring, hire a painter (not everyone has the time or inclination to paint a home or tear off wallpaper) or any kind of fix-it person. Buyers are much more choosy (and knowledgeable) than they were years ago. Now there is more inventory than buyers so even if you have a very nice, clean house that has very personal decorating with bold colors, buyers will go to the next home instead of even making you an offer if it doesn’t match their taste.
