What Did Homebuyers Look For in 2021?

As we wrap up 2021, I wanted to summarize what I found home buyers looked for in their home search regarding the upkeep of a home as we toured hundreds of homes. In this market, many sellers feel they can put a high price on their home without doing the work to prepare it to sell. Believe me, that is not always the case. If you want to sell your home quickly for the highest price, it will be worth the effort to have it show-ready.

• Overall maintenance of home - how well has the home been taken care of? Knicks on the wall, scuffed up trim/baseboard, and worn carpet ticks down the price in the buyers' eyes

• Furnace, has it been serviced regularly? If the home shows it has been well taken care of, buyers are more likely to move forward with an offer.

• Curb appeal and clean entryway.

• Condition of the kitchen; are the cabinets clean and decluttered, are the cabinet doors clean of any buildup, and do the drawers open without falling off?

• Flooring. One of the first things buyers take note of and it will add to your ROI. Either clean it or replace it.

• Appliances. The newer, the better. If older, make sure they are sparkling clean.

• Windows. Buyers will open windows; make sure they open well and are not sealed shut or broken.

• Clean and uncluttered go a long way. A home free of your personal items will help the buyer visualize their belongings in a home. This includes closets!

• Smell. Too many scented plug-ins make the buyer wonder what sellers are hiding. A strong odor that is not pleasant immediately turns a buyer away.

• Outdoor living spaces were one of the top features my clients were looking for this past year. Make sure your patio is clean, inviting, and free of debris.

Inspection Deal Breakers

Once your home is under contract, the following can be inspection deal breakers. I always advise my sellers to address these potential issues before listing to avoid negotiations down the road.

• Roof, an old roof that has damage, can cost the sellers a deal. Most roofing companies will do a free inspection. If you need the name of a reliable company, contact me.

• An old furnace that leaks or has not been serviced regularly. It will show issues in an inspection so stay ahead of it and get an licensed HVAC company out for inspection.

• Age of water heater, if you know how old your water heater is, disclose it upfront in the Sellers Property Disclosure.

• Sprinkler system in working order? If you've had it serviced, provide receipts.

• Does the home have A/C and is it working properly? When was it last serviced?

• Does the basement have a radon system? Be prepared for buyers to ask you to install one.

• Leaks - buyers are frightened of any water damage or potential mold. Stay ahead of the game and address these issues before you list. Keep receipts of repairs made!

• Most buyers will order a sewer scope. If there are issues, you can count on an objection to repair.

• Electrical - is your panel up to code?

• Plumbing pipes, are your pipes polybutylene? If so, let's talk about options, and this must be disclosed in the Sellers Property Disclosure.

Keep in mind that many buyers are not afraid of tackling home improvement projects. For example, you don't necessarily need to do an entire kitchen update before you list. Just be sure to price it right, knowing the kitchen will need improvements. Other buyers will look for a move-in ready home, and that is where often you will be able to list higher knowing all updates have already been made.

I would be happy to share other items that turned away buyers or attracted them to a home so don't hesitate to contact me at joannc@remax.net for a no-obligation consultation!