House hunting can be a tricky affair, so the most seasoned homebuyers and cautious first-timers will always be on the lookout for specific things to ensure that buying a particular house is the best decision. Sellers looking to get their house off the market as quickly as possible can take a few cues from what buyers have in mind to improve their marketability. Here are some of the factors that homebuyers will always keep their eyes peeled for when looking for homes for sale near them.
Energy Star Ratings
A good Energy Star rating is the common denominator for an energy-efficient home. This rating is applicable not only to appliances but also to windows and even houses as a whole. For the careful homebuyer, this signifies that their electricity bills will be lower and that they will be living in a more environmentally friendly house.
Noticeable and Hidden Flaws
Careful homebuyers are always evaluating what your house is worth, so any flaws that aren’t properly fixed will catch their attention. This is especially true when home sellers try to conceal flaws without really resolving the issue. While a fresh coat of paint may be an indicator of a renovation, it could also be hiding water damage in the walls just in time for the showing. Some sellers have also tried to disguise loud neighbourhoods with music playing during the showing. Any home that looks like it’s too staged or planned out will prompt buyers to investigate a little more thoroughly, uncovering any hidden flaws that might be present on the property.
New or Old Appliances
Simply put, old or outdated appliances won’t be attractive to homebuyers because of the associated repair costs, presence of rust and musty smells, and appearance of these tools. Many homeowners are also looking for places with high Energy Star ratings, which indicate efficiency in power consumption resulting in reduced power costs. Appliances that are loud, clanky, greasy, and have marks are all indicators that they’ll be expensive to operate and don’t bring the home much value.
Good Storage Space
Cramped and stuffy-looking homes are a no-no for many homebuyers, especially given the pandemic-ridden climate of real estate. Creating a spacious environment in the home by storing away any unnecessary items is essential when showing buyers around. Whether sellers decide to keep the place tidy using the garage space or cabinets and drawers, storage spaces must also be kept neat and tidy.
Outdoor Space
Outdoor space has become more important these days compared to previous years. Sufficient yard space, patios, or other outdoor features might just be the deciding factor for many sellers to close their sales. Even small backyard spaces can be made to look more appealing by trimming any overgrowths, clearing away any objects, and adding accessories like flowers and lights.
The Neighborhood
This aspect is more outside the seller’s control, but if you’re flexible, there are ways to work around any setbacks in the neighbourhood. For instance, you can tell your buyers that while the house next door might look unkempt, the people living there are great neighbours and kind people. Be cautious about feeding the buyer things that aren’t true; remain truthful but put a positive spin on things. Highlight some of the great parts of the neighbourhood and why it makes a great place to live overall.
Conclusion
Understanding the way a buyer thinks is crucial for a seller. Buyers are becoming a lot more particular with what they want in a house these days, and there are certain non-negotiables that they will not budge from. The best thing to do is to put yourself in the shoes of someone buying a house. What are the things that you’d look for, and what are the red flags that would definitely put you off? Consider reflecting those in your own home, and you’ll be able to close a sale much faster than you think.
Are you looking for houses for sale near you in Manitoba? Here at Chris Low, we offer real estate agent buying and selling for residential, commercial, and farm real estate. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply want to estimate your home’s worth, get in touch with us today!
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