Selling your New Hampshire house isn't what it used to be...it used to be that buyers expected to make some improvements after they purchased a home.
Sellers didn't update wall colors or replace worn carpets because they knew that the buyer would prefer to make those improvements based on their own taste and style.
The real estate game has changed and today's buyers are playing with new rules.
Today's buyers don't have the time for, or interest in, home improvement. When a buyer walks through a house and sees it needs work, they move on...and they keep on looking at houses until they find one that is move-in ready.
Most sellers aren't aware the rules to the game have changed and this means that the sellers who are in tune with today's market have a distinct advantage.
Can you still sell a house today using yesterday's rules? Sure, not all buyers are looking for move-in ready. There is the buyer looking for outdated, fixer-uppers that they can invest a little money in to flip for a profit. This buyer is looking for a great deal and will only buy if the price is low enough.
There is the buyer who can see past the dated colors and worn carpet, the buyer who can see the potential...but you will have to wait a little longer to find this buyer. Only 10% can visualize, 90% of the people that come through your door won't see the potential. Unfortunately, this buyer, if they do come around, will also want you to lower your price based on improvements needed.
If you want to sell in less time and for more money, know the rules of the game and play accordingly. Home staging provides an advantage over the competition. Play with an advantage!
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Can't find my pix, so will this do??
Your message is dead on - if only more realtors would buy into it and talk to their clients etc.
By the way, I love NH. One of my favourite trips was driving on my own from NYC through the New England states without a map. I just went where I wanted and stopped when I wanted. I loved Ogonquit Maine. I don't think I spelled it right, however - it seemed to me the name was almost off the sign. Darling little place. I am trying to recall where I stopped in NH.
Sharon: Interesting choice for a profile picture! Reminds me of Carol Burnett. Anyways, thanks for the comment. Ogunquit is a beautiful place, my husband and I enjoy visiting there in the Summer. You should make a point to return again for vacation some time.
Hi, Sharon! - The same is true here in Missouri...Most buyers want a home that is move-in ready! :)
Debi: They don't want to do any of the work! I'm surprised so many realtors still recommend holding off on improvements because the new owner will want to make the color choices...not the case any more!
What a difference between your first and second photo. BTW, I am in the 10% who looks for the "possiblities", unfortunately most of my buyers do not fit in that category. Most want homes "move-in ready". And if the improvements are made, the home sells for more $$ in a quicker timeframe, right?
Love the illustration of the staircase, what a huuuuuuuuuuuuuge difference! You are right on with your pearls of wisdom, my experiences bear it out!
Sharon - good info! In the Atlanta market, homes just flat out will not sell if they are not move-in ready. No exceptions. The flippers no longer exist.
What a great post. And you are so right! The rules have most definitely changed. This is great advice for all sellers.
And to Patsy's point - yes, buyers are expecting a home to be more move-in-ready than ever not just in Atlanta but seemingly everywhere. As for "flippers" no longer existing; that's inaccurate. I've staged two properties in Atlanta in the last 30 days, both of which were investment properties being flipped.
Kathy
Pat: I'm one of the 10% too and even I have trouble visualizing sometimes! Your buyers are lucky to have you helping them see the potential! It does make it all easier when the staging fairy has visited the property!
Janna: Pearls of wisdom, huh? I'll take it, thank you! And thanks for the validation!
Patsy: More evidence to the accuracy of my post, thank you very much!
Kathy: Thank you, I appreciate it. I may not be in Atlanta, but my staging job last weekend was for a flip and they plan to do many more.
Sharon C: Much better with the profile picture added! All I saw before was the mop!
Great info Sharon! So glad the carpet came up! Those wood floors are beautiful. I can't see why people insist on covering them up!
-John
John: Thanks, these sellers were pretty strong in their conviction to keep that carpet. It also covered the living room, wall-to-wall. They were afraid of the expense of pulling it up and finding a floor that needed work. I was able to convince them to remove it but telling them that buyers would feel the same way. Luckily, the floor underneath was in perfect condition.
Love this post Sharon. What a great way to convince those that think real estate is a gamble! Put the odds in your favor and have your listing staged - right? I think I see a post card ad coming together! LOL! Thank you!!!