If you were to consider buying a home, and when you go to look at it,?

Question

what do you look for? What types of things do you look AT? Do you look in drawers or cupboards? What else?

I'm selling my home and have a showing this morning so if you have any tips it would be greatly apprecated.

Answer 1

burn sugar cookie candles in the main entry, make sure things are clean and clutter is out of way, and open windows that have a great view. People like to open appliances and closets. Good Luck and hopes for quick sale...

Answer 2

Generally we look at two things...1. the house itself, and 2. the price:

1. is the house the way we would want it (in our case is it open and modern looking (instead of wood paneling that hasnt been updated since the 60's and clean looking.

2. Though this seems cliche'd it is becoming fairly critical does the price reflect the true market value of the house. (is it equal to 15 times the annual rent for a similar sized apartment.  If the house is not priced that way then there is likely going to be problems getting a mortgage and we (the buyer) will face a further depreciating asset.

Answer 3

As a real estate agent, I do not allow potential buyers to look into drawers, or into any other space which is considered 'personal'.  If the buyer wants to see how the drawer system works, *I* am the one who will demonstrate that, in order to protect the privacy of the seller.

Buyers should view the house in terms of floor space and layout, windows, and other things which are of importance in determining whether or not a house is suitable for them.

Answer 4

we are searching right now. we look at closets, garages, all open spaces. sometimes if the house is vacant then we look at food pantry, laundry room, etc.

Answer 5

When showing your home, put all personal items away.  All photos, and valuables.  When someone comes to see your home, they want to be able to see it as a home that could be theirs, not a home that is yours. Many people make the mistake of having family photos where ever they turn, and the fridge full of clippings.  Put them all away

Answer 6

Jaymes, first visit my buyers are looking to see if the layout will work for them, if it has some amenities they want, like hardwood floors, etc.  No I don't allow them to look in drawers, but I do allow them to open the closets to see the size.  Just don't leave valuables within reach, like jewelry boxes, cash, etc. Put those away in a safe place.  It will be fine.

Answer 7

Here is what a buyer will look for ( in no particular order):

1. Is the property clean and well maintained?

2. Is the lay-out good for the family?

3. Does it look like the home is in need of repairs, and what might that cost?

4 .Has the property been updated, or does the property require cosmetic changes, such as new paint, carpet, wallpaper removal?

5. Are the kitchen and baths functional and attractive?

6. Is the street and neighborhood desirable?

7. Does the school system meet the buyer's needs?

8. Does the sales price represent good value compared to other houses in the same neighborhood?

9. Are the taxes high?

10. Does the community have amenities?

Here are tips for you:

Make sure your home is spotlessly clean--especially the kitchen and baths. Make the beds. Clean off countertops.

Remove clutter. A cluttered home sends the message "there is not enough room here for all of our stuff".

If you have a cat, clean the litter box.

Turn on the lights. All of them. A well lit house shows better than a dark one. Open the curtains or blinds. Let the light shine in.

Don't cook things that have a lingering odor. Avoid frying fish, cooking cabbage, or other strong smells. Use an air freshener. Some people bake an apple or some cookies. That kind of smell evokes a "welcome home" response in people.

Be sure the exterior looks attractive. Some buyers will not leave the car and come into a home that doesn't have curb appeal. Make sure there is no garbage on the lawn, that the hose is not lying about, and, if possible, get some small pots of flowers for color.

When selling a home, "less is more". Less furniture= more space. If you have  lots of toys, pack some of that away, and get it out of the house. That way, the rooms will look spacious. Same thing with clothes--just keep the clothes you are wearing that season, so that the closets don't look jam packed. If you have a clutter problem, consider renting a storage unit to help clear out the house, or donate items to charity that you are no longer using, or consign them or sell them.

Make small repairs. If you have a dripping faucet, fix it. Peeling paint, that kind of thing-- repair it. This will show a prospective buyer that you do not "defer" maintenance and that you fix small things so that they do not become bigger repairs later!

Good luck!