5 Questions That Buyers Will Ask Themselves About Your Home

Before you list your home, think about the five questions that home buyers will ask themselves about your house – and be prepared to answer them. If your house measures up the best against others when these questions are asked, yours will be the quickest to sell.

1. Is this a good location?

We’ve all heard the adage, “location, location, location.” There's a reason for that. No one wants to live in a bad neighborhood. They’ll even drive a little further to get to work if they love the neighborhood and/or their kids can go to better schools. Think about how many people live in Thurston County and commute JBLM or Tacoma. Why would they do this? The perception of better schools, cleaner air, more house for less money, more space, among other things.

You have to create the perception of a great neighborhood – that you're “next to” the ritziest area of town, or near a great park or landmark, or in the best school district, or have great access to the freeway for commuters, or that it’s the “new hot place to live.” Think of the benefits and create a “headline” of the benefits.

2. What does it cost?

Be realistic. You’re competing with other people who have a three-bedroom, two-bath home to sell. If you ask much more than the market will bear, it will take longer to sell your home.

When you sit down with a Realtor to list your home, you should ask what other homes have sold for in your neighborhood – and what homes in similar condition, with similar features, are selling for in your area.

3. How does it look?

Make your home the jewel of the neighborhood – the place that everyone wants to be. Assuming nothing is majorly wrong, here are a few things that you can do to give a great first impression.

Fix the driveway. It’s the first thing they see close-up, and sets the tone for how the buyer will see the rest of your home. If it’s cracked or stained, they’ll look for similar problems inside your home.

Mow the yard, trim the shrubs and plant some flowers – this gives a warm, inviting feeling. Think about how new homes are always so perfectly landscaped and strive to be the same.

Paint the front of the house – or at least the front door. This is the first actual contact that a buyer has with your home; give it the feel of a well-tended home.

Lastly, unclutter the place. Start packing the knick-knacks and moving your furniture into storage. This gives you a head start on moving, and gives the buyer a chance to imagine their own “stuff” in the house, leading them one step closer to making it their own.

4. How will I pay for it?

Many home buyers are frankly afraid of having someone reviewing their finances and opening themselves up to rejection – by a bank or mortgage lender, particularly when those people are strangers. This can delay them making an offer for your home.

If you, as someone they’ve already met, can afford to offer them financing, you’ll be more competitive than the seller who forces every buyer to go through a bank or mortgage company.

5. When can I move in?

Many people are looking for a home because they’re transferring into the area or are tired of apartment living NOW! For these people, the ability to move in quickly is an added incentive to buy your home. You’re moving anyway; why not speed up the process?

On the other hand, some buyers need to sell their home before they can buy yours. This doesn’t make for a quick sale, but it gives you time to get your own move planned and executed.

Curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood? You can create a custom market report to see what’s active, under contract, and sold in your neighborhood!

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