Oct. 23, 2007 - What buyers want

And what features buyers will pay extra for

Last January I posted. Tips to avoid over-investing in your home which served as a follow-up to Ready, Set, Go, A Seller's Check List. Both of these postings spoke to what sellers could do to maximize the return on investment (ROI) for home improvements and influence the selling price of their homes.

Today, I focus on what features home buyers are looking for this fall '07 season. With the high inventory of homes on the market for sale, here in Somerset, having these key features along with "on target pricing" from the start will help to distinguish your home from the others.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) research shows that, "almost 60% of home buyers are prepared to spend more for a house with an oversized gar gage, hardwood floors, granite countertops and almost 40 percent would do the same for a house that's wired for cable or satellite TV."

The top five most desired home features are:

1. Central Air Conditioning

2. Oversized Garage

3. Walk-in Closet in Master Bedroom

4. Backyard/Play Area

5. Cable/Satellite TV Ready

The top five features buyers are ready to spend extra for:

1. Walk-in Closet in Master Bedroom

2. Hardwood Floors

3. Granite Countertops

4. Separate Shower in Main Bath

5. Whirlpool Bath

Interior colors trend towards earth-tones and soft colors. Bringing the outdoors inside the home; today's buyers want shades of blues, greens and browns -- sharp contrasting colors such as red or orange are top accents.

Jan. 15, 2008 - RE: What buyers want

Jan. 15, 2008 - RE: What buyers want

Hi Maureen,

Thanks for the kind words...I try.

Sometimes I wonder if anyone out there is actully reading this.  Post such as you inspire me to write on. 

Michael