After many years in a Buyer’s Market, our area has made significant shifts to a Seller’s Market in the past 18 months. However, buyers are slow to recognize this and hesitant to let go of the demands they had when the market was more in their favor. So, what do buyers really want?

The vast majority of buyers are not looking for projects or repairs in their future home. Nothing commands a better price and a quicker sale than a home in near perfect condition, as long as the asking price is within reason. Buyers have a significant reaction when seeing a home that does not leave them with a mental list of to-do items. As a Realtor, I can tell you this occurs rarely and is truly a joy to experience.

As a seller, do not get too comfortable with your home. You must put yourself in the shoes of a buyer seeing your home for the first time. I literally suggest you walk thru your home with a notepad and record all the items that might leave a negative impression with a buyer. The longer the list, the easier it will be for buyers to take your home out of consideration. The list you make is exactly what buyers will do mentally, if not in writing themselves.

Remember you are in competition. The home that meets a buyer’s basic requirements regarding size, location and price, and then has the shortest list of “problems” will often be a buyer’s first choice.

The take-away for sellers is to make that list and then make that list shorter. Spend some time and money removing obstacles that are in your control. It will likely create a win-win situation for you and the buyer.

Curious about any local real estate topics? Please submit questions by email at [email protected], or feel free to give me a call on my direct line at 325-248-4369.

Jeff Spears is a Licensed Broker in the State of Texas. Each Office of Keller Williams Realty is Independently Owned and Operated. If you have a contractual relationship with another Broker, this is not a solicitation for your business.