Trulia posted an article about a few things you should consider as you market your property, and we wanted to share a few of them with you.
Sellers sometimes fail to mention certain property features that could potentially sway a buyer to make an offer. These features aren’t deal breakers, but they are things that could have motivated other buyers to view your property had they been advertised.
It’s easy to describe a property with expensive upgrades and beautiful views or a jaw-dropping estate in the most reputable neighborhood in town. BUT–if you own a “normal” home and have lived there for many years, it’s easy to take its charm for granted. Those charming features you may have forgotten are the same ones that someone else might be actively searching for. You need to let them know you have them!
The five features listed below are just a few examples. Try to think of some others!
#1 – STORAGE SPACE
You might think your home doesn’t have nearly enough storage space but that could be because you’ve outgrown it. Try to put yourself in the shoes of a first-time homebuyer. They are probably comparing your storage space to the one-bedroom apartment they’ve lived in for the past three years. Your home might be their storage heaven!
#2 – NEARBY AMENITIES/ATTRACTIONS
You might also think every potential buyer is searching for area-specific properties online and that it’s not necessary to mention nearby amenities or attractions. That’s not always the case. If a homebuyer is relocating from another city, they may not be familiar with the area at all. They might only be looking at homes in the area that fall between a certain price range. By mentioning that your property is within close proximity to an attractive shopping plaza or reputable school, your home could easily move to the top of their list.
#3 – EASY ACCESS/SENIOR FRIENDLY
Older homebuyers might seek to purchase a home they will live in for the rest of their lives. They might not look for properties with numerous disability features but are likely to look for ones with fewer stairs, lower levels, and low maintenance. It’s especially wise to mention these property features if you live in an area where they are scarce. Also–if you’re selling a home that can function as a multi-family home or features an “in-law” unit or second master suite, it would be smart to mention that as well. Children tend to move their parents in with them as they get older; these types of features are rare and should be advertised as such.
#4 – GREEN/ENERGY EFFICIENCIES
All homebuyers should like to hear that a property has energy-efficient features even if they aren’t specifically looking for a “green” home. Energy-efficient almost always means budget friendly. If you have new insulation, a tankless or Energy Star®-rated water heater, or solar panels, make sure to mention that.
#5 – HYPOALLERGENIC & CHEMICAL-FREE MAINTENANCE
A property with a hypoallergenic HVAC system or a property that has been maintained with only natural and chemical-free cleaning products over the past few years is worth marketing. Homebuyers who suffer from terrible allergies and/or sinus problems will likely move your property to the top of their list.
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Those are just a few things to consider when you go over your property with your listing agent. Again, try to think outside of the box. If your property doesn’t have any of the features mentioned, that’s okay too. Try to think about those you do have that might only appeal to a specific group of people, and mention them to your agent so he/she can add them to your already attractive list of features that appeal to everyone.
