As I was searching through some Expired Listings in The Woodlands today I was absolutely amazed at some of the Gorgeous homes that were on the list. Beautiful! Updated Older Homes that glistened, Newer homes that appeared to be clean as a whistle...
But what shocked me the most, was the fact that at first glance, they did not appear to be incredibly Over Priced. Now, I did not run comps on any of the homes as it would not be accurate anyhow without stepping inside of them and seeing for myself but here is what caught my eye:
- Custom Hardwood Floors
- Central Vacuum Systems
- Granite or other updated Countertops
- Incredible Landscaping
- Some had amazing Pools
- A few had unique floorplans that are somewhat difficult to find
Since this post is not about how the homes were listed, I'll stop there. I often wish I knew how much traffic these homes had while they were on the market, but I don't.
Now, when I filter through listings for potential clients I try to look at everything that is NOT mentioned in the descriptions. For Example, the pictures (especially the ones that we would typically think are bad), Builder name and year built can tell you A LOT:
- Those pictures of the side of the home that show the Compressor for the HVAC system- Wow, That looks like it could be a 15 or 16 SEER!
- The appliances in the kitchen that are only noted as Stainless Steel or Upgraded appear to be a brand that is likely ENERGY STAR
- One home was built by Ryland in 2000: Ryland was one of the few builders that was actively using Double Pane windows and sometimes Radiant Barrier BEFORE it was required by Code.
- Another was built in 2006 by David Weekley who happened to use an extremely Energy Efficient Building program before the other builders hopped on in late '07 and mid-'08
All of these features are ones that I consider to be the Sustainable, Greener or otherwise...more Affordable ones.
These are all of the features that often times go UN Noticed by potential, QUALIFIED Homebuyers.
Would this kind of stuff actually bring the attention to people in the market for a home? They should! And they DO to many of the Buyers that I personally work with.
While explaining it all right here and right now would take a long time, this is the start of a new series of Blog Posts. ~The Affordability Ranking~
- How much maintenace will be required on this home?
- How much will it cost me to LIVE in this home?
- How Comfortable will it be to LIVE in this home?
- Why is this home different than all of the others besides the paint, countertops and flooring?
- Overall, how will it affect my pocket book at the end of every Month?
While any home that goes on the market would Benefit from using this, I am aiming it towards Expired Listings as we are entering the 'Selling Season' with a higher inventory than recent years with longer time on the market.
Let's take a look through this Series on how to Maximize Affordability in your home to give it a selling advantage.
Next part of the Series? Location. It's not just about where the home is located, it's where the home is located in comparison to the Affordability of the home. No, it's not about location to work, school, shopping...Location goes much deeper than that. The simple location of a home can tell Home Buyers A LOT about the potential Condition of every home they see. It's important to show how YOUR home may be different. Stay Tuned.
Stephanie--Looking beyond the obvious sets you apart from other agents in The Woodlands!
Thanks Teri. :0) I'm going to make this series 'Raw and UnCut' - Point Blank. Stay tuned.
Stephanie~
I am going to ask the "rainGods" to feature this post...and for sure I will feature it on my BLOG by reblogging it...THANKS for your perspectives and for sharing them!
PS...since this post points out value-added "GREEN " features...could you please also post it on over at the Eco-All-Stars?
Thanks janeAnne, I put it over in Eco All Stars. If we all did a few 'green' things to our homes, it would make a ton of difference for both our lifestyle and conservation.
It also adds to what buyers may like about your home. :)
Okay, I am tuned in... Thanks for showing me another point of view I can use.
Stephanie,
This is an awesome post! We've recently "greened"our MLS in Tallahassee, and going through the listings that come up if you search for green homes provides me with a list of homes that are virtually indistinguishable from those that are not green. None of the realtors that have these listings are attempting to capitalize on the value inherent in the homes that they are listing!?
Thanks for bringing this to our attention so eloquently... I hope you do not mind when I use some of your ideas in a future posting? ...of course I will credit this post.
Great idea again Steaphanie! This is an important reason why househunters should consult with a local real estate agent who is "in the know." You have so much knowledge about your area and the builders in the area because you RESEARCH!! everything! Had I elected to move to Spring TX you would have been my first - and only - choice!
I love the way you are a little "house detective!"
When you look outside the box then a new world can become apparent.