Buyers often approach the hunt for their next home with a laundry list of features and amenities they just have to get. It’s part of your job as a real estate agent to steer them in the right direction—and away from a home that doesn’t suit. These are the most commonly sought-after criteria that buyers ask for but don’t actually need or want.
Killer School District
Everybody always wants to know about the school district, right? People want their kids to have the best, and that means going to the best schools. That’s why homes in a region’s top district can command a higher price. So if your buyers don’t have kids (and aren’t planning for any in the future), then steer them clear of the pricey school district. There are other properties that will meet their needs without the higher purchase price and property taxes.
Room to Grow
Buyers almost always overestimate the amount of space they need in a home. An eat-in kitchen and a dining room for a couple that lives off take-out? A media room for a single professional who is rarely ever home? A guest bedroom for a family that never hosts guests? If buyers bite off more house than they need, they’ll end up resenting the higher utilities and wasted space.
Location, Location, Location?
If your buyers don’t work in a city center, then why do they need to live within an easy commute? You’ll have plenty of clients who value location above all else, but retirees, freelancers, and folks who aren’t tied down to their jobs can get a much better deal outside the “easy commute” radius.
Single Story, Please
Given the option between a single-story home and one with two stories, many buyers will pick the house that’s all on one level. Concerns about growing older and managing the stairs are a common factor. But two-story homes are often a better bargain per square foot, so younger buyers and those without mobility issues should really give them a second look.
Bonus Amenities
Many buyers don’t consider the long-term costs of amenities. Communities charge HOA or condo fees for use of those gorgeous tennis courts and state-of-the-art gyms. And if your clients aren’t fitness fanatics, they’ll be paying a steep regime fee for something they don’t even use. Same goes for properties with luxury upgrades that require upkeep. Honestly, how many times are they going to use that outdoor kitchen?
There Goes the Neighborhood
There’s always at least one neighborhood in your market that everyone is buzzing about, right? It’s hip, it’s trendy. And it’s the most expensive neighborhood on the map. If your buyers really want to be in on the cutting edge of the local hot spots, they’re better off looking for an up-and-coming neighborhood where property is still affordable.
Massive Yard, Massive Headache
A beautifully manicured lawn with plenty of trees and flowerbeds looks amazing. But often home buyers haven’t thought about the amount of maintenance involved in keeping up a big yard. The more trees on the property, the more leaves there are to rake up. The more grass, the more there is to mow. Unless the buyers are either avid gardeners or willing to pay for top-notch lawn care, they’re going to regret buying a home with such a big yard to maintain.
