Roy Sanborn — What do home buyers really want?

There are tons of articles, surveys, and opinions out there with regard to what today's home buyer really wants when they go to look at a property. Considering that every buyer, just like every home, is unique it is amazing that certain attributes stick out but they do. And what buyers want changes over time. There has been a definite shift in what buyers are looking for even in past five years or so. A couple of changes that come to mind are that many buyers don't care if there is a formal dining room in the home and they are looking for somewhat smaller residences rather than larger McMansions of just a few years ago. Things change based on social and economic conditions. Socioeconomic factors influence the thought patterns and desires of buyers every day whether they are purchasing an appliance, car, new sofa, or a home.

Many of the items that make the top of the "must have" list for today's home buyer are what you'd expect. A great location has always been, and always will be, one of the most important determining factors in buying a home. Buyers have always fell for remodeled kitchens and baths with new cabinetry, stainless appliances, and granite or tile counters. A great kitchen will sell a home faster than any other feature in my book. A wonderful back yard for the kids or dog to romp in is always high on the list as well. And hubby always has felt it was necessary to have a "space" for himself. It used to be called a "den" but now it's the "Man Cave." Storage is also important and it seems like in New England a basement and a garage is an absolute must or a sale can be difficult.

Today's buyers often want more modest size homes with bright, open floor plans and energy efficient features. The aging population dictates a large first floor master bedroom suite as almost a requirement for any new construction. Buyers are looking for functionality rather than chopped up, haphazard floor plans. A great room that flows into the kitchen and dining area becomes the hub of everyday living and entertaining. A home office is also high on the list for the increasing number buyers that are lucky enough to work from home. Quality over quantity always sells.

Most of today's buyers prefer to purchase a move-in-ready, low maintenance home. A higher priced home that needs little work could be a better deal than a distressed property given the all the unknowns that can crop up in a fixer upper or renovation. Antique homes which once seemed to attract many buyers because of their charm and history don't have the appeal they once had probably due to the changing demographics more than anything else.

But the main thing that buyers want today is that they don't want to overpay on the home they purchase. It is the most important aspect of their search and decision making process. They want to feel that they have bought a home that won't be worth less tomorrow than it is today. Regardless of how nice the home is, how great the location, the view, the kitchen, or the Man Cave, it all comes down to whether or not the buyer sees true value in the home he is about to buy. That's why the price put on a home is the most important decision a seller will make. Buyers really just want to know that they got a fair deal. It's as simple as that...

Please feel free to visit www.lakesregionhome.com to learn more about the Lakes Region real estate market and comment on this article and others. Roy Sanborn is a REALTOR® at Roche Realty Group and can be reached at 603-677-8420.