Buyer Preferences
Every house has its own style, characteristics, amenities, features, drawbacks, etc. Though many families have exclaimed to have found “the perfect house” for them over the years, I’ve learned that there truly is no such thing. This is especially true when more than one person lives there. Compromise can and often does save the day. Over the last few years the National Association of Realtors has taken thousand’s of surveys of potential and actual buyers regarding the most desired features of homes.
Here are the top 10 features desired by all home buyers:
1. Central Air Conditioning
2. Garage (2 or more spaces)
3. Walk-in Closet in Master Bedroom
4. Backyard/Play area
5. Cable/Satellite TV-ready
6. High-Speed Internet Access
7. Separate shower enclosure in master/main bath
8. Patio
9. Fencing
10. Home less than 10 years old
Now, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This list is based on the top preferences of all people surveyed. There might be items you think should be on here that aren’t. As well, there might be items that are on this list that shouldn’t be. And that’s okay. Not everybody “needs” a garage or fencing. Many don’t even mind if the house is older and full of character. There are many well-built, older and established homes that might not have a separate shower and bath, but the beautiful garden in the back that can give many hours of satisfaction to a homeowner renders some of the newer home-amenities unnecessary. Middleburg could be ideal. Perhaps location is a very key component that makes the fit. If having a gated community is important to you, River Creek or Belmont might be the place to hang your hat. Go back to my statement in the beginning of this article...there isn’t really a “perfect” house. It is important to note, however, that with over 3,000 homes on the market in Loudoun County, the large inventory of available homes will fulfill the needs of even the most demanding and selective client. However, and on the flip side, I’ve seen enough houses throughout the county, either during “Open Houses” or previewing for clients, to know that there are many houses currently on the market that do have each one of these features.
By the way, more of these homes are being picked up. According to the latest figures, 350 units were sold in March, 2008. 264 units sold in February. That’s a 33% increase in 1 month.
And also, 533 homes were either under contract or had contingencies in March, 2008. In February, there were only 420 homes marked “contract” or “contingent”. That’s a 27% increase in one month. These last numbers were virtually the same as last year, but I and many fellow Realtors are sensing the same thing; it very well could be seasonal, but business is picking up.
Feel free to search for homes on my site at www.NewPhaseRealty.com