The Primary Factors Buyers Consider

When rationalizing the price of their home, sellers often say "Ours is different."  And after looking at many, many homes buyers ask, "What's the difference?"

The four basic factors that are considered in a home buyer's decision process are price, location, size and amenities.  Price aside, location is the major factor.  Home buyers are sensitive to the location of schools, work, recreation, perhaps other persons, and areas of distraction including industry, railroads, etc.  In Fairfield, the direction the home faces, or the orientation of the house on the lot can have a huge influence on value.  The difference in one home and another can quickly be determined by its location.

Location aside, it is obvious that otherwise similar homes will have different values if they are of different size.  Value is often expressed in terms of square feet.  Be certain that the square feet being considered are the same square feet.  For instance, a single story home can be measured in finished area above grade, in total finished area including basement, or in the size of the "footprint," or foundation.  When other considerations are generally equal, size will make the difference.

Amenities, including the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, garage space, appliances and fireplaces are certainly points of difference.  To some, only newer homes can match their needs, while others feel drawn to older homes with Victorian features.  Characteristics of such homes are amenities to these buyers.  A home being generally equal to another in all other ways may have more desirable amenities than the competing listing, and sell more quickly and at a better price than the home with fewer features.  Details are often the real difference.

It is very important that the seller be aware of the differences in property that has sold or competes with theirs in the market.  Information learned from these properties must be objectively reviewed and applied to the specifications of their home so that realistic expectations might be set.  It is certain that this same process will be the basis of a buyer's decision.  

If you are thinking of selling your home, farm or commercial property, our negotiating skills and understanding of the market can be a great asset to you.  "Let Us Be Of Service."  We would like to 0help.  Give us a call at 641-472-2353, or drop by our office at 52 E. Burlington in Fairfield.