Selling to a first time buyer

Yesterday's post included tips for first time home buyers. In today's market, the first time home buyer, someone who has no home to sell, is a very desirable buyer for many sellers.

The question is then how can sellers make a home more appealing to first time home buyers? It helps to know what first time buyers tend to look for in a home.

According to statistics from the National Association of Realtors, over 80% of first time home buyers want a home that is already in move in condition. These buyers want to be able to move right in without having to spend time or money getting a home in to shape.

This means that a seller should spend a little time before listing make sure that all the little things are taken care of. Take the trim that has been sitting in the garage and put it on to walls in the new family room. Put the quarter round in the dining room where you removed the carpet and exposed the hardwood floors. Replace the missing outlet cover, patch the hole in the wall from the doorknob, paint the dingy kitchen, clean the grout in the bathroom.

Many of these projects take more time than money. Take a look at the "honey do" list that has been hanging around your bulletin board for a few years. Are there some easy or inexpensive projects you can cross off? It may seem counterproductive to spend time and money fixing a house you plan to leave, but it can pay off in the long run. With the larger than average home inventory right now, the seller that presents a house that is most appealing to a first time buyer has an advantage over the competition.