Welcome to the second installment of “Ask the Industry,” where we ask real estate professionals — brokers, agents, MLS executives, and more — their thoughts about timely topics related to the real estate industry.
Today’s post features:
- Marian Cooper, Realtor with Comey & Shepherd
- Randall Graham, Chief Marketing Officer with Michael Saunders & Company
- Stacey Burnett, Agent with RE/MAX Crossroads Properties
What are the most frequently requested qualities that buyers and sellers are looking for in a home right now?
Buyers want updated homes and turnkey properties
Realtor, Comey & Shepherd
“The most requested qualities my homebuyers are looking for right now include:
• 2+ bathrooms
• Finished basement
• Open floor plan
• Garage
• Swimming pool or enough space for a pool to eventually be added
Also, overwhelmingly my buyers seem to prefer updated homes at the moment. They seem to be OK with some small cosmetic changes, but most of my clients right now want a turnkey property.”
Marian Cooper, Realtor, Comey & Shepherd, Greater Cincinnati, OH
Buyers are looking for homes with great outdoor spaces
“At Michael Saunders & Company, we are seeing buyers on Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast looking for homes with great outdoor spaces and water views, which is the unique beauty of our area. We’ve also seen a shift from wanting turnkey properties to buyers returning to the idea of making updates as lumber and other building materials are becoming more available. Newer construction, privacy and safety remain our top requests as well.”
Randall Graham, Chief Marketing Officer, Michael Saunders & Company, Sarasota, FL
It’s all about the location – Buyers are starting to look at areas that they may not normally look
“I would have to say that in the current market the qualities a buyer is searching for most include an updated kitchen and bathroom, an open floor plan, and flex/bonus space for a possible office. Outdoor space is a plus as well for those fur babies. Since our inventory is so low, buyers are starting to look into areas that they may not normally look at but are just as nice. It’s about the location! Last but not least is a garage! We are in Cleveland and this is a must-have for some buyers.”