So, what’s new?

It’s a simple question that can be answered in a variety of ways; from long explanations to one equally simple word “nothing”.  The same holds true in real estate.  When I am on a listing appointment, I have the Seller take me on a tour of the home.  In every room, I ask ‘what’s new?’ or ‘what’s have you done, since your purchase’.  Did you paint, install new fixtures, whatever it is – I want to know.

Understand, improvements that a Seller has made, will often be translated in a Buyer’s mind, as improvements that won’t need to be done for a while.  When a Buyer walks through a house or sees a list of new things, the Buyer internally says “great new water heater, so I won’t have to worry about that for a while.”  Even the little things that are done to a house can really add up and appeal to a Buyer.  The perception is that the house has been maintained, as needed, all throughout the Seller’s time owning it.

As a Listing Agent, I always print a list of improvements to leave for potential Buyer’s Agents and Buyers.  I even go the extra step and post it on-line.  It instantly answers the question ‘what’s new’, so buyers can enjoy their visit, without wondering what has been done.