Is House Hunting Really Speed Dating?
April 30th, 2008 categories: Fairfield, Ohio, Mason, Ohio, Real Estate News, West Chester, Ohio
A few years ago a client said he thought that house hunting was a lot like speed dating.
….and at the time I imagined opening the passenger door and pushing him out onto the street…end of that date!
Fortunately we kept on with the search and found a beautiful home for his family. Looking back I chuckle at how accurate the speed dating analogy has become.
According to the National Association of Realtors over 80% of home buyers begin their home search on the internet. And based on comments I get about homes from - “ugly paint color”, “too much furniture”, “rooms look small” -this “speed date” was decided upon before they actually set foot onto the property.
Chances are, many potential buyers will not even look at a home that does not capture them at the internet stage of “dating”.
Get on your mark, get set….the average buyers tries to see several homes within a very limited time frame. Make sure yours is easy to show and always “dressed for the date”. Everyone understands a few toys on the family room floor or a basketball on the driveway. However, buyers usually “fall in love” with a home within 30-45 seconds of walking through the front door and if they smell of smoke or dog, or a sink full of dirty dishes as their first impression- this date is over and they are moving on.
Finally, first time speed daters have the best luck- they are new to the process and open to meeting different people. The more times they ”speed date” the more jaded they become. This is true with buyers too. Homes just coming onto the market are bustling with “daters” knocking on their doors. The goal is too have the perfect match of condition and pricing so somebody will fall in love and make an offer.
Newly listed properties only stay “fresh and entertaining” for about 2 weeks- then showings drop off dramatically.
Don’t like the analogy? At first I wasn’t happy I didn’t like it - however now that I understand how to use it to the benefit of my buyers and sellers it can be a very delightful and enlightening experience.
If you need to spiff up for your speed dating in real estate and need some help- call me (513-300-4090) or send an email.
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