Why Move-In Ready Homes Matter: Attracting More Buyers and Getting Top Dollar
Buying a home is one of the biggest investments most people will make in their lifetime. When searching for a home, buyers have many options to consider, including whether to purchase a move-in ready home or a fixer-upper.
While there are certainly advantages to both options, many buyers prefer a move-in ready home. In this article, we’ll explore why buyers prefer a move-in ready home and the benefits of purchasing one.
Convenience
One of the main reasons buyers prefer a move-in ready home is convenience. With a move-in ready home, buyers can simply move in and start enjoying their new home right away.
They don't have to worry about making repairs, painting, or updating appliances before moving in. This is especially important for buyers who are relocating or have a tight timeline.
Less Stress
Buying a home is a stressful process, and the last thing most buyers want is to add additional stress to their plate by having to manage repairs and renovations. By purchasing a move-in ready home, buyers can avoid the added stress of managing a renovation project, coordinating contractors, and dealing with unexpected issues that can arise during a renovation.
Cost-Effective
While a fixer-upper may seem like a more cost-effective option at first glance, the reality is that the cost of renovations and repairs can quickly add up. Buyers may need to pay for permits, hire contractors, purchase materials, and deal with unexpected issues that arise during the renovation process.
By purchasing a move-in ready home, buyers can avoid these additional costs and may ultimately end up spending less money in the long run.
Energy Efficiency
Many move-in ready homes are built with energy-efficient features that can save homeowners money on their utility bills. For example, a move-in ready home may have updated insulation, double-paned windows, or a high-efficiency HVAC system.
Buyers who prioritize energy efficiency can benefit from purchasing a move-in ready home that already has these features in place.
Up-to-Date Features
Move-in ready homes often come with up-to-date features and appliances that are popular with today's buyers. For example, a move-in ready home may have a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a gas range. These features can be expensive to install in a fixer-upper, and may not be feasible for all buyers to add after the fact.
Ready for Entertaining
A move-in ready home is often ready for entertaining, with features like an outdoor patio, deck, or finished basement that are perfect for hosting guests. Buyers who enjoy entertaining can benefit from purchasing a move-in ready home that already has these features in place, rather than having to renovate a space to create the perfect entertaining area.
How Can Home Sellers Make a Home Appear "Move In Ready"?
Preparing a home to be move-in ready is essential to attracting potential buyers and getting the best possible price for the home. Making a home move-in ready involves a combination of cleaning, decluttering, staging, and making necessary repairs and updates. Here are some tips to help homesellers make a home move-in ready:
Clean and Declutter
The first step in making a home move-in ready is to clean and declutter the space. This means deep cleaning every room, removing any clutter, and organizing closets and storage areas. A clean and clutter-free home will make it easier for potential buyers to visualize themselves living in the space.
Make Repairs
Any necessary repairs should be made before putting the home on the market. This includes fixing leaky faucets, repairing or replacing damaged flooring, and fixing any structural issues. Buyers will be more likely to make an offer on a home that is in good condition and doesn't require significant repairs.
Update the Home
Updating the home can be a cost-effective way to make it more appealing to potential buyers. This can include repainting walls, replacing outdated light fixtures, and updating kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Small updates can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of the home.
On this topic, an increasing number of buyers are looking for smart features when buying a home, or at least find them appealing.
In fact, smart homes are no longer a novelty, but have become a must-have feature in modern homes. From smart thermostats to voice assistants, homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to make their homes more convenient and efficient through the use of technology.
Some of the best options to consider adding to a Waterloo Region home before selling it include smart thermostats, smart lighting and smart locks. You can read more about how to increase the value of your home via smart device upgrades here.
Stage the Home
Staging a home involves setting up the space in a way that makes it more appealing to potential buyers. This can include rearranging furniture, adding decorative touches, and removing personal items like family photos. The goal is to create an inviting and neutral space that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.
Address Curb Appeal
The exterior of the home is the first thing potential buyers will see when they arrive, so it's important to address curb appeal. This can include adding fresh landscaping, painting the front door, and cleaning the exterior of the home. A well-maintained exterior will create a positive first impression and make buyers more likely to want to see the rest of the home.
Provide Documentation
Providing documentation about the home can also make it more move-in ready. This can include any warranties, repair records, or manuals for appliances that will be included in the sale. Providing this information upfront can give buyers peace of mind and make the home more appealing.
Let Your Real Estate Agent Guide You
How do you know if your Waterloo Region home is one that buyers will consider move-in ready? A good local real estate agent can help determine if your home is move-in ready and provide guidance on any necessary improvements.
At Team Pinto we begin the process by evaluating both the interior and exterior condition of the home to determine if it is move-in ready. This includes assessing the condition of the walls, floors, appliances, plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC system. We will also assess the condition of the roof, siding, windows, and landscaping to ensure the exterior of the home is well-maintained and appealing to potential buyers.
Based on the results of the walkthrough and evaluation, we can help determine what repairs and upgrades are necessary to make the home move-in ready and appealing to buyers.
This may include minor repairs such as fixing leaky faucets or replacing outdated light fixtures, or more significant upgrades such as updating the kitchen or bathroom. By making these improvements, the home will be more appealing to potential buyers and could fetch a higher asking price. We also ensure that when marketing a home we then highlight all the things that make it appealing and move in ready.
Getting ready to sell your Waterloo Region home, or buy a new one? Let Team Pinto use our huge experience and expertise to help you. Contact the award-winning Team Pinto here, or book a free Zoom consultation to discuss your unique Waterloo Region real estate needs here.