Turning Home Negatives into a Positive
Category Property Advice
Often, we see homes that come onto the market with a very specific style, something that will certainly not appeal to a larger audience. An awkward kitchen, garage with limited vehicle space, cupboards on the opposite wall, or even a garden with a Karoo look in the city. These immediate elements turn off prospective buyers and can affect the time the property is on the market.
There are a couple of elements to consider when coming across a home of this nature and a few pointers for estate agents to help with the marketing process.
Advice to buyers
If there are parts of the home you just can't wrap your head around yet you love the property and these issues are the deciding factor - you have to make a distinction, are these problems structural that will require a major capital investment in turn causing you to overcapitalize? If this is the case and your intention is to keep the home as a primary residence for thirty years, over-capitalizing at the beginning for comfort's sake is not entirely a bad thing.
If the negatives are superficial then you might just be in luck. Many other buyers won't be able to look beyond them allowing you to purchase value for money, for a minimal investment.
I see it so often, people buying a house based on its current state, and of course, not everyone has the appetite to make changes and deal with construction, but all homes have their idiosyncrasies and there is a certain amount of vision you must instill in the process, and this will lead to a world of new opportunity!
Agents, please take note
There is an important responsibility a property professional carries on their shoulders and that is to market the property for sale to a multitude of buyers each with their own individual tastes. Often you encounter homes with peculiarities, sure, but how you inspire vision and possibility will make a difference in the way buyers consider the home.
You need to assist with calculations around investment if the prospective buyer has a deep desire to move the braai out of the bedroom! In all seriousness, our jobs as estate agents are to provide support, expert advice, and a friendly helpful hand during a very stressful process.
Conclusion
If you take anything out of this piece know that the four boundary walls, four internal walls, and the essence of the home are merely vehicles of opportunity driving you to secure financial investment, the birthplace of new memories, and the chance to build something of your own!
Author: Harcourts SA
