What Sellers Need to Mention

This summer, real estate continues to be a hot topic in Greater Boston where demand remains high and inventory is limited. As buyers and sellers look to make a move, it’s important to keep an open mind, consider all possibilities and look beyond the surface when extolling the virtues of a great home. Increasingly, sellers are emphasizing amenities nearby and less-tangible attributes of a home during their home search. Today’s more evolved consumers often have wish lists that include proximity to healthcare, easy access to major roadways or public transportation, great shopping nearby and a location that is safe. Savvy sellers are wise to point out these non-traditional home features and less-obvious advantages to their broker so that she can make it part of the conversation with her real estate colleagues and prospective homebuyers. Conversely, buyers are often pleasantly surprised by what they think they want in a home and what they come to realize is just as important as great architecture, a nice lot and square footage. Sometimes, quality of life trumps quantity in life. Having an open mind and ongoing communication is the key for both buyers and sellers.

Safety Matters - A home that is conveniently located near a police or fire station can provide buyers (especially families with children) with an added sense of security. Nice neighborhoods with larger homes see more attempted burglaries, on average, than less desirable properties so homeowners may take comfort knowing that burglars are more likely to be deterred or that emergency response times will be quicker due to their convenient location. Likewise, homeowners with medical issues may be relieved to know that their home’s proximity to a hospital or town ambulance could be a lifesaver. And although some might dread the sound of sirens on a regular basis, having a firehouse nearby can be a bonus if a small fire breaks out in your home. Fire engines can often be delayed in traffic or because they are traveling from the opposite end of town. The longer the fire lingers, the greater the damage that results.

Shopping & Appointments Matter - Communities near large shopping plazas can sometimes become congested with traffic, especially at night and on the weekends but for some having convenient access to amenities, restaurants, shopping and people-watching is a positive consideration. Some homebuyers look for opportunities to be close to groceries. Families are less apt to have big weekly grocery trips these days so a store nearby is convenient and conducive to today’s lifestyles. Increasingly, pharmacies administer prescription medicine too, and not having to drive out of the way for prescriptions or urgent care support is considered a coup for some would-be buyers. Many buyers are also receptive to having good medical care nearby. When you consider that a scheduled physical examination can take hours after parking, filling out paperwork, waiting for your name to be called by the nurse, meeting with a physician and arranging follow up care – having a hospital facility could be a godsend.

Utilities Matter – Often times, buyers and sellers are uninterested and uninformed about utilities but without these important services homeowners really would be in the dark - cold or without modern conveniences. As a seller, it is important to know dates and particulars that pertain to your electrical and heating systems. Buyers should always question the installation dates, service history and any enhancements that may add to the value of the property or save on monthly expenses. If a house uses well water as opposed to town water, buyers can save hundreds of dollars on the water bill every year, and the well water will most likely be as good, if not better, than the town water. Energy saving and Energy-Star™ labeled appliances are very appealing to interested homebuyers nowadays, too, especially families with children.

Space Matters - Another significant home feature that sellers forget to mention, but today’s buyers are keenly aware of is - extra storage space. Whether it’s a garage, a walk-in closet, an attic, extra shelves, a shed, basement storage space – space can be a deal-breaker or deal-maker. Potential buyers used to renting will love all the added hiding places – even if the square footage is not what they imagined in their price range. Belongings accumulate quickly over time, and very few homeowners have enough room in their home to display items or have all their possessions in bedroom, bath and linen closets. As a result, homeowners are always looking for more space to store things away. Those looking to downsize – might take this space for granted, not see all the space as a selling point and forget to emphasize how the home not only fit the needs of their family over the years, but fit all their possessions!

It’s important for today’s buyers, sellers and brokers to emphasize all attributes of a home, its location and its proximity to key resources. What really matters to homeowners, in the long run, might not be as overt as hardwood floors, architectural design and open spaces. In this busy world we live in, some might actually value a shorter commute or a quick jaunt to the store more so than living in house beautiful.

Sheryl Simon is a Principal at Benoit Mizner Simon & Co., LLC with more than 17 years of experience helping sellers and buyers in the Weston real estate market. With offices in Weston and Wellesley, Sheryl can be reached at (781) 910-3405 or Sheryl@benoitmiznersimon.com. Benoit Mizner Simon & Co., LLC * 450 Boston Post Rd., Weston, MA 02493 * 54 Central St., Wellesley, MA 02482