When you label yourself a “top-producing REALTOR® at Compass” on LinkedIn, you best have earned such a label. For Suzy Minken, based in Short Hills, New Jersey, that’s been the case year after year, regardless of market conditions, industry issues, mortgage rates or any other impediments to success.
Minken’s professional background has helped her become an expert in the field. Early in her career she worked at a major consulting firm in Manhattan, developing high-level analytical and negotiation skills. She earned an undergraduate degree from Cornell University and an MBA from the Stern School of Business at New York University. In her current 10-plus years as an agent, she uses her acquired knowledge and fine-tuned skills to ensure that buyer clients have their goals met.
Minken likes to write about real estate as well. One topic focuses on two Top 10 lists she has compiled, one about what buyers are looking for in a home, and another on what they hope not to see.
“If you are curious as to why some homes get lots of action and others take much longer to sell, dive into this ‘peek behind the For Sale sign’ about what drives multiple offers,” she says.
“Most homebuyers have a long list of things on their ‘wish list.’ And since no home is truly perfect in the eyes of the buyer, with the possible exception of new construction, the home needs to provide the important or ‘must-have’ features to catch the buyer’s eye.”
Here is Minken’s Top 10 list, in no particular order, of the most common things buyers often say they are looking for when buying a home.
Curb appeal. On the day set aside for touring homes for sale, the buyer’s ride to the showing appointment builds excitement. But sometimes they won’t even get out of the car if they are disappointed with the home’s exterior.
A modern floor plan. Buyers frequently desire a home where the living spaces have an easy and comfortable room flow. For many buyers, a modern floor plan with a kitchen that opens to a spacious family room is important.
A kitchen with a center island. Many buyers are “foodies” who love to cook, enjoy healthy eating and often meal prep together. A kitchen with a center island is a must-have, especially if it doubles as a “breakfast bar” for sitting or a “grab bar” for entertaining.
Updated kitchen appliances. If the online photos of the kitchen reveal stainless steel appliances, this is a signal to prospective homebuyers that the kitchen is newer and has been updated. Many buyers want a home as close to “move-in ready” as possible.
A spacious family room. Over the years, several room names have emerged that seem to have morphed out of the traditional “living room.” Examples would be the Den, the Great Room, the Recreation Room, the Bar/Club Room and the Family Room, just to name a few.
En-suite bedrooms. One of the increasingly appealing home features is a bedroom with its own bathroom. With those having overnight guests or other family members visiting their home, more than one en-suite bedroom is a popular item on the buyer’s checklist.
Renovated bathroom. While some buyers might enjoy undertaking a bathroom makeover project, many simply do not have the time or energy for it. When bathroom tile is removed, it is quite messy with a lot of dust and debris, not to mention the amount of hard work involved.
Hardwood floor. With many buyers concerned about air quality in the home and family members with allergies, hardwood flooring throughout the home is highly sought after. If there is a basement, tile or linear vinyl plank (LVP) flooring tends to be preferable to carpeting.
Large windows and abundant light. Buyers prefer large, often over-sized windows, and lots of them. An abundance of natural light not only showcases the beautiful features in the home, but also provides a bright and positive atmosphere.
A backyard for entertaining. Having a backyard oasis, no matter the size, is appealing. A backyard that is fenced-in is frequently a must-have, not only for easy entertaining, but for small children and pets to play.
Here is Minken’s Top 10 list, in no particular order, of the things buyers don’t want to see when considering a home.
The exterior has not been maintained. Buyers, especially first-time buyers, can get overwhelmed if they notice things on the exterior that are in disrepair, such as a roof, shutters, siding, fencing, etc. Take the time upfront to make minor repairs to the home’s exterior.
The floor plan is dated and not intuitive. If the layout of the home is quirky and hard to understand, it can be a turn-off for some buyers. Many prefer an intuitive floor plan that is more modern so they can easily envision themselves living in the space.
The kitchen doesn’t work for two foodies. A kitchen layout that is tight and boxy, with no room for a center island, may not appeal to foodies and those who love to cook. Buyers like to know if a home has the potential to easily change the existing footprint.
The kitchen cabinets/countertops are dated. Buyers may feel the home requires too much work if they see that the kitchen cabinets and countertops are dated, especially if the kitchen appliances have not been updated to stainless steel.
The family room is disconnected from the kitchen. Alternatively, the property lot size might be large enough to accommodate an addition that could be used as a family room. Sellers may want to consult the expertise of an architect.
The primary bedroom has small closets. Buyers will open doors and built-in cabinetry as they tour the home. Smaller closets will seem more spacious if they have been organized and emptied of some of its contents.
The bathrooms need a makeover. If buyers perceive that bathrooms are in need of updating, they may be hesitant to make a top-dollar offer. Buyers frequently back out or deduct the cost they estimate for the renovations needed.
Too much carpeting. As a seller, you can prepare your home for sale by removing some of the carpeting to showcase hardwood or existing flooring, thus widening the appeal of your home. Online photos will encourage buyers to see the house in person.
Windows are old or small. If a home has old, small windows that are not energy efficient, buyers may obtain a cost estimate for replacement and mentally take the cost off their offer price. Sellers could update the window treatments and/or blinds on a cost-efficient basis.
The backyard is not pet-friendly. If buyers are looking for a home with a fenced-in yard for their dog, you can get a cost estimate for a fence. While you can’t change the topography of the backyard, you can take steps to be sure it looks inviting and user-friendly.
