When is “so-so” good enough? Or even Perfect?
July 9th, 2009 Categories: Alexandria Dirt, Arlington Dirt, Falls Church Dirt, First Time Buyers Club, Home Buying, McLean Dirt, Reston Dirt
When I begin working with a buyer we usually, sooner or later, end up with a wish list of sorts. Of course everyone would like to be able to buy their dream home, but I’ve seen it at almost every price range, that most buyers feel if they could just stretch EVER SO SLIGHTLY more they could get exactly what they want! It’s whether I’m showing $200,000 condos or 
$1.8M homes – there’s just that one little stretch that could get X. Whatever it is – it’s sort of interesting.
So where do you draw the line? What do you look past? And what would you see that should cause you to keep on looking?
The easiest (and sometimes hardest) thing to look past is DIRT – yes I said DIRT. Sometimes a house just needs to be cleaned – REALLY cleaned – windows, carpets, baseboards, exterior trim, etc… it may be gross, but really try to imagine it sparkling.
Next – PAINT – Paint is probably the least expensive way to make a big change – can’t stand those pea green walls? What about mocha? or cranberry? EASY – so imagine it in the color scheme you like. Then head out to the paint store to explore the options!
What about an outdated kitchen? Well, first you need to really evaluate what’s outdated… is it everything from the aqua blue stove to the metal cabinets? Then you might be looking at a complete re-do – but have you ever strolled the aisles of Ikea? They have some really nice looking options, especially for small spaces, that are actually affordable. In order of expense (for most) are: Cabinets, Appliances, Countertops, Flooring, miscellaneous (hardware, light fixtures, faucet)… If you can live with the cabinets, perhaps consider buying a new appliance, new flooring and lighting – then see what’s left.
OK, So you understand where I’m headed with this – there are a lot of things you can do to change the home – even removing trees, old overgrown bushes, power washing a deck or even the house, etc… but what are some things that should cause you pause…
First let me say that there are very few problems that cannot be fixed – however it has to be decided how much you want to bite off. If there are issues with the structural integrity of the property – you must decide the severity and often it’s a matter of taking on the unknown – I’d consider passing.
Here’s a biggy – busy road – does it back or front somehow to a busy road? And how busy is it? Is it a cut through? Or a main thoroughfare? Or even a freeway? Do you enjoy having your windows open? Do you have small children or pets that you would worry about? The reality is that a busy road is generally not someone’s first choice for location – however, every house will sell, every house will have a buyer – just a matter of a price hit.
Then there’s the site – how is the property situated on the lot? There are some things you can do with retaining walls, decking, etc… but if you want a flat level lot and the home you love is on a steep incline? Can’t really be changed. Things to think about.
I think the bottom line is that you need to give a house a chance – homes aren’t perfect, but as a buyer, you need to evaluate the deficiencies and determine what can be done – then, if you are able to get comfortable with them – carry on!
Happy Thursday!
Jennifer
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