First-time homebuyers are an important subset of potential customer every agent and seller should know. As younger generations reach the age and stage of wanting to purchase a home, they’ll be entering the market with specific needs. If you’re selling your home—either through an agent or by owner—here are some of the most important things to do to appeal to this key market:
Today’s new homebuyers are more educated and well-informed than ever before. There are countless free resources available for learning the ins and outs of buying your first home, which means most homebuyers will come into the market well-prepared. Therefore, it’s crucial to be as transparent and honest as possible in your selling.
Massaging numbers and trying too hard to appeal to emotion might raise red flags for buyers who have learned to be wary of such sales tactics. Be honest and open with first-time buyers and you’ll establish a better working relationship.
First-time homebuyers come in all varieties of economic situations. Rather than assume they have less or more money to spend than other demographics, focus on what will appeal to everyone: a well-maintained property. Put in the extra effort and money to make improvements and upgrades that will make the home move-in ready rather than a “money pit.”
Most first-time homebuyers are likely not looking for a fixer-upper property; therefore, the better care and detail you can put into maintenance, the better your chances will be.
Style trends come and go and so do the specific priorities of first-time homebuyers. It’s important to figure out what new buyers are looking for today. Highlighting desirable amenities and features will help your property look its best to first-time homebuyers with specific priorities in mind. One prominent example of this is energy-efficient appliances.
If the home has a tankless water heater or a smart thermostat system, these are perfect details to highlight in the listing. Focus on what will be most relevant to a first-time homebuyer today rather than rely on what might have been popular in the past.
As with any generalization of a large group of people, not everything will be accurate. However, the better you can understand what a first-time homebuyer actually needs and wants, the better you’ll be able to sell to them.
For over 25 years, Mike Johnson, has help Buyers and Sellers in Greater New Haven, and across the state turn their dreams into reality. TAJ REAL ESTATE, LLC is a full service firm specializing in Short Sale, First Time Home Buyers, Sale and marketing of existing Home and Condos, Rentals, FHA 203K Sale and Renovation of Distress Properties, and Investor Purchase.
Mike Johnson is a graduate of Fairfield University, and a resident of Connecticut for over 38 years. He served on the Board of Directors for Hill Health Corporation from 1976 to 1984, has served on the Professional Standard Committee of the Greater New Haven Board of Realtors for over 8 years, served as Board of Directors for that organization from 2009-2012, and on the Farmington Canal Committee for over 10 years.
Mike possesses a high degree of knowledge, experience and integrity, and strives for excellence, as such creating a reputation second to none. Whether your Home is under water (owing more than the mortgage balance), or behind on your mortgage and facing foreclosure, your solution is only a phone call away. Pick up the phone and put your troubles in the hands of a experienced Realtor.
