The direction of pricing in our current market is no longer “priced right and looking food.” Rather homes that are “priced to sell and show well” are compelling buyers to take action.
What I have seen a lot of in this ‘recessionary’ market is that buyers have become even more demanding than they ever were before. They almost have an attitude of entitlement – like it is their turn to be the winners in negotiations. They take it for granted that they are going to get a good buy and wait and they have no compunction about making low offers and standing firm.
The problem is that with all the choices and the many houses on the market these buyers are often successful with their posture, and if they are not it is not uncommon for them to wait on the sidelines for a better deal on the next one. Sellers- do you want to wait for a better market or sell now in the market you have? All homes for sale get “priced” in the marketplace, and the ones we see selling are priced at very compelling values. Otherwise, there are many houses on the market that are waiting for something to change. And the problem is that we have learned that change in this market has mostly been moving lower, not higher.
Value seems to be the primary focus of current buyers and can you blame them? With the present fear in the financial market- everyone is acting more conservative with their investments. Property condition has become secondary to property value. Perhaps this market has allowed buyers to seek more potential in their home’s condition rather than the appreciating value of the home.