More and More, Buyers Want a Turnkey House

In addition to the shift in prices, another big shift we Realtors have noticed over the past few years is a Buyer's willingness to purchase a fixer upper.  No one seems interested in doing any work!  Is it the stress of remodeling? Time constraints?  Limited talent for DYI? The increasing costs of hiring contractors? Fear of the contractor nightmare (I can blog on that myself).  Or the new environmental procedures for remodeling homes built prior to 1979 that have scared them off?  Maybe Buyers just don't want to spend their precious free time on doing "house" projects?  Hummm.....

It's sort of a shame, however, because there are some well-built houses out there in older condition but fully functional and workable. Sure they may not have granite counters or new kitchens, or updated baths, ala Restoration Hardware, but with some paint, perhaps some wallpaper removal, and a moderate amount of sweat equity, these homes' come back to life.  Many are of good size with hardwood floors and newer mechanicals. Some have been partially updated, some even have newer septics!  And, from a Realtors' perspective (not just mine, many other Realtors  agree), there are some great buys out there in the BOW region. 

Just a few years' back, we could not imagine getting into the BOW school systems under $325K but today, as I write, there are 58 listed properties $325 or less available for sale.  43 are under $300! 20 are under $250K! That's just amazing! 

Consider what you can get for your money - maybe you want to upgrade from where you are or downsize?  Take a look at some of these terrific finds! Then call your Realtor! If you don't have a Realtor, then by all means, call me.