Ready-to-Move-In Homes

A robust lineup of home and garden television shows seems to be having an impact on home buyer preferences in the market today.  In the past, real estate enthusiasts may have tuned into “This Old House” to envision their dream home after a lot of sweat equity.  Lately, though, it seems that home buyers have adopted a search style in line with HGTV’s “What You Get for The Money” or they’re using the “House Hunters” strategy of finding a turnkey home with modern amenities. 

As in most aspects of life today, instant gratification prevails – especially in the world of real estate --where time-pressed families are increasingly looking for “move-in-ready homes.”  Even first-time home buyers, who – according to the National Association of Realtors comprise more than 50% of today’s shoppers – want the job done before they unpack the moving van, and they want it done right.  Traditionally, first timers make up the market segment ready to roll up their sleeves to get a piece of the American dream, but now they’re looking to spend a little more upfront on a home that will require less energy and investment to meet their high standards. 

The shifting landscape seems to be the result of improving economic conditions in a post-foreclosure world, where a fixer-upper home, or one with a history of real estate “baggage” is no longer as appealing as it once was.

Even buyers who routinely “flip” homes are reportedly hiring larger home repair and resale companies that have crews on call to tackle projects like replacing bathtubs, putting in new light fixtures, laying tile floors, replacing missing chandeliers and installing granite countertops – all in an effort to make an older home feel “like new.”

The question remains -- what exactly is a move-in ready home?  It usually means different things to different audiences.  Athletes, celebrities and relocating executives may consider their home move-in-ready if it’s a well-appointed place that is completely furnished. This audience often has to hit the ground running once they move to their new place, so finding the right space with the right home accents is a key priority. Families, however, are focused on inviting and innovative homes in great condition that can be adapted to fit with their signature style.  This group wants less and less to deal with the ensuing chaos, inconvenience and unsightly clutter that routinely comes with re-construction efforts.  Increasingly, homebuilders are including design features that have been tested and embraced by families to meet the growing demand for move-in-ready residences. 

Move-in-ready appeal is relevant for today’s home sellers, too. To ensure a quick sale, sellers are neutralizing pallets, updating dated features, removing clutter, opening up spaces and addressing imperfections in the home.  With so little free time and disposable income these days, the majority of homebuyers want a home that already boasts granite countertops, stainless appliances and open floor plans.  They’re finding it’s easier to pay a little more upfront and pay it over time in a mortgage, than to have to foot the whole bill and do the work all at once.  If you’re still excited about the vision you have for a new home, or want a renovation project to sink your teeth into – a move-in ready residence is not for you.  If you just want to pass papers and unpack your boxes, then a ready-made, amenity-filled abode is the key to your new address.  

Sheryl Simon is a Principal at Benoit Mizner Simon & Co., LLC with more than 17 years of experience helping sellers and buyers in the Weston real estate market.  With offices in Weston and Wellesley, Sheryl can be reached at (781) 910-3405 or Sheryl@benoitmiznersimon.com. Benoit Mizner Simon & Co., LLC * 450 Boston Post Rd., Weston, MA 02493 * 54 Central St., Wellesley, MA 02482