Buyer Expectations

Whether it's at our monthly Flotilla Boat Club meeting or teaching our Price It Right course to other real estate professionals—Oklahoma REALTORS® agree: The biggest factor holding back certain homes from selling is condition.

The condition of your home directly influences its market value. Homes that require repairs or updates may be perceived as less desirable, leading to lower offers. Conversely, properties in excellent condition can command higher prices and sell faster.

With homes for sale in the OKC metro at records highs, buyers can be choosier, and competition between sellers is at a fever pitch as well. 20% of sellers are slashing prices on their homes listed for sale as they sit on the market longer—but not all homes are sitting on the market. Homes that are move-in ready, clean, with minimal repairs and modern updates and/or remodeled are getting offers and getting sold. In fact, a survey indicates that 94% of buyers consider it very important to purchase a home that requires no immediate repairs.

The buyers of 2025 aren't the same of the Covid era. They're taking their time rather than submitting offers sight unseen to out-compete other buyers. They expect more for the increased prices they're paying for homes instead of taking whatever they can get as-is. And with younger buyers entering the market, they want homes that are ready-to-go, not a project.

Key Factors to Enhance Your Home's Condition

Essential Improvements

• Major Repairs: Fix any broken items before listing. Every major repair a buyer must make to your home is essentially viewed by buyers as an increase on the listing price of your home. While a seller may see the amount listed in the MLS as the price of their home, buyers are keeping a running total of all the additional costs of buying your home!
  
  
• Cosmetic Updates: Fresh paint in neutral colors and modern fixtures is a fairly simple update you can make to your home to enhance its appeal. While "Millenial Gray" is becoming a stale trend, it does have its appeal as a neutral color that indicates modern & clean, and is a subtle draw for younger buyers who see it as a blank slate to personalize your home to their tastes.
  
  
• Clean & Clutter-Free: Ensure your home is clean and clutter-free so that its best features take center stage. Clear kitchen counters of food and applianaces (let the work space be seen), remove pets & pet supplies (particuarly dog cages and cat litter boxes) from photos, and open curtains to let natural light illuminate your home.

Pre-Listing Strategies

• Pre-Inspection: Consider a pre-inspection to identify and address issues early. A savvy buyer working with a REALTOR® will very likely perform an inspection, so issues will be found either now or during the transaction. Don't let surprises to the buyer (and possibly to you) sour the deal. Know of obstacles ahead of time, and talk with your Flotilla Partner about repairng now or pricing accordingly.
  
  
• Home Staging: Staging can help buyers envision themselves in the space, increasing the likelihood of a sale. A good marketing tip is that potential buyers should be able to see themselves in your home, not you. Decor, art, and paintings might have special meaning to you, but they distract the buyer's attention from your home. Even heavily personalized kids' rooms may prevent potential buyers from visualizing the office space or hobby room of their dream home. A good home stager can select furniture that helps buyers see the potential of your home.
  
  

Jennifer Arsenault, Founder of Flotilla Real Estate Partners & The Broker School teaching "Price It Right"

• Price It Right: If your home is outdated or will need multiple repairs that you don't want to complete, you can still compete in the market—but you'll need to price it right. A price that stands out among other feature-matching homes means previously uninterested buyers might just request a showing just to see if they can make your home work for them!

Conclusion

In 2025, the presenting your home in the best condition is a must for attracting buyers and getting the price you want. By investing time and resources into maintaining and improving your property, you can enhance its marketability and appeal. Talk with an experienced Flotilla Partner about pricing your home correctly for this market!

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