I’m a Realtor: These Are 9 Features That Sell Your Home Fast: I'm a Realtor too, and I Completely Disagree...

Where do they find these realtors? How come they never ask me? ?? As I read the article below, there are something features that I PERSONALLY experienced that didn't make one bit of difference in a fast sale, selling price or demand. Great features are cool and do bring up values. But relying on them for a "fast sale" is just not accurate most of the time.

The article starts off like this:

"The average home for sale in May 2024 stayed on the market for a mere 44 days, according to statistics from FRED Economic Data. That’s down from 69 days in January, a seasonal adjustment that’s to be expected as warmer weather rolls around, children finish the school year, and people are more willing to move."

DOWN? I would say maybe in other parts of the country, but right now we are still experiencing higher interest rates and more inventory coming on the market (although here in the bay area inventory is still at historical lows). Listings are sitting on the market MUCH longer 45 to 60+ days on average and after 30 days (average) many listing agents are re-advertising: PRICE IMPROVEMENT! AMENDED PRICE! NEW PRICE! which is just a fancy way of saying prices are coming down regardless of the features. This is just a simple rule of supply and demand and not necessarily a buyers market (at least not yet).

But if you want to shave even more days off your home-selling timeline, Realtors say there are many steps you can take, from proper staging to home improvements.

The website Frontdoor.com recently analyzed Zillow data to compare how fast homes with specific features sold compared to others on the Zillow listing site. (The FRED data looks at the overall market, while the Frontdoor.com study only compared homes listed on Zillow.) The research revealed dozens of features in every room of your home that can encourage a faster sale. "For the most part, the Realtors we spoke with cited similar amenities that can help buyers fall in love with your home."

I would really like to know which realtors they spoke to. I think it was just their personal choice - or opinion - and there's nothing wrong with that; hell, I shooting off my opinions right here. Some the features below I com completely agree with, other I do not and you can read my opinions below:

Lighting (Agree)

Multiple experts cited lighting, including tunable LEDs, recessed lighting in the kitchen, or modern fixtures in key living areas, as a key selling point. "The Frontdoor study revealed that modern lighting can help sell a home in as little as 47.5 days, while chandelier lighting can shorten the median time on the market to 48 days." Stylish wall sconces in the living room can help a home sell in 50 days, according to the study.

My Opinion: This is true. Lighting is everything. I always appreciate walkign clients into a very well lit home versus a dark one. but just because I install fancy lightbulbs isn't going to make my listing sell faster. In fact, I didn't even know what the hell a wall scone was until just recently. If remodeling, recessed lighting is the norm. If it's an older home with the original lighting fixtures, many home buyers would love it just because of the antiquity it represents. If they don't they'll simply change it.

Vanity Lighting and Other Bathroom Amenities (Don't Agree)

The Frontdoor study also showed that homes with vanity lighting in the bathroom sell faster, with a median time of 44 days on the market, compared to homes without.

“Depending on the home, we may recommend additional lamps to create warmth and brightness to make the space appear bigger,” said Christy Walker, broker and owner of RE/MAX Signature in Phoenix, Arizona.

Vanity lighting combined with accented bath mats and matching bath towels can also tie the look of a bathroom together. For a faster sale, hang those towels on a heated towel rack for a cozy touch.

My opinion: I agree the above will make a bathroom look beautiful, but not faster. In fact, I'd rather hold on to the listing a little bit longer for the right buyer who's willing to pay more BECAUSE of the quality of the home as a whole. Most often, those "fast sales" in a slowing/buyer market will have sell for less or ask for credits back.

Butcher Block (Don't Agree)

Adding a butcher block countertop or island is a key selling feature for any modern kitchen, according to the Frontdoor report, reducing the median time on the market to 49 days.

If you’re thinking about where to add a butcher block element to create that farmhouse aesthetic, consider a kitchen island, said Seamus Nally, CEO of TurboTenant.com.

“Those who don’t have kitchen islands currently are almost always intentionally looking for them when checking out potential homes. Kitchen islands increase a kitchen’s efficiency tenfold, from increasing counter space, to adding more storage, improving the flow of the kitchen, and potentially providing the option for countertop seating,” Nally said.

Walker added, “Due to many families being on the go, I also see a request for breakfast bars where kids can do homework or family members can eat breakfast and run in the mornings without sitting down at a formal dining table.”

My Opinion: I've had homes with butcher blocks and homes with Islands. The Kitchen Islands do seem to do a little better as far as adding value to the home. Some butcher blocks have wheels giving it that "hotel feeling" instead of a home feeling. If there is no island but room for one, I always suggest a professionally stalled one as a great update rather than just tossing in a butcher block.

Double Ovens (Don't Agree)

If you’re looking for ways to boost your kitchen’s efficiency, double ovens can also help, according to the Frontdoor report.

“Kitchens are very important,” Walker agreed. “Buyers are frequently looking for plenty of countertop space or an island for extra storage and prep space, stainless steel appliances, and double wall ovens.”

My Opinion: In all my years as a realtor, no one has ever complained, mentioned or wanted to negotiate a deal because it didn't have a double oven. If the home comes with a double oven great, if not, it's not going to be a deal killer nor will it make a home sell any faster.

Shelving (Agree)

Open shelving in a living room creates an illusion of a larger space many buyers love. The Frontdoor study indicated that homes with this feature take a median of 47 days to sell.

If open shelving doesn’t naturally fit your home’s décor, in-built shelves that are part of living room walls can also result in a fast sale, a median of about 49 days. Just be careful about what you put on any shelves to keep an uncluttered vibe. “Tasteful greenery or natural elements that brighten the space are helpful,” Walker said.

My Opinion: Unlike the 1950's, today people have a LOT of STUFF. This is why storage facilities are doing very well. In that sense, a home with ample space for shelving may bring higher offers. But again, the time it sits on the market has little, if anything to do with shelving but mostly with the aggressiveness of the agents marketing.

Open Floor Plans?(Agree)

According to Walker, the era of open floor plans has yet to pass and may help your home sell faster.

“Many buyers are looking for a great room plan where they can have a large open space for entertaining,” she said.

My Opinion: The boxy plan or a ton of walls everywhere just isn't popular anymore. Today, people want to open up and breath a little. I've seen some beautiful homes with open floor plans laid out perfectly getting many buyers excited and to put in their best and highest offers even in slower markets. It's rare, but some buyers that are contractors and/or know contractors or have the financial resources to remodel the entire home by knocking down some walls does happen from time to time, but mostly because of the area.

Built-In Entertainment Systems (Don't Agree).

Walker also emphasized a need for segregated or private spaces, too. “While the desire for open space allows for entertainment, we found the trend post-Covid leaning back towards segregated spaces, where people have more privacy in individualized entertainment areas such as a teen room or hobby room,” Walker said.

A built-in entertainment system is a highly coveted feature in a living room or a similar gathering space, leading to a fast sale in 53.5 days, according to Frontdoor.com.

My Opinion: I have my own awesome system, why would I want a home that comes with one? If I like the home I'd buy it, knock out that system and install mine (if it's better then what comes with the home). A built in entertainment system has nothing to do with speed. In fact, I just showed a home in Vacaville that had a built in system and it's been on the market for 82 days now.

Patio (Agree)

Walker emphasized that buyers look for seamless access to outdoor spaces, which could mean the addition of a patio and firepit, both shown to hasten the selling time to 53 days and 51 days, respectively.

“On a back patio, including a table and chairs or a fire pit set with a tray of refreshments or wine glasses sets the tone for enjoying time with those you love,” Walker said.

My Opinion: Just like a job interview, first impression is everything. If the home does come with a front porch, that's good. If it also comes with a back porch, that's even better.

The Right Selling Price (Absolutely Agree)

Finally, you want to be sure to price your home properly, experts said.

“If you truly want a fast sale, you’ll need to price your property at what we refer to as the ‘compelling’ price point, [which] is slightly below the market value pricing, but just enough to ramp up demand and drive up the sales price,” said Sabrina Conti Erangey, broker associate at Baird & Warner. “You’ll need to retain an experienced local Realtor to ensure you are capitalizing on your strategy for a rush sale.”

Similarly, using the right marketing strategy can help sell your home faster. “Building a coming soon campaign to build anticipation and drive market activity can create a bigger impact,” Walker concluded.

My Opinion: Price is everything in every market, in every area. Every listing I take on I double check and triple check the market. The last thing you want your agent to do is "Amend the price, send out a Price Improvement or blog out a New Price." If you price it right from the start, the home should take care of itself for a quick sale regardless of the features.

Reach out if you have any questions.