{"id":9792,"date":"2023-07-21T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-21T13:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/agent-blog\/?p=9792"},"modified":"2024-01-16T10:24:01","modified_gmt":"2024-01-16T17:24:01","slug":"managing-expectations-during-your-clients-home-search","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/agent-blog\/managing-expectations-during-your-clients-home-search\/","title":{"rendered":"Managing Expectations During Your Client\u2019s Home Search"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Some house hunters know what they\u2019re looking for in their next home and have a good understanding of what they will or won\u2019t compromise on in their home search. Others may need a little guidance. Following are some tactics for managing expectations of buyers who have wish lists that are too broad or too narrow to help you find a home that fits the bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Case 1: The \u201cI know EXACTLY what I want\u201d homebuyer.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s great to have a buyer that knows what he or she wants and can clearly communicate those expectations. But, what if the client\u2019s expectations are unrealistic\u2014especially in a competitive market? Sometimes, a little careful questioning can reveal there\u2019s hidden wiggle room behind that list of must-haves. Check out the scenarios that follow and see if any of them sound familiar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Does he really need a basement, or is he looking for storage space, a rec room, a root cellar, a home gym, a recording studio or a playroom? If that space doesn\u2019t have to be a basement, that might open up your options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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With more people working hybrid or fully remote schedules, built-in office space is in high demand. Try to find out what the buyer is looking for in her home office and see if another type of room\u2014an unneeded formal dining room or extra bedroom, for example\u2014might work instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is it about that neighborhood that appeals to her? The schools? The commute? Proximity to friends or family? Knowing why your buyer is focused on a particular area might help you find alternatives she hasn\u2019t considered that still satisfy her requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Case 2: The \u201cI\u2019ll know it when I see it\u201d homebuyer.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At the other end of the spectrum, you may have a buyer who can give you a price point and minimum bed\/bath count, but not much else in terms of direction, which can make managing expectations difficult. Again, the right questions could help you home in on the most likely listings to please. Here are a few ideas to help you dig a little deeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Some buyers may not care whether they live in a ranch or multi-story home. Others\u2014especially those with mobility issues or an interest in aging in place\u2014might have a strong opinion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Are your buyers seasoned DIYers, or have they never handled a hammer? Knowing how much they\u2019re willing (and able) to renovate a property will help you narrow down the options. If they say they\u2019re looking for a fixer-upper, try to find out why. Are they looking for a good deal? Do they think new construction isn\u2019t an option in the neighborhood they want? Are they planning to flip the property? If they\u2019re not specifically looking forward to the challenge of a home renovation, they may be glad to see move-in ready listings or new-home floor plans that fit their other criteria\u2014community amenities, school district, proximity to shopping, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In some areas (especially urban centers), large homesites aren\u2019t readily available. When the choice is there, though, it\u2019s nice to know whether your client would place a high priority on a larger lawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If they think a yard is important, ask how they\u2019d like to use their outdoor living space: whether they\u2019re interested in gardening, if they have pets or children who need room to run, etc. You may find that a buyer who thought they\u2019d want a yard could be satisfied with a rooftop terrace, deck, courtyard or other space that\u2019s suitable for entertaining guests\u2014or with a neighborhood that has walking trails, playgrounds or dog parks nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If they aren\u2019t interested in a yard, this could mean that your clients are open to types of properties you weren\u2019t already considering, such as paired homes or townhouses!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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While area amenities aren\u2019t always at the top of a client\u2019s wish list, they could certainly sweeten a deal! Find out if your clients would use neighborhood facilities like a fitness center, swimming pool, jogging trails, dog parks, playgrounds and more. If that\u2019s something they value, you may want to look more toward new communities, especially masterplans<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Try to find out the longest commute your client is willing to make, versus the commute they actually expect. It may also help to know whether they prefer public transit options and walkable neighborhood shopping and entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: Be sure to factor in travel times to other places they frequent, such as medical facilities and schools! Once you\u2019ve got a good handle on your clients\u2019 needs and preferences, don\u2019t hesitate to contact our New Home Specialists. They know all about the Richmond American communities and floor plans in your area and can email you a list of properties that match your clients\u2019 expectations!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ready to get started?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Speak with a New Home Specialist now to find out which neighborhoods have dog parks, ranch floor plans, RV garages\u2014whatever is on your clients\u2019 wish list!<\/p>\n

Call 888.996.3060<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\"Man<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Check out these additional resources to help you help your clients:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n