April 2012 Newsletter Here’s What’s Happening in Hearthstone

All of these are 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath unless stated otherwise



ACTIVE: 4968 Crosspoint Dr—totally renovated in last 18 months. Open floor plan with wood staircase and bridge overlooking great room. $515,000. On the market for 37 days.

3976 Liz Cir—A Greenbriar model, 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, finished basement with full bath, new carpet and fresh neutral paint throughout. Reduced to $499,900, on the market 324 days.

4909 Stillwater Circle—Just listed. Looks to me like an Edison, though not noted. New bathrooms, great patio and finished basement. $499,900.

WITHDRAWN: 4844 Green Heather Ct— A Ferndale, newly upgraded kitchen, Trex deck, above ground pool, finished basement. Started at $519,900. Reduced to $499,900.

PENDING: 3695 Seneca Ct—on cul-de-sac, family room with cathedral ceiling and fireplace, finished basement, security system. $474,900. On the market for 45 days..

JUST SETTLED: 3679 W Brandon Way— An Aquetong model, Hardwood floors throughout, Plantation shutters, newly upgraded kitchen, finished basement, fenced backyard. Started at $459,000. Reduced to $434,000. Settled for $430,000. Was on the market 73 days.

What buyers are looking for in 2012

You would think that buyers would be thrilled with lower prices AND GREAT rates but they want MORE.  Those great ingredients don’t necessarily translate into confidence that prices won’t continue to drop.  They want three things and three things only:

A good value.  Condition.  Location. 

You can thank HGTV and House Hunters for some of this.  Buyers are watching other buyers from around the world pick the house that is in great condition, at the lowest price and the best location.  MOST buyers do not want to deal with contractors so even if you price your home without granite and updated bathrooms, they’ll pass it up if they can, or they’ll kill you with price if they have to do the work.  Everyone is afraid they might lose their jobs.  They’re looking for a place to settle down where the mortgage, taxes, utilities and upkeep won’t kill them.  They are looking for PRICE, CONDITION, LOCATION.  You can’t change your location—but you have total control over your price and your condition.