But I don't like the paint color......

I've heard it before - and I would guess so has every other agent in the business. You take a buyer to a home you know is perfect for them and they say "Oh, the paint is hideous! This one is a definite NO."

This may be a sign that the buyer is not serious about buying and is looking for an out in an otherwise perfect property. But it may also be a more serious condition; lack of vision.

Buyers must ask themselves what they absolutely must have in a home and the list should be comprised of things like the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen size, location and distance to schools. Then buyers must ask themselves what things they can overlook or change easily in a home such as wall color, flooring, or landscaping. While we know these things can help the buyer form their first impression of the home, the buyer must take into consideration the structure of the home after the initial shock of fuscia walls, a dying yard or dated shag carpet.

Does the home have everything the buyer requires? Are they looking for a four bedroom and this home only has three? Sometimes that fourth bedroom is a "want" and not a "need" and can be overlooked. Is the home in a gated community or a non-deed restricted neighborhood? Which do the buyers prefer?

If you have a good foundation and the house meets your needs, it's the one to buy. Anything that needs to be done cosmetically to a home only represents the buyer's personality and taste and should be seen as an opportunity to make that home their own.

Remember, the time to buy real estate is yesterday.

Have a great Tuesday!