Tip 10: Good schools? But of course!
Think about what’s special about your community, then conjure up an ad that might attract say, a young couple with school-age children. Find out how many private and public schools there are, and how near are they to your house.
Many times, good schools are the deal clinchers. For young families, schools are a top priority. If the schools in your community have won awards from the private and public sector, or if you hear about any achievements, mention them to your buyers.
Tip 11: It’s the fitness thing, you know.
Do an inventory of your community’s attractions. How many parks, tennis courts are there? Is there a YMCA? All these facilities play a major role in the decision to buy, especially if the husband or wife is a fitness freak.
Tip 12: And what about concerts and that kind of thing?
Don’t overlook the entertainment factor: how many restaurants and movie theaters does your area have? What about concert halls and other cultural activities? Young couples, especially those with no children, like to eat out often.
They also want the assurance that if they don’t feel like entertaining friends for dinner at home, they can go for a concert or a show to spend a relaxing weekend. A very cultural community filled with activities is a huge factor, not only for them, but also for their children.
Tip 13: Will I fit in the area?
The ethnic factor: if your area has a strong multi-cultural presence, this might be an attraction for newly arrived immigrants in search of a house. The feeling of wanting to feel “at home” is a strong motivator. You may think it a trivial matter, but buyers do ask if there’s a sushi restaurant in the area, or if there are any Jewish Synagogues nearby.
Are there meeting places where members of ethnic communities can mingle and share views, cuisine and stores about “back home”?
Tip 14: Is there a doctor in the house?
Does your area have a good hospital? What makes that hospital a plus factor? Families that have aging in-laws in tow would like to know if they can get medical help immediately in case of an emergency.
Also, if your local area hospital is known for a particular specialization make sure you let your buyers know.
Tip 15: How is the transportation system?
How far are the major highways from your house? Where is the next largest city? How developed is your area’s public transportation system? Proximity to a subway station is typically seen by many as a benefit because downtown parking is expensive. This constitutes a great advantage also for teenaged children who attend university downtown.
Tip 16: No gossiping allowed!
Are you in friendly terms with your neighbors? If you’re selling a condo or a duplex, the next owners are usually curious about what kind of neighbors live in the same enclave.
Show your neighborliness, but don’t gossip about the neighbor on your right. Chances are prospective buyers are only interested if the neighbors are quiet or rowdy. They’re not interested in your neighbor’s alcohol problem.
Tip 17: Help, my car’s been snowed in!
How efficient are your city’s services? Does the area have enough firemen, snow removal trucks, and garbage collection systems? What about facilities for recycling waste material?
The more you know about your community’s services, the better you can capitalize on these selling points.
If either the wife or husband has had a hip fracture, efficient snow clearing by the municipal government is reassuring. Not many cities can say that their snow is cleared on time.
Tip 18: Cavities?
Is the city water fluoridated? You’ll be amazed at how some parents make a big deal of this. Studies have revealed that cities where the water has been fluoridated have a lower incidence of tooth decay among school-age children.
Perhaps this looks like a minor detail to you, but remember, the intelligent buyer is taking a thorough inventory of the community and its services.
Continue to: Part 3: Know thy Abode
Continue to: Part 3: Know thy Abode
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