Several years ago, buyers could move into a home with little to no down payment. During the housing boom, buyers were willing to accept outdated improvements, confident that they could soon (or immediately) update the home to their taste.  With none of us certain as to when the real estate market will rebound, buyers no longer feel a sense of urgency.   Many are holding out for that elusive perfect home. 

As down payment requirements have increased, home buyers are less apt to forgive even the smallest cosmetic imperfections.  Nearly 90% of first time home buyers desire a home which is move in ready.  But move in ready is defined differently by each home buyer.  

Lisa, Natalie and I work with a lot of buyers and these are the Top Three Cosmetic Complaints:

1) Carpet instead of hardwood floors
2) Outdated kitchen and baths (could simply be that the counters are tiled)
3) Cottage Cheese Ceilings

The real estate climate has changed. Savvy home sellers are making as many cosmetic improvements as their budget and time frame will allow.  And home buyers who are looking for that elusive real estate deal continue to find that cosmetic fixers are often the best value.