What Buyers Want Today in Real Estate Listings in Windsor Ontario

Now that summer has arrived, real estate agents in Windsor, Ontario are preparing for what many believe will be one of the busiest times in recent memory.  With home prices increasing and interest rates still at historic lows, buyers today are taking a second look at the real estate listings in Windsor Ontario.

So what is it that makes buyers bite?  Seven or eight years ago, a buyer would look at a home to stay in for a few years before they sold at a profit and bought something bigger.  Today, that has changed.  In fact, what many real estate agents in Windsor Ontario are noticing is that buyers are looking for homes for the long term. Why?  Because real estate is still a very good investment if you are in it for the duration.  And while buyers are saying that bigger properties are not necessarily better, a home that is practically move in ready is.  So agents are taking this information and sharing it with sellers who want to sell their real estate listings in Windsor Ontario quickly.

For clients, here is what we find buyers want in homes today. 

1.  Updated kitchen

A kitchen still remains the focal point of any home.  Eat in kitchens are very popular, especially those that are connected to family rooms since many families want to feel connected in one space.  This includes stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, kitchen islands and features that are less than five years old.  Is this a deal breaker if a home doesn’t have these amenities?  Of course not, but real estate agents in Windsor Ontario know that these homes are requested.

2.  Hardwood flooring

Whenever a real estate listing in Windsor Ontario comes up and mentions “hardwood floors” the majority of buyers will want to see the property regardless if it doesn’t have everything else they desire.  In fact, most of those looking at properties consider this style of flooring “very important” when looking for a home.  Not only is the aesthetically pleasing, but many feel they are easier to care for and clean.

3.  Bright, sunny rooms, open floor plans

Buyers tend to shy away from homes that are dark and feel closed in.  Open floor plans are incredibly popular, where parents can keep an eye on their children and where entertaining is easier.  However, I tell clients with older homes that don’t flow as well, that a simple paint job in a light earth tone, as well as sheer window treatments does an excellent job in creating a home that appears larger.  In fact, most real estate agents in Windsor Ontario won’t hesitate to provide referrals for staging experts or provide tips that we know work. 

4.  Air conditioning

It’s true.  The majority of buyers are willing to pay a little more for central air conditioning.  That’s not to say they want to install a new system themselves on a property that doesn’t already have this popular feature, but they are looking at real estate listings in Windsor Ontario that already have a good system up and running.  Buyers are still cost conscious and frankly, many have champagne tastes but only willing to buy beer.  So as the days now turn warmer, I tell my selling clients to turn the air conditioning on at a comfortable level.  For buyers walking through many properties a day in exhausting heat, coming into a home that feels refreshing makes a huge impact.

Again, there are a lot of terrific real estate listings in Windsor Ontario that sellers have waited a long time to put on the market when the economy improves. Yet buyers have much to consider:

1.  Location

2.  School district

3.  Size of home

4.  Floor plan

5.  If it fits needs long term

While buyers are willing to make compromises, it is our job as real estate agents in Windsor Ontario to find them a property they can be happy with for years to come.