Do TV Real Estate Shows Affect the Market?

 

Real Estate "Reality TV" shows have become so popular over the past several years.  Typically, these shows will portray a potential homebuyer or a real estate agent walking through someone's home and making rude (sometimes nice) comments about different features of the property.  The seller then shows slight dismay and gets to work to fix up their home so that it will sell.

While I do agree these shows can be insightful and assist homeowners on how to make their home attractive to a potential buyer, I feel that it is also important to remember these are TV shows and programmed for our entertainment.  They should not necessarily be considered a blueprint for selling or buying a home,.  Remember, if these shows are not entertaining, ratings will go down. Sensible options can be boring and not really good for entertainment, but they may be the right option for you.

I meet people all the time that take these shows a little more seriously than they should. Not everyone is going to get a remodeled kitchen and it is perfectly fine to purchase a home and live in one that has not been remodeled.  Really!

Of course, if your kitchen has not been upgraded and does not have the amenities that your neighbor's house had when it sold, you are not going to get the same price. That should go without saying.

My advice to buyers who are working on a "beer budget with champagne taste" is to loosen up a little and find a home within their budget.  There is plenty of time to plan and remodel.  I have been in lots of homes with older kitchens that are cozy and charming.  Sometimes it takes a little imagination to make them that way, but it can be done. Old-timers may remember when imagination, creativity and working with what you have was considered intelligent.

The most important thing that a seller should do is to make their home as uncluttered and as clean as possible.  Consider having it professionally cleaned inside and out.  After that cost is factored into the budget, then move on to upgrades if there are funds left to do so.  A clean and uncluttered home will sell as fast as a remodeled home in most cases.

 If you have any questions or concerns about your property, call Nancy anytime at (805)710-2415 or email Nancy@NancyPuder.com.  She always enjoys hearing from you!  Nancy Puder is a real estate broker with Nancy Puder & Associates in Arroyo Grande, CA.  Follow Nancy on Facebook.  Go to her page at Nancy Puder Realtor and click like.