A very successful client shared this valuable insight with me today.  He said, "I tell my sellers that their homes have to be in better condition than ever because of the Internet." I show them that on the Web buyers are looking at multiple pictures of house interiors, sometimes as many as 20. 

Before the Internet, it was enough to have curb appeal and buyers would want to get into the home.  Now the home has to look good inside and out because the buyers are comparing it with multiple pictures of other listings as well.

If this buyer’s market continues, as it likely will, there is going to be more inventory on the web. More inventory means buyres are looking at more pictures and the ones that don’t look good inside and out may never be shown.  Or, which is more likely, they are going to get less showings and lower offers. 

It is actually easier to get the Sellers to get their property in better shape because it is not me or you telling them that it needs to look better, it is the buyers that are demanding a higher standard.

Combine that with another comment a client made to me last year.  With the shows on television like Trading Places where a house is made to look great on a low budget along with discount decorating stores like Bed Bath and Beyond, TJ Max and many others, buyers are expecting a high standard of condition and décor even on less expensive homes. 

This gives you great ammunition to get the sellers to do the work.  It also puts you at a distinct disadvantage if you don’t advise them to do so.