Buyers Are Pickier Than Ever — Here’s Why That Matters

Today’s buyers have higher expectations than ever. It’s not because they’re difficult — it’s because affordability is stretched, and that changes everything. Here are some interesting trends we’re seeing:

1. Homes Cost More Than Ever
Interest rates are still high. Home prices are still high. That means monthly payments are at record levels — so buyers are hyper-focused on getting as much value as possible.

2. “Good Enough” Isn’t Good Enough
Years ago, buyers might have overlooked a missing light fixture or dated carpet. Today? Not so much. When buyers are paying more, they want the home to really feel worth it.

3. Lukewarm Buyers Are Walking Away
We’re seeing more and more people who think they’re ready to buy — but once they realize what their budget gets them, they pause. They’re either choosing to wait or just not acting.

4. This Impacts Sellers, Too
If your home isn’t move-in ready — or if it’s not priced to reflect updates that need to be made — you’ll likely get passed over. Clean, staged, and properly marketed homes are the ones winning in this market.

5. It’s Not Hopeless — It’s Strategic
The right prep and pricing can absolutely overcome these hurdles. We help sellers understand buyer psychology, and we help buyers prioritize what really matters in their decision.

Today’s market can be challenging to navigate — but sales are still happening! Whether you're buying or selling, our job is to help you make sense of the current landscape and guide you toward confident decisions.