First-time home buyers can be tough to catch because they are wary of overpaying and skeptical about buying homes in need of improvement.
A survey for Coldwell Banker last year found that 81 percent of first-time buyers said move-in conditions were very important. Only 7 percent were willing to consider fixer-uppers that they could buy cheaply.
Here, according to Coldwell Banker Associated Brokers in Southern California, are ways to lure a first-time buyer:
- New paint, decluttering, and removing odors are very important, but don’t urge too many expensive modifications.
- Offer to pay closing costs.
- Provide a home warranty.
- Make a counteroffer, even if the first offer is really low-ball.
