Home buyer turn-ons and turn-offs

Andy and Christine Brown were enticed by the online photos of a suburban home's four bedrooms, finished basement and big yard that faced wetlands.

But it wasn't until Christine stepped inside and saw the grand staircase that she knew the Prior Lake house was "the one." "I thought of Finley [their 4-year-old daughter] walking down the stairs in her prom dress," she said.

Andy got excited about the house when they pulled up and saw hordes of kids riding bikes and playing in the cul-de-sac on a spring day. "Since we had two kids, we were thrilled about the neighborhood," he said.

After looking at more than 20 houses, the Browns had finally found one that triggered an emotional connection, as well as fulfilling almost every item on their wish list.

Buyers have a multitude of reasons for making an offer, but "it's pretty obvious when people like a house," said real estate agent Fritz Kroll of Edina Realty. "They get excited, and the tenor shifts from what's wrong with the property to everything that's right about it."

Bruce Erickson, a Coldwell Banker Burnet agent, can tell when a client loves a house because "their face just lights up," he said.

Turn-ons

Buyers are attracted to certain properties for a wide range of reasons, but agents say there are some common characteristics that appeal to the vast majority of today's house hunters.

People want open floor plans, stone countertops, maple rather than oak cabinets, updated kitchens, newly refinished hardwood floors and fresh paint on the walls. Flex rooms that can be used as a playroom, office or dining room are an added value. "People want rooms that serve a multitude of purposes," said Sara Huebener, an agent for Edina Realty.

For Megan Sigelman, it was the "good vibe" of her late 1800s home in Minneapolis' Linden Hills neighborhood that sealed the deal. She bought it despite some of its quirks, including a small, outdated kitchen cut off from the rest of the house and no back yard. "It was in good condition and had been loved," she said.

Exceptional curb appeal persuaded Angie Carrigan to take a look inside the suburban Savage home her family recently bought. "The yard was beautiful, with gardens and nice large trees. You could tell it was a well-kept house," she said. "And my daughter was sold on the swimming pool."

Views of the Minneapolis or St. Paul skyline motivate many buyers who want to live in a downtown area, said Kroll, who specializes in selling condos and lofts.

Ivan and Sharon Fong were mesmerized by the panoramic vistas of the Mississippi River, Gold Medal Park and Minneapolis skyscrapers from the 10th floor of their recently purchased condo in Stonebridge Lofts, one block from the Guthrie Theater.

An added bonus — the Fongs could tweak the floor plan and choose all of the finishes and materials, since the unit was in a newly constructed building. "We knew we made the right decision," Sharon said. "It was just perfect."

Turn-offs

Everything from grimy light switches to a musty-smelling basement can prompt buyers to turn around and head out the door.

"I've seen some crazy things in houses over the years," said Erickson, "even mice running across the floor." A big no-no is leaving the toilet seat up, he added. "As soon as people focus on those details, they lose sight of the positive features in the house."

Dirty dishes in the sink, soiled towels in the bathroom and showers covered in soap scum give the impression that other things in the home weren't maintained, said Kyle White, a ReMax Advantage Plus agent.

Odors — ranging from cat-litter boxes to cigarette smoke — are a universal turnoff. "When I see clients' noses crinkle, I know the house stinks," said Huebener of Edina Realty.

Another turnoff is sellers' personal collections and decorating style. When the Browns were house hunting, they couldn't envision living in spaces that had Romanesque pillars, sponge-painted walls and "cherubs in every corner," said Christine.

Jam-packed closets and cabinets not only create clutter but also make buyers believe the house doesn't have enough storage. "A client backed out of a deal because she decided the poorly organized walk-in closet wasn't big enough," said Kroll.

Agent Tammy Chevalier of Keller Williams recently showed a property with a vibrant orange kitchen. "It was too loud for the buyers, and it just became another project they would have to do," she said. "Paint is cheap, easy and helps you sell faster."

Seller's market

This spring, many buyers are having a hard time finding a home that puts a smile on their face. The real estate market is in full seasonal swing, and with low interest rates, it's a good time to take the leap into homeownership. However, the pool of properties for sale is also down, which makes it a seller's market and results in multiple bids for the most desirable homes.

Nonetheless, sellers still are advised to showcase their homes in top-notch condition to make them stand out among the competition, according to real estate agents.

"Even though inventory is low, buyers still have high expectations," Erickson said. "They want the red carpet rolled out and move-in-ready perfection."

Hypercritical buyers won't give a house a second glance unless the online photos are professional, the rooms are spotless from top to bottom and the exterior looks well-maintained.

"If a seller does all those extra things, it will put more money in their pocket," said White of ReMax. "If the online photos and the home are perfect — they'll get extra showings and more offers."

Lynn Underwood • 612-673-7619