Since last, despite a cooling housing market and high mortgage rates, turnkey homes are in demand and selling fast. While fixer-uppers, homes with less curb appeal, and those located in less desirable areas are sitting on the market for longer, turnkey homes in good school districts remain hot commodities. In this article, we'll examine a report published by Realtor.com on why turnkey homes for sale are still in demand and explore the reasons why some homes sell quickly while others sit unsold.
Why Turnkey Homes for Sale are Selling Fast?
During the pandemic, homebuyers had limited choices, and everything sold for more money than ever before. Buyers who couldn't afford to buy a fixer-upper were left with few choices but to buy a well-appointed, well-situated turnkey home. This trend has continued into 2023, with homebuyers still seeking out these properties.
A good home in the resale market is selling quickly, and buyers today are not the same as those who bought 12 months ago. With prices still much higher than they were pre-pandemic, buyers don't have much room in their budgets for costly repairs, and they want a home that is move-in ready.
Competition for Turnkey Homes Remains Fierce
Competition for turnkey homes in good school districts remains fierce. If the house is perfect, the odds of someone else wanting it are high, too. In a market where costs are still high and buyers can be a little choosier, it makes sense that they're going to zero in on the homes that are the most appealing. Turnkey homes are especially popular with families looking for a home in a good school district. They want a home that is move-in ready and won't require any work or upgrades.
Why Fixer-Uppers Are Less Appealing to Buyers
While fixer-uppers have traditionally been popular with investors who could get these homes at a discount and resell them at a profit, this trend has slowed down since last year. With home prices falling from their peaks over the summer, many investors are now pausing their purchases.
Fixer-uppers are staying on the market longer, and sellers are having to drop the price on these homes or accept lowball offers. Buyers want these homes only when there is no other inventory out there. Anything that is staying on the market for more than 48 hours without a booked showing is in a less desirable location and definitely not in tip-top, showable condition. Buyers are always looking for improvements that have already been done.
Location Matters
While properties that need major renovation and updates, like a new kitchen or bathroom and major systems, are not selling well, these problems can be overlooked if the home is in a great location. Homes located near a train station or in a community with top-rated schools are still desirable, and buyers could get a discount on these properties.
Price Matters
Even the ugliest, run-down, abandoned homes with the worst smells, located in the most undesirable areas, such as on a busy highway, will still sell if the price is right. Price will always overcome any objections buyers may have about the property.
How Should First-Time Homebuyers Buy/Bid for Turnkey Homes?
In today's housing market, first-time homebuyers are facing tough competition, especially those seeking a move-in ready home in a desirable community with high mortgage rates. The market has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic era, but turnkey homes in great locations continue to receive multiple offers and sell for a premium. According to Realtor.com, you need to have some strategies that can help you be competitive in the current housing market and secure your dream home.
Strategy 1: Know Your Local Market
To be successful in buying your dream home, you need to focus on your local market rather than what's happening in the national housing market. It's essential to research how long homes, including turnkey ones, are staying on the market in the specific community you're interested in. Analyzing the comps of comparable homes that have sold can also help you make an informed decision. Your real estate agent can advise you on whether you need to waive contingencies and kick in a high down payment to have your offer accepted.
Strategy 2: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage can give you a competitive edge in the housing market. It helps you narrow down your price range and avoid losing your dream home to another pre-approved buyer.
Strategy 3: Find a Trustworthy Real Estate Agent
Your real estate agent will guide you through the home-buying process, so it's essential to find someone you trust to help you make the largest purchase of your life. Ask for recommendations from friends, check online reviews, and ensure they have experience working with buyers in a similar price range and the areas you're interested in.
Strategy 4: Make a Larger Down Payment
Sellers favor buyers who can make larger down payments as they believe they are more financially stable and more likely to complete the sale. Putting down at least 20% can increase your chances of winning a bidding war and eliminate the need to pay private mortgage insurance every month.
Strategy 5: Offer Compelling Terms
Bidding wars aren't only won on price; terms also matter. By offering a flexible closing timeline and allowing the sellers to rent back the home or vacate the property at their pace, you may have a better chance of winning the bid. You could also waive a traditional home inspection and opt for an evaluation of the structural and engineering components of the home, showing the seller that you don't plan to back out unless there are significant issues with the property.
Should You Investors Buy Turnkey Homes in 2024?
Investing in turnkey homes can be profitable in 2024 due to high demand and low inventory. Buyers seek move-in-ready properties, especially in good school districts. Fixer-uppers are less appealing, and location and price remain crucial factors. Consider investing in turnkey homes for a potentially lucrative return on investment.
When considering investing in turnkey homes, it's important to keep in mind that these properties can be a profitable investment for the right buyer. Turnkey homes can provide a reliable source of rental income, as they are often in desirable areas and require little to no renovation or repair work.
Additionally, turnkey homes tend to attract long-term tenants, as renters are often looking for a property that is move-in ready and requires little upkeep. However, investing in turnkey homes also comes with some risks. Buyers should thoroughly research the market and the specific property before making a purchase.
They should also be prepared for unexpected expenses, such as maintenance and repairs, that may arise over time. In the end, whether or not to invest in turnkey homes depends on the individual buyer's financial situation, investment goals, and risk tolerance. With careful research and planning, investing in turnkey homes can be a profitable venture in 2024.
Conclusion
Turnkey homes for sale are still in demand in 2024, despite a cooling housing market and high mortgage rates. While fixer-uppers and homes with less curb appeal are sitting on the market longer, turnkey homes in good school districts are selling quickly. Buyers want a home that is move-in ready and won't require any work or upgrades.
Location and price still matter, and homes in great locations and those that are priced right will always be in demand. Buying a move-in ready home in a desirable community in the current housing market requires first-time homebuyers to be competitive. By following the above strategies, you can increase your chances of securing your dream turnkey home.
If you're ready to start your search for a hot turnkey home in a great community, we can help. Our team specializes in finding the perfect home for every buyer, and we're here to guide you through the home-buying process. Contact us today to learn more about our current listings and start your journey toward homeownership or real estate investment.
Source:
- https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/a-tale-of-2-housing-markets-why-some-homes-still-cause-heated-bidding-wars-while-others-sit-unsold/
- https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/on-the-house-if-the-housing-market-is-down-why-do-bidding-wars-and-offers-over-the-list-price-abound/