In this current real estate market the abundance of homes has left some homeowners and banks wondering why they are not getting ANY activity when the home that they have for sale is priced right for the market. The answer is simple. Certain characteristics of a home will make it unfavorable or even obsolete in comparison to other homes on the market. These hindrances don't only apply to older homes either.
A home with only one full bath room is probably the number one no-no for buyers in this current market due to the options they have with two or the more favorable 2.5 bathroom homes. Guest bathrooms are almost mandatory in buyer's minds now. The only exception to this characteristic being a problem ITP (inside the perimeter of I-285. However, even in the city, the home must be in an area is VERY exclusive, has no competition with 2 bathroom options, or in an area where 2 bath homes literally don't exist--think Cabbagetown under $200K! A home with a shared master bathroom is a HUGE obstacle as well. Even apartments have a master bathroom so buyers are used to not having to share their personal bathroom with guests. Even the 60's style homes with a shared master bath are a hard sell. Last on the bathroom list are those with only a shower in the master bathroom. This can be overcome, however, if the shower is large or has enough space to be replaced with a tub/shower combo.
No central air conditioning is the second largest hurdle on resale. Atlanta has very high levels of humidity so its not like California where a/c is optional! Just driving up to a home with A/C units in the window makes buyers quiver. Just the though of baking in a house, being at the mercy of window units, or the thought of paying for a new A/C system will definitely deter them from inquiring further.
Homes with no garage or carport are only a hurdle the further outside of the city you get. In the city, driveway or even street parking is custom so garages are golden. In the suburbs a garage is almost mandatory and with most suburb house hunters owning at least two-vehicles a one car garage is very unfavorable---but not a deal breaker. A saving grace would be a generously long driveway or the garage being enclosed to make a additional, true bedroom or game room.
If you are a buyer, these are items that you should think twice about purchasing a home like any of these because when you go to re-sell it, you may end up with a hard sell on your hands.
If you are a seller with a home with these obstacles, don't fret! You can sell your home with some aggressive pricing, good staging, great marketing, and a little bit of luck!!!
