photo credit: frwl

Coldwell Banker recently conducted a survey of brokers to try and find out what first-time buyers in the current market want in a home. Here are some of the highlights:

• Brokers say affordability is the  #1 concern for first-time buyers, although buyer expectations of what they can get for a certain price may be too high.
• First-timers want something in move-in condition - only 7% of brokers have first time buyers who are looking to purchase “fixer-uppers.”
• 71% of brokers say buyers are looking for larger homes now than they were 10 years ago.
• 46% of brokers say first-time buyers look at an average of 5-10 before making an offer.
• 41% of brokers say proximity to work is the #1 thing buyers are looking for in a home.

I’m currently working with four sets of first-time buyers and I have to say that a lot of this seems pretty dead-on to me. Well, except for only looking at 5-10 homes before making an offer. I’d say most of my people look at more like 10-20. Or more. OK, sometimes a lot more.

But what about you guys, the actual buyers? What was most important to you when you bought your first home? And if you’re still looking, what is it you’re looking for? And what you think about what you’re finding in the current Knoxville market?  Inquiring minds want to know!