Now that I've hooked you, note that I mean the other meaning of 'discount' here.

Many sellers in our marketplace are in denial about new construction.  Even though they drive by the crazy corners on the weekends, with 15-30 new construction lead-in signs indicating a new neighborhood here and a builder closeout there, many folks still don't think it applies to them.

Let's think about this from the buyers' perspective, shall we?  This very subject was front and center for the past three days as I worked with a retiring couple who are moving to the Charlotte area from New Hampshire. Their first preference was resale.  There are so many issues to consider in building a custom home from several states away-and they weren't sure that they'd want to go through that process over the next year.  So we looked at resale homes all over the metro market.  To a one, they required SOMETHING.  This one had hardwoods throughout the home in need of refinishing.  That one had brass fixtures and white cabinets (both are dated, if you haven't been keeping score with home trends).  The other one had wallpaper everywhere.  And I can go on and on and on...

Nothing made their eyes sparkle.  And you know, these homes weren't even priced out of line. They just hadn't put their best feet forward!

So we looked at lots.  Talked to builders.  And visited builder spec homes. AHA!  Found the ideal house, fully finished, and a builder who was more than willing to add in a few additional upgrades to satisfy the needs of my clients.

Know this:  the smell of new sheetrock is VERY seductive.  You might say:  'well, the builder had to add upgrades-so why didn't they buy MY house and just have me redo the floors?'  It's two different things altogether.  In our marketplace, buyers don't want to HAVE to do anything to move into a home.  And when you're in a neighborhood where your competition is new construction, do yourself a favor.  GO SEE IT.  See what you're up against.  SMELL what you're up against.  And realize that spending $20,000 on the right upgrades or on stripping wallpaper will be less than the next $50,000 price reduction.

What was that old saying about 'the devil you know vs the devil you don't know'?  Think about it and educate yourself.  And get that house sold!