9 Things Homebuyers Will and Will Not Compromise On

Not everyone can afford to buy the house of their dreams, and when it comes to weighing up budgets and aspirations when buying a home, most people need to make a few compromises. While many will have their must-haves, they may not be so hung up on certain other features. 

For those selling their home, it could be useful to know which upgrades to prioritize. If your home has an issue that very few homeowners are willing to compromise on, it may be worth fixing that first. 

To find out what areas of the home homebuyers are willing and not willing to compromise on, we spoke to 52 top home construction experts.

Factors That Most Homebuyers Are Not Willing to Compromise On

1. Siding

Of the 52 home construction experts we asked, only 6% said homebuyers would be willing to compromise on siding. The siding of a property is a key part of a home’s curb appeal. This means it significantly impacts buyers’ first impressions of a home. This is especially true for young homebuyers, and a study found that how a home looks is very important to most. What’s more, siding is a big project to change if it's something you are not happy with. It’s not only aesthetics that are important – it also serves as protection against the elements and also plays a part in making a home energy efficient. New homeowners can expect to the cost to replace siding to be around $13,500 on average.

2. Flooring

Just like siding, only 6% of professionals believe homeowners would be willing to compromise on a home's flooring. Similarly to the siding and the exterior of a home, flooring can significantly impact first impressions of the interior. It also covers a large area, and if it's something you’re not happy with, it could result in a costly renovation. While not as expensive as siding, a flooring replacement cost averages around $3,500. And this can decrease or increase significantly depending on how much floor you wish to replace and the material you opt to install. 

3. Home Style

Only 12% of home construction experts say that homebuyers are willing to compromise on the style of a home. The style of a house can vary greatly, from Victorian to contemporary and cottage to Mediterranean style. While homebuyers may have a range of house styles they’re happy to live in, they don’t seem open to all types. Also, changing up the style of a home is a challenging task, hence why few would be willing to compromise on this aspect.

4. Condition of the Home

Maintaining a home is costly. When embarking on homeownership, you have to budget for annual maintenance. A low 12% of pros say that homeowners would be willing to compromise on this when their budget is tight. Maintenance costs can add up even if a home is in good condition. A common rule of thumb is the 1% rule; setting aside 1% of your home’s overall value each year for maintenance jobs. These typically include HVAC maintenance ($200), gutter cleaning ($300), and roof inspection ($350). These are standard, but these costs could increase significantly if the home is not in great condition. For example, on average, HVAC repair can cost between $485 and $900.

Factors That Most Homeowners Are Willing to Compromise On

1. Age of the Home

A majority of 31% of experts say that homebuyers on a tight budget will most likely be willing to make compromises regarding the age of a home. The median age of homes in the U.S. is 40 years. And while older homes may be less energy-efficient than newer ones, age is just a number if well maintained. Another benefit of buying an older home is that buyers can expect to pay up to 30% more for a new home. So it may not be ideal, but when push comes to shove, it's something that experts believe homeowners will be happy to overlook if it means getting a property that ticks higher priority boxes. 

2. Roofing Material

Another 31% of home building professionals claim that the roofing material on a home does not matter as much as other areas of the home. Most roofing material ties in well with the home's overall style, meaning if you like the aesthetics of the exterior in general, you are likely to be happy with the roofing material too. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the U.S. and are one of the cheapest to fix and replace if necessary. Pros and cons of roofing materials vary, but in general, no roofing material warrants replacing it unless completely necessary. 

3. Home Size

29% of industry experts say homebuyers on a budget will compromise on home size. Every home is different, and you may find some rooms and spaces larger or smaller than others. If you have found the ideal home to buy, having a few square feet less of floor space may be worth the sacrifice. Home sizes, in general, have shrunk in recent years, and as people are forced to tighten their belts, the dream of that large home can get pushed further down the priority list. 

4. Interior Finishes

29% of experts also say that buyers will be willing to compromise on interior finishes. All interior finishes are replaceable, and most homeowners will ultimately look to renovate their kitchen or bathroom. Knowing an update may be only a matter of time. Moving into a home that does not have exactly the look you’re after is not a deal breaker. After all, while some finishes may not taste, paint and decor can transform a space, which is not too much of a big fix. 

5. Lot Size

Like home size, 25% say homebuyers on a budget will compromise on lot size. The pandemic increased many people’s desire for outdoor space, and lot size allows homeowners to create their desired outdoor area. Depending on how you plan on using it, a sprawling yard may not be necessary. An elderly couple may prefer less maintenance and be content with a porch, while a large family with kids may look to have a pool. As long as basic desires are met, many homeowners will sacrifice their ideal lot size if it means clinching a home in or under budget. 

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