“I’d say the biggest problem is that the [first-time] buyers are typically more often than not swayed by some of the things we would term to be aesthetics… It could have a beautiful kitchen, but it could be a piece of crap.”
– David Phaff, president of the Albany, N.Y.-based brokerage David Phaff and Associates, in a story from today’s Tribune about first-time buyers. Phaff’s comments mirror some discussion we’ve had around the Yo office lately about how much (or how little) buyers care about specific finishing styles and brands. When even the cheapest rehabs have granite countertops and 42-inch cabinets, which kitchen and bathroom details actually play into your decision? Do you spend much time worrying whether it has Grohe or Kohler fixtures, or Viking or KitchenAid appliances, or do you even care?