By Julia Boyle
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

The housing market may have changed a little in the past few years, but more so have the buyers. Technology has altered how they house hunt and what they consider important.

Today, the old adage of “location, location, location” has changed to “location, condition, and pricing” even in areas like Tinton Falls, N.J., where the beach location remains a top selling point.

“The more sellers understand the buyers’ mentality and the way it has changed over the years, the more success they will see,” says Ruth Phillips, retirement counselor at Seabrook in Tinton Falls, who has helped hundreds move to Seabrook.

Buyers’ advantage works
Years ago, buyers put down 20% or they didn’t buy a house. Today, home  financing comes in all shapes and sizes—good news for home buyers.

“This is an incredibly powerful time for the buyer and the seller in reference to financing because the interest rates are still the lowest in 35 years and there are so many more options in financing,” says Mary Beth Hall, realtor for Weichert Realtors of New Jersey.

She says New Jersey’s proximity to New York City and Philadelphia helps keep the housing market healthy and mortgage rates lower.

“People moving to Seabrook have without a doubt benefited from the finance options available to buyers,” says Karen Cotenoff, Seabrook’s second retirement counselor.

Internet savvy
According to the 2006 National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 80% of buyers used the Internet in their search for a home.

The Web adds numerous factors to home preparation that sellers used to take for granted. Pictures, including virtual tours, often make or break the decision  or a potential buyer to even enter the home. Cleaning, clearing, and de-cluttering make a huge difference in photos and videos that a good agent will list online.