Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Cost Per Square Foot

Homes tailored to the buyer never cease to confuse me. One out of every three buyers I come across are in search for the cheapest cost per square foot in order to find the best deal.
This strategey in its own essense...should be the only way to shop. But as I digilently search for my new buyers requirements in a home with a cost per square foot in mind, My buyers remain discouraged because the features are not there. The personal options that make that house a home for them are not available.

(total square feet/ price of the home)

The funny thing is that the realization of what is "included" in the cost per square foot only comes after the buyer is in the home.
Can the quality of the home be measured by how much the average assumption of a square foot costs, with the fact in mind that no two homes are alike regardless of size?
Each home has its own unique qualities and attributes to contribute to the over all price. Would a home with hardwood floors and beautiful vaults and columns be the same cost as a home with linoleum floors and flat eight foot ceilings if both homes were the same size?
What is the perceived value of the two homes?

What if we shopped for cars the same way we shopped for homes....for example;
Lets compare two cars...

Car 1
2007 Kia Rio
Passenger Volume 92 Cu. ft.
Price $12,800.00
4 doors
Steering wheel
Cup holders
Seat belts
Air bags
Windows
Wheels
Cost Per Cubic Foot=$139.13

Car 2
2007 Mercedes benz C350
Passenger Volume 86 Cu. ft
Price= $37,572.00
4 doors
Steering wheel
Cup holders
Seat belts
Air Bags
Windows
Wheels
Cost Per Cubic Foot= $452.68

So tell me why is there such a difference in the price??
These two examples are similar in size and function that could get you from point A to Point B.

What is the perceived difference worth to you?
Wouldn't you say that example 1 is a "better deal" because of the cost per cubic foot?

Take into perspective that we are all unique individuals that strive to be different and push for our own sense of individuality. Can this goal be ascertained by simply looking for size in a home and not the inherent quality or the personalization of the home to the buyer?