Some buyers becoming too picky

With the prevalence of foreclosures, low home prices and affordable mortgage rates, it may be one of the strongest buyers' markets in a number of years. However, real estate agents told the Washington Post that some first-time buyers' demands are becoming absurd.

The paper says one Virginia agent has said that buyers have walked away from well-priced homes for reasons such as the kitchen appliances being from different companies, a lack of granite counters or the colors of the carpeting or walls.

Other agents told the paper that the constant stream of home design television shows has given some people unrealistic expectations, causing them to have a distorted view of what a "starter home" usually is.

"The fact is," Oregon real estate agent Cindy Westfall told the paper, "you just can't have it all. You can't have the big yard, the top-line updates and all that in a starter home. You've got to compromise somewhere or else you'll never buy anything."

Buyers are also increasingly opposed to homes that need any kind of renovations. A survey last month from New Jersey-based Coldwell Banker found that 87 percent said a move-in ready property was important.