11 Features Buyers Are Looking For In Their New Home
Thinking about selling your house? Or Is it time to downsize or upsize your home?
There are several staging tips that can sell your house faster and for above the asking price, but there are a few features that most buyers are looking for.
Features Buyers Are Coveting Right Now:
1) Laundry Room - More than anything else, homeowners want a room other than the guest bedroom to stack all the clean laundry until it gets put away. A separate laundry room tops the National Association of Home Builders’ list of most-wanted home features by buyers. Potential buyers see it as a huge benefit.
2) Energy Efficiencies (Appliances & Windows) - Potential buyers looking to limit utility bills will be drawn to properties with Energy Star-qualified windows & appliances. Today’s home buyers expect energy efficiencies. If you don’t already have these features, you may want to examine your remodeling budget & decide where you can afford to spend.
3) Patio - It is more important than ever for homeowners not to neglect the backyard area when prepping for resale. In today’s market, outdoor living spaces have become one of the most coveted outdoor features. When a buyer sees a house with a really nice backyard, they start to envision themselves sitting outdoors with friends having drinks. Outdoor areas offer more living space without the cost of a large-scale home addition.
4) Ceiling Fans - Ceiling fans help with energy efficiency and by helping with both heating and cooling.
5) Garage Storage Space- Buyers with growing families need lots of storage space. Keeping things organized & streamlined will help add dollars to your pocket when selling. Consider adding cabinetry, shelving & peg walls for tool storage.
6) Exterior Lighting - Illuminating a well-manicured lawn with exterior lighting can help grab a buyer’s attention, plus a good Realtor will take exterior photos of the home lit up at night as well. Exterior lighting also serves as an added safety feature for the home.
7) Walk-In Pantry - A walk-in pantry is the most coveted kitchen feature among most buyers. Buyers want plenty of space to store the essentials. Walk-in pantries allow homeowners to store larger quantities of non-perishable food items & other kitchen essentials.
8. Hardwood Floors - Hardwood flooring offers a cleaner look. It is also easier to maintain and more durable than carpet.
9) Walk-In Closet (Master Bedroom) - Walk-in closets are highly sight after among second-time homebuyers. Couples generally want a closet with more space & easy accessibility since they will likely be sharing it. For would-be sellers in older homes, a closet renovation may not be practical. However, you still have options that will help make your property more appealing. There are multiple closet services available that can increase your storage potential - from Ikea to The Closet Factory.. Many Realtors have first-hand witnesses of Buyers walking away from a home because there is not enough space in the closet.
10) Eat-In Kitchen - Eat-In kitchens are typically a must-have for second-time home buyers. This space allows for families with children to congregate in the busy mornings for breakfast or in the evenings for dinner so everyone can share their day. If space is limited, consider adding a center island with room for bar stools.
11) Dining Room - I know! For years the dining room was considered “wasted space”, but it is making a come-back. There are still many home buyers who desire the charm & special space a dining room can offer. Buyers want a space to make family dinners or holidays seem special. If you have an open-spaced floor plan, you can still make your dining area feel more intimate by adding an over-the-table lighting fixture or incorporate a tray ceiling to help define a particular area of the main level.
Getting your house ready for the market can feel daunting.
“How do I make my home sell quickly?”
”What should I fix or replace?”
”How much is my house worth?”
Grab a copy of our free seller’s guide where we break down the selling process in four lessons:
Lesson 1 - Understanding the market
Lesson 2 - The 5 factors that determine your house's value.
Lesson 3 - Tips for staging and making a great impression.
Lesson 4 - You have an offer! What's next?