Today’s Home Buyers Want Upgrades, Space, and Efficiency
The spring market is heating up on the South Shore, and today’s home buyers want to find the right house. So how do you make the house your selling a must-have for today’s home buyers? To compete in the spring market you have to know what home today’s home buyers want.
Today’s Home Buyers Want Value
Some things don’t change, and today’s home buyers are no exception. Today’s home buyers want a good deal. That’s not to say that home sellers have to undervalue their home listing, but it does mean that sellers should accentuate the positives about the home and give buyers every reason to pay top dollar. Show off the space. Remember the 50% rule and try to remove half of your items in each room. According to Realtor Magazine, 62% of home buyers are looking for one additional bedroom and bath in their next house, and 76% are looking for additional storage.
Home Buyers Want Upgrades and Quality
Today’s home buyers want practical amenities and good construction. Radiant flooring, energy-efficient appliances, modern fixtures and hardware, and high-end appliances top the list of today’s home buyers wants. Hardwoods and fireplaces are excellent features, but can detract from the home if they are not in great condition. Have hardwoods sanded and polished, and service fireplaces so they are in good working order.
Don’t Forget about the Outside
Today’s home buyers are as concerned about the exterior living space as they are of the interior space. Decks and outside entertainment areas go a long way with buyers so maximize the appeal of your exterior space. Freshen up older decks with stain, add flowers in ceramic pots, and clean the deck furniture. If the space seems uncared for it will be reflected in the buyer’s offer so take the time to make the backyard look tidy and maintained.
Home Buyers Want Useable Space
Today’s home buyers want useable space, and they are turned off by space that serves no function. Take a look at your house with fresh eyes. Are
there spaces that seem to be a collect-all zone? Or is there an area that would be better served with different furniture? Some of these fixes are easy. If you’ve turned a bedroom into an office or playroom, turn it back into a bedroom. Bedrooms sell, and you want buyers to see the space set up as a bedroom. Other instances require imagination. Make small nooks into efficient office spaces or storage areas.
Priorities buyers have for their next home according to Realtor Magazine:
- Affordable price: 78%
- Energy efficient heating and cooling: 68%
- Energy Star rating: 61%
- No wasted space/smart design: 56%
What are some of those extras that buyers dream of?
- A separate laundry room: 80%
- Additional storage: 76%
- Outdoor grilling living area: 63%
- One additional bedroom and bath: 62%
