Renovations that Buyers are Looking for During Their Home Search
If you’re contemplating which house project to tackle next but have a limited budget, you probably want to know the best place to put your money. If you plan on selling your home in the near future, it’s important to know that your effort will be appreciated by the next owner.
Most buyers would like to have the following when they shop for a new home:
Updated kitchen. Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, an updated kitchen is important to buyers. They’ll see added value in not having to spend time and money putting in a new kitchen, as well as the inconvenience of not having access to a kitchen during the renovation. Upgrades include replacing cabinets (or even just the door) with modern ones and replacing countertops, appliances and backsplash.
Updated bathrooms. Just like an updated kitchen, an updated bathroom requires time and money. A bathroom is also one of the most used rooms in the house. While a bathroom might be small in size, the work involved is time consuming. The renovation includes updating tiles, flooring, backsplash, light fixtures, tub, shower and vanity. A contractor once told me he would rather do 5 kitchen renovations than 1 bathroom!
Energy efficient upgrades. As energy costs continue to rise, savvy buyers will pay close attention to energy efficient features such as newer windows, good heating/cooling systems, smart thermostats and solar panel installation.
Outdoor space improvements. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve all come to realize how important outdoor space is to our home. It is a place where we can sit and relax, host gatherings, or just take a break while working from home. A new deck or patio will be most welcomed by buyers. An outdoor kitchen equipped with lighting will be a good selling point as well.
Curb appeal. It is important to make a good first impression when showing your house. Buyers will appreciate the manicured lawn, freshly painted door, new light fixture, or even a new mailbox. Besides, your lead photo with great curb appeal on the internet will probably bring more traffic into your home. More traffic often means a quicker sale.
Smart home technology. Installation of smart technology not only allows homeowners to have better security systems, but it also enables them to have temperature and lighting controlled remotely. It is by no means a deal breaker for buyers, but it's a nice bonus when a home is already equipped with such technology.
Knowing the top priorities in a buyer’s wish list can really boost your selling power. Strategic renovations and upgrades will not only help sell your home at a better price, but also the days on the market will significantly decrease. After all, wouldn't it be nice not having to keep showing your house month after month?
