Today’s homebuyers expect more than ever, so, as a homeowner, what can you do to increase the likelihood that your home won’t linger long on the market? Focusing on the right home features is important. Dr. Jessica Lautz, Vice President of Demographics and Behavioral Insights for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says, “They want homes to look beautiful in photos they see online, have great curb appeal as they drive up, and look beautiful once they walk inside.”
Check Your Curb Appeal
Just like the old saying goes, “you only have one chance to make a first impression.” This is also true for your home. How does it look from the street? Use a critical eye as your view your house. Is your landscaping maintained? Therefore, consider these ways to increase the value of your home by improving your landscaping.
- Plant colorful flowers or shrubs in your yard or in pots.
- Add low-voltage landscape lighting.
- Paint your front door a different color. However, not just any color. Black and gray doors can actually increase the value of your home by thousands.
- Edge your sidewalk.
- Trim overgrown bushes and trees.
Spring Into Action For Instant Curb Appeal
Make Your Home Easy to Maintain
Most potential home buyers are in search of a home to which they will not have to make major repairs right away. As a result, some minor (and major) investments can bring potential buyers peace-of-mind. Here are just a few suggestions to convince buyers your home is the right home. In other words, make it easy to maintain and let them rest assured there are no major repairs in their near future.
- Change out old carpeting with hardwood or laminate flooring
- Replace old wood siding with a more durable vinyl siding
- Get your roof inspected and consider a new roof if necessary
- Update your aging furnace or water heater
Buyer’s Appreciate Efficiency
According to a National Association of Home Builder survey, energy efficiency upgrades can increase your home’s value. In addition, a survey found that if a home shows reduced energy costs of $1,000 annually, the average home buyer will be willing to pay an additional $8,728. Here are a few ways to upgrade your home’s energy efficiency.
- Add insulation to attics, crawlspaces, and basement
- Replace your roof with a “cool roof” with reflective properties designed to absorb less heat during the summer months
- Upgrade old windows with energy-efficient, insulated windows
- Update your home’s HVAC system with a new energy-efficient model, because this provides homeowners their biggest return on investment.
Bigger is Sometimes Better
According to OpenDoor.com, When estimating your home’s market value, size is an important element to consider, since a bigger home can positively impact its valuation. Suggestions for increasing your home’s usable space include:
- Adding a room
- Finishing a basement, or similarly,
- Finishing an attic
- Building a deck
Smart Features Sell
We are not talking high-tech here. Homebuyers are interested in simple, functioning, modern safety features like:
- Smart thermostats
- Fire detectors, also
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Security cameras
- Exterior lighting