Do you know about these Seven Home Features that Sell?
In-demand home features change over time. Years ago, people would give anything to buy a home with push-button light switches! Not so much in 2021 though.
Why spruce up your home with the right updates before listing it? The right improvements may increase demand, which means less time on the market, which saves you mortgage payments, staging costs, maintenance costs and more.
In the Portland area, because of the wet climate, buyers are on the lookout for signs of mold, which could indicate a plumbing problem, a ventilation problem, a gutter/downspout problem, poor drainage around the foundation or poor exterior caulking. Musty odors or peeling paint are a definite turnoff. And if you’re in the Bend / Central Oregon area, things to keep an eye out for are damage from ice dams from the snowy winters and the like (to name a few).
Below are 7 features that not everyone thinks about, but that I see turn buyer’s heads these days:
1. Hardwood Flooring: When it comes to flooring, many buyers prefer hardwood flooring over carpet. They like the natural look and the fact that hardwood is anti-allergenic.
2. Back Porch and/or Decks: Home buyers are wanting to be outside as much as possible, especially as more and more homeowners work from home. Buyers’ eyes light up at the sight of a nice deck whether Baby Boomers, Millennials or anywhere in between. This is an investment that will pay dividends.
3. Exterior Appeal: A buyer’s first impression is made from the curb, so freshly mulched and edged flower beds, a newly painted front door, no spider webs and colorful flowerpots on the front porch can make thee difference! Much of this is inexpensive and you can do it yourself too.
4. Energy Efficiency: Buyers worry about utility bills and not wasting energy. They look for double and even triple-glazed windows, high-efficiency furnaces, efficient air conditioners and energy-saving water heaters. Energy efficient windows can cut heating and cooling costs by as much as 12%.
5. Garage Storage: I’m not talking about a bunch of hooks screwed into garage studs. Today’s buyers want a garage to look finished, with a storage system, a work bench and shelves. The cost? This can be approximately $2,000 (+/-) to have installed.
6. Exterior Lighting: This is a more recent selling point. I’m not sure if buyers want all the outdoor lights to ward off burglars, to show off the property, or both. My hunch is that people feel safer with outdoor lighting on at night. Prior to spending the funds, be sure your local homeowner’s associations don’t have any regulations you need to follow to be safe.
7. Laundry Room: Kiplinger reports that 91% of 2021 buyers want a nice laundry room that keeps the mess of dirty clothes out of the living space. Most prefer to have the laundry room on the main floor. A new laundry room in the basement could cost $1,000. On the main floor, with new plumbing, the cost could be as much as $15,000.
Which home improvements give you the most return?
Home improvements usually translate to a higher listing price when you sell your home. Some improvements return more of your investment than others. Hardwood flooring returns 106% of your cost when you sell your home. A new garage door returns nearly 94% of your investment back when you sell your home. On the other hand, major kitchen remodeling might not be a good idea, returning about $6 for every $10 you spend.
Wondering where to begin?
Simply contact me and I can guide you through prioritizing what needs to be done, so you can then get the most return on your investment, upgrades and repairs.
PS - I show houses every day, and I keep an ear out for buyer comments on what strikes them when viewing a home. I will help you focus on the least expensive upgrades that will get your home sold the quickest.
Let me know how I can help you #moveforward,
Teresa Catania, Broker
Fred Real Estate Group
Bend Oregon | Central Oregon | Portland Oregon
503-740-3293
tree.catania@gmail.com
I’m a nine-year Five Star Real Estate Agent!