These days, there is a notable shift in real estate buyers’ priorities, particularly among first-time home buyers. Buyers of today, generally, have a more laid-back lifestyle, as apparent in what they look for in the homes they want to buy. There now is less concern about traditional design styles and layouts.
Instead, current home buyers seek the convenience and flexibility afforded by multi-functional spaces and smart home innovations. Design styles have likewise evolved toward minimalist approaches, both indoors and outdoors. Sellers, then, must keep these trends in mind in order to add more value to the house and be able to sell at better price points.
Recondition Your Major Surfaces
Nothing breathes new life to a house than a fresh coat of paint. Both on the house’s exteriors and in its interiors. Likewise, new wallpaper, drapes, and carpeting or flooring will significantly enliven even an aged structure.
This type of reconditioning is an excellent opportunity to transform the house into something that’s more flexible — a place that the new owners can fashion as their own. Use neutral colors like earth tones, pastel, or white. Wooden floor finishes will give the new owners versatility in picking out which design style to employ.
Bonus Spaces
Research shows that annexing your home with a sunroom or conservatory is a highly cost-effective way to increase the value of your home. Yes, building the extra room may cost, on average, an estimated $12,000. However, this yields an extra 6% on top of your sale price.
Another bathroom in the house is likewise attractive to potential buyers. There can’t be too many bathrooms in a house, after all. Either that or install a powder room on the ground floor, in proximity to the living area, where guests can easily access it.
If neither a sunroom nor extra bathroom appeals to you, just build a bonus, multi-use space. Any homebuyer would appreciate the flexibility of a spare room which they can convert to a home office, a family room, a kids’ playroom, etc.
Remodel Your Kitchen
A newly remodeled kitchen can be the game-changer. The number of stay-at-home moms is steadily climbing, and one of the spaces of the home that moms are frequently in is — we all know it — the kitchen.
Much like the sunroom, you could spend an estimated $12,000 for a full-scale kitchen remodel, but the returns can amount to more than 5% of the house’s sale price.
And while you’re renovating the kitchen, do apply plenty of natural materials. These days, wood, concrete, and marble surfaces are big in the interior design space. Think of natural stone countertops and laminated or genuine wood floors.
Beautify Your Front Yard
While many homebuyers find leads in helpful real estate search websites such as Donovan Home Sales, a report shows that 67% of buyers are more likely to actually view a house if the yard is impeccable. A beautiful, well-maintained garden implies less work down the line.
While you’re giving your front yard a facelift, do include the curb. This house frontage is like the first “best foot” to be put forward to potential buyers. Add landscaping to your curb, maybe install some homey vintage lamp posts or a rustic mailbox. Your home’s exterior bodes well for what’s inside, so do make a good first impression.
Fixing Damaged Roof
A new roof may run you around $2,000 in expenses, but do keep in mind that the house’s roof is essential, both for insulation and structure. A house is only as good as its roof. What kind of shelter would it be if the room is leaky and exposed to outdoor elements?
Upgrade Central Heating or Boiler
Upgrade your central heating system or boiler, if possible, to the latest models. An obsolete or barely functioning heating system might be the deal-breaker you would hate to have to confront. Heating is especially important if the house is located near the Northern Hemisphere.
Smart Features
A real estate survey reveals that today’s generation of home buyers are thrilled over smart home features in a house that could be theirs. Look into installing smart devices such as smart toilets, showers, or faucets; automated light switches or thermostats; digital security systems; etc.
Deciding on cost-effective home improvements that will add significant value to your house is rewarding in two ways: 1) you get excellent returns on your investment and 2) your improved house is about to make another family happy. Starting with the core foundations and key features of the property (like the roof, floors, kitchen, the yard, and so on) will always be the fail-safe route to take.
