Before the pandemic, the housing momentum was strong. The summer home-buying season was very busy with many people listing their homes for sale. Unfortunately, that has changed. While home sales have not yet returned to previous levels, they are steadily increasing. So today we’re going to look at what home buyers looking for right now.
It’s clear that now is a tremendous time to sell your house. But for buyers, it’s a very challenging time to actually get a property under contract. Competition is fierce!
With that said, as a home seller, are you familiar with what home buyers are looking for while they are browsing listings online? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered!
1. Updated Kitchen
Have you ever wondered why many homes are on the market for a longer period than expected? What if it has something to do with their kitchens? This sounds surprising, but trust us because it is a huge consideration when it comes to selling a home.
How does your kitchen look? Do you know what kind of kitchen home buyers want right now? It is simple. People today want an updated kitchen that is fresh and new.
For instance, install a new sink, a faucet, light fixtures, and the like. If you do not have anyone to help you with this, then you can rely on a company like Home Flippers to assist you in transforming your home into what today’s home purchasers demand. If your kitchen is simple and updated, you have a greater chance of attracting a cash buyer.
2. Energy Efficiency
Does your home have efficient appliances and heating and insulating windows? If not, what are you planning to do about it? Today’s home buyers are attracted to houses that have energy-efficient features. Everyone would like a home that can help them limit their electric bill. And an energy-efficient home will be a huge plus.
So, if you want your house to sell quickly, try installing Energy Star windows, as well as, appliances. The energy-efficient windows will greatly reduce the heating costs by about 12 percent. These windows have two panes of glass, and the framing materials are significantly improved.
Moreover, efficient appliances will also decrease utility bills. The buyer will feel comfortable spending more on the house itself when the house is energy-efficient.
3. Wide-Open Floor Plans
Gone are the days when houses were designed with very compartmental and separate living areas. Today, many homes are being built with an open-concept floor plan. Most home buyers find this interior layout appealing.
If your house was not built with an open concept, there are some things you can do to make it feel more open. Arrange furniture and decorations so that entranceways between the living room, kitchen, dining room, etc. are not constricted. Make sure that the living room is not cluttered or unnecessarily divided by furniture. This will also make your home appear to be more spacious.
4. Formal Dining Room
Many houses today, maybe including yours, have a combined kitchen and dining area. While this is often popular with young families, some home buyers are interested in a separate or formal dining room. The thing is that when you sit down in a formal dining room, there is a sense of importance that comes with it.
Therefore, if your home has a separate dining room, it could be marketed to a more elite home buyer who wants to entertain in a formal dining room. Alternatively, a combined kitchen and dining area is often appealing to young families who want to keep meal preparation, hungry kids and cleaning supplies in the same area.
5. Inviting Outdoor Space
Does your home have a patio or deck? If so, is it properly maintained? It is essential for you not to forget the backyard area when you are preparing your home for sale. This is one of the most important features the potential buyers will consider.
If you have a beautiful outdoor space, the potential buyers will imagine themselves having fun with family and friends there. If not, then they will look elsewhere for what they want. Painting or staining a wooden deck or cleaning up some weeds can make your backyard look more inviting.
6. High-Speed Internet
Does your home have high-speed internet? This is what many home buyers are looking for today. They are mostly tech-savvy and will go for a home where internet speeds are sufficient. The internet has become a necessity, unlike in the past when it was just a luxury. People are working online and others are schooling online.
So what kind of speeds do your neighborhood offer? Fiber is great if you can get it. Sometimes your home is in an area where that’s not possible. But there are always satellite solutions like Viasat internet. Make sure your prospective buyers know that your home offers high-speed internet or they’ll just pass on your listing.
7. Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is a very easy way to make your home more attractive to potential buyers. People like homes that are bright and well-lit. And this is what current home buyers want. It means they can host any outdoor activity without worrying about the darkness. Also, with ample exterior lighting, the home becomes more secure. Who would not prefer this?
Conclusion
What are today’s home buyers looking for? Well, now you know. If your home needs some attention to attract more prospective buyers, take this advice to heart and soon you’ll have your property under contract.
