If you are planning to sell your house, it may be very beneficial for you to know some of the top features that today’s buyers look for. Research has shown that ample storage options rate very highly with buyers. This means that houses which offer a dedicated laundry room, walk-in closets, a large pantry and a big garage with storage options are more likely to sell for top dollar. Builders of new homes now offer many, if not all, of these options. So sellers of older homes that lack these features face stiff competition from newly constructed houses.
Today’s buyers are also looking for energy-efficient homes. They want windows, doors, heating and cooling systems and appliances that are highly efficient but use less energy. In fact, some buyers may be willing to pay more for a smaller but energy-efficient home rather than pay a comparable price for a larger, less energy-efficient home. Some older homes lack these energy efficient features unless key components have been recently updated.
Other priorities include: hardwood floors, en suite master bathroom, home office, kitchen island, fireplace and outdoor living space. Typically, buyers also prefer an updated, move-in ready home over a fixer-upper. While few homes will offer every single one of these features, sellers who are aware of the top features buyers want will be able to have more realistic expectations when they discuss setting a list price with their realtor.