Over the decades, the things prospective home buyers want in their new houses has changed significantly. In the 1970s, for instance, people looked for bright colors and wood paneling, which were the pinnacle of style then. In the 1990s, everyone wanted a McMansion in a brand new subdivision. Now, in 2019, trends are shifting again, and would-be homeowners are looking for another set of features. If you are thinking about listing your home soon, you must understand what the people who come to view your residence are interested in. This guide will help you.
Storage, storage, storage
Even though many Americans are minimizing the number of belongings they have, most families still require a great deal of storage space. The more storage a house has, the better. As a matter of fact, some prospective buyers won’t even consider residences that don’t have full pantries and walk-in clothes closets. If your house lacks storage space as it is right now, it might be worth consulting with a professional organizer to see if any simple solutions could make your current space more appealing to the masses.
Outdoor space is key
While people all over the country love getting outside, nowhere is functional outdoor living space more desirable than in temperate Southeastern states like the Carolinas. If your home currently lacks a nice, exterior living area, consider adding one before you put your property on the market. Remember, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to create a high-end outdoor living room. Simply adding a well-decorated patio or a pergola will help would-be buyers see the potential that exists.
Go green
Modern homeowners want their spaces to be as energy-efficient as possible. If your home is currently lacking in eco-friendly features, consider making some changes before you officially list it for sale. Some affordable things you can do include making sure all interior light bulbs are LEDs, switching your current outdoor lighting for solar-powered fixtures, and installing a smart thermostat that will help the house use as little energy as possible. If you are interested in putting additional money into going green before you move, consider updating all of the windows and investing in Energy Star-rated appliances.
Focus on quality over quantity
If the house you are planning to sell is on the smaller side, that might actually be a good thing in today’s market. People are beginning to prefer homes with less square footage, but more amenities and high-end features. Consider upgrading the hardware in the kitchen and bathrooms before selling. You should also think about installing upscale features, such as heated floors.
If you’re going to be doing any serious remodeling projects prior to selling your current house, it’s a good idea to allow a contractor to handle the work. This way, it will get done as quickly and correctly as possible. Doing renovations yourself when you’re preparing to move is not typically a great idea. If you aren’t sure who to hire, talk to friends and family members you trust to give you excellent recommendations and look for online reviews on highly-rated consumer safety websites.