Amid the pandemic, the housing market has seen a pivotal increase in the demand for homes and listings, with millennials emerging as a dominant force in the matter. With so many buyers out there, it may seem quite easy to sell your home within the current market conditions. However, there are still a few specifics buyers are looking for when it comes to potential homes. Here are some elements that are sure to attract the right buyer if you are currently thinking about selling your home.
Open Floor Plan:
The days of formal dining rooms and private kitchens and dens have given way to a more open and communal setup that combines kitchens, living spaces and even entryways in one large space. Current buyers are attracted to these open floor plans, which allow for a larger “hang out” spot that is not limited to one specific area of the home. Open floor plans minimize compartmentalization and maximize natural flow between rooms, making the home perfect for entertaining guests and connecting with family members throughout the house.
Patio and Outdoor Space:
More space is always a plus, especially when it comes to outdoor living areas. Home buyers are drawn to outdoor space because it means more room for relaxing, entertaining and spending time with their children or other family members. This can lead potential buyers to envision themselves in the home in a more personal way and, in turn, develop more of an attachment to the home itself.
If you are considering selling your home, you might think about updating or highlighting your patio, front yard, back yard, deck space or even entryway. Some of the south’s most beautiful outdoor space can be found on Seabrook Island, S.C., which boasts a lack of high-rise buildings and, instead, offers only private homes, villas and cottages that enhance the natural coastal beauty of the island.
Hardwood Flooring:
There are many reasons why home buyers have hardwood floors as a top item on their potential home wishlist. Some even consider it a non-negotiable. Hardwood floors offer a fresh, clean look that makes the rest of the home look enhanced. These floors add a durability to the home because they are more difficult to damage and easier to clean than carpet.
The addition of hardwood can also allow for more creative control when a potential owner is thinking about how they would decorate their future home. Though this type of flooring varies in color, style and quality, it’s a great investment for homeowners and an alluring element for potential buyers.
Efficient Kitchen:
A common desire among home buyers right now is to have minimal updates or changes required in their future home. An updated kitchen is a great way to attract potential buyers and add overall value to your home. Consider newer and more energy-efficient appliances in your kitchen space to minimize electrical and gas costs. The idea of an open floor plan circles back here as well.
If you do not choose to fully update your kitchen, you might consider opening up the space by removing a non-weight-bearing wall and adding an island between your kitchen and dining room or living area to open up the space and attract more direct appeal from potential buyers.
Updated Bathrooms:
Much like the aspect of an updated kitchen, modernized or renovated bathrooms get two thumbs up from home buyers these days. In fact, based on current market data, updated bathrooms are one of the top improvements that can add some serious value to your home. Minor bathroom updates could include changing out knobs and hardware, refreshing paint or wallpaper and switching out light fixtures. Some more serious updates might consist of a new vanity, walk-in shower, fresh and timeless tile floor and backsplash and a fresh paint job.
Smart Ceilings:
When buyers are searching for a new home, they’re looking to upgrade from their current dwellings. This means small but vital features are on their radar like home ceilings and trimmings. Buyers are interested in smooth ceilings without dated additions like textured stucco or stipple, otherwise known as a “popcorn ceiling.” Additionally, ceiling fans are becoming more and more desired by buyers for temperature regulation, lighting and energy efficiency.
Curb Appeal:
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but location is a big factor in potential homes when it comes to gas prices, commute, school zoning, traffic and more. Placement in a reputably good neighborhood active but not excessively noisy could put your home at the top of many buyers’ lists for any or all of these reasons. In addition to new or up-and-coming neighborhoods in Downtown Charleston like Wagener Terrace or East Central, buyers are also purchasing homes within the Johns Island, James Island and Kiawah Island real estate pool.
Storage and Accessibility:
Accessibility is commonly at the top of the list when it comes to many must-have lists for current home buyers. This is often in relation to storage and ease of retrieving or seeing personal and household items. While attic space is a plus and offers storage out of sight and out of mind, more accessible storage spaces like garages are commonly requested by potential buyers for more used items like outdoor equipment, cars and smaller appliances. As for accessible indoor storage, walk-in closet space and extra kitchen storage like closets and walk-in pantries both attract the eye of home buyers.
Keep in mind that while these elements and additions can add some serious value and quick-selling potential to your home, it’s important to highlight what you think makes your home worth buying as well. Current buyers are ready to complete the closing process quickly to ensure they lock in the sale, so it’s up to the seller to deliver. Make sure you tell potential buyers what you have loved about living in your home, neighborhood and city. Doing this can make your home stand out from other similar listings and open houses in today’s rather competitive market.
