
Everyone wants to earn the highest return on their home sale, but doing so often requires upgrades that make buyers want to pay up. Investing in what buyers want can go a long way toward boosting your home value, but deciding what to prioritize can be tricky.
It's important to remember not all upgrades are worth it, and many can turn out to be a sunk cost. As a result, don't let your own opinion steer your upgrade decisions. Instead, trust an experienced real estate agent to help you prioritize what buyers want the most. To help you along the way, our real estate agents are here with a top list of features buyers want to see in 2023.
- A Large Patio
Since 2020, homeowners are spending more time outdoors than ever before, and patios have since gone from a "nice-to-have" to an essential for buyers. A patio with shade and comfortable furniture serves as a great place to have coffee, entertain guests, or just relax in the summer. Adding one will instantly make your listing more appealing. Just check out some of the beautiful patios on these Suffolk County homes for sale.
- A Spacious Laundry Room
Hauling laundry down to an unfinished basement can become unpleasant fairly quickly. Having a dedicated room for laundry is a nice amenity for homeowners and it also allows for more storage space. If you have an extra utility room or are considering an addition, a nice laundry room can add tremendous value.
- Energy Efficient Features
Green living and sustainability have never been more important to buyers. Brand-new energy-efficient windows, well-insulated doors, programmable thermostats, and ceiling fans are all highly attractive to buyers since they both cut down on energy usage and lower utility bills.
- Smooth Hard Wood Floors
Wall-to-wall carpets went out of style many years ago, and hardwood floors remain buyers' top preference. Buyers also like consistent flooring across all rooms on a single floor. If you have carpet in the living room or dining room, consider removing it and refinishing the hardwood floors underneath.
- Bright Exterior Lighting
Buyers love exterior lighting because it provides both curb appeal and security. Start by upgrading the bulbs on your existing lights to bright LEDs. Then see where there is an opportunity to improve. Sidewalk lighting, spotlights, and string lights over the porch are all popular these days. If you don't want to hire an electrician to run new wiring, you can always consider solar-powered lighting.
- Solid Quartz Countertops
If your kitchen countertops are aging, investing in new quartz counters can generate a nice return. Quartz has become highly popular these days because they are non-porous, which makes them easy to clean, maintenance-free, and highly durable. Not to mention they look great too.
- Plenty of Storage Space
Storage space will always be at the top of a buyer's wishlist. Whether it's a large garage or basement, spacious closets, or a walk-in pantry, these features will always attract buyers. If you don't have room to add storage, don't sweat it. Decluttering is often one of the most effective ways to make rooms appear large and spacious.
If you're looking to increase your home value before listing your property, contact us today for more tips.