If you’re thinking about selling your home this year, you’ll want to make sure you show your home in the best light possible. Make sure the house is clean, clutter free, and if you have any home improvement projects planned, consider what buyers want before you spend money on a project. Here are some of the latest real estate trends.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Home Owners want to extend their living spaces beyond the traditional set-up. Whether you have a great deck, a pergola out in the yard, or a grill station, make these areas shine. Make sure the areas are clean, pressure wash decks and areas with brick or siding. Showcase seating areas and other special features like speakers, lighting and water features.
Laundry Room
Storage is key and a functional laundry room is part of that. If you don’t have a specific room for the washer and dryer, make the most of the space you do have. Make sure there is shelving or cabinets for storage. Show off the multi-functional aspects of the space and consider highlighting ways that new owners could further optimize the space.
App Friendly Systems
Millennials especially are excited by homes with systems they can control from their phones. Upgrade digital thermostats to Nest, Nucleus or similar systems. Home security systems that connect to a phone app are also highly desirable. Finally, make sure the house is wired for internet and show-off wifi strength.
Get Rid of Carpet
The popularity is steadily falling with more home owners opting for hardwoods, or ecologically friendly flooring like bamboo. If it’s time to upgrade floors, consider hardwoods or an engineered wood or laminate flooring.
Go for Quartz Instead of Granite
Granite was wildly popular for a long time, but now people are more attracted to quartz. If you’re updating kitchens or bathrooms, consider quartz. It won’t have the same veining and patterns as granite, but is much stronger, and non-porous.
Energy Efficiency is in High Demand
If you’re planning to spend money in places like the garage or attic, make sure to pay attention to insulation. Energy efficiency is a major selling points. Newer windows and appliances all fall into this category, as does insulation and proper seals at windows and doors.