Seven Home Features that Sell!
| In-demand home features change over time. Years ago, people would give anything to buy a home with push-button light switches! Not so much in 2021. In addition to the list below, Denver homebuyers are looking for spaces that can be converted to work-from-home areas, like kitchen islands or even bedrooms with space for tables and desks. Why spruce up your home with the right updates just before listing? The right improvements may increase demand, which means less time on the market, which saves you mortgage payments, staging costs and maintenance costs. Below are some of the features that I see turn buyer’s heads these days: 1. Hardwood flooring. When it comes to flooring, many Gen Xers prefer hardwood flooring over carpet. They like the natural look and hardwood is anti-allergenic. 2. Back porch or deck. Home buyers are wanting to be outside as much as possible, especially as more and more homeowners work from home. Buyers’ eyes light up at the sight of a nice deck whether Baby Boomers, Millennials or anywhere in between. This is an investment that will pay dividends. 3. Exterior appeal. A buyer’s first impression is made from the curb: freshly mulched and edged flower beds, a newly painted front door, no spider webs and colorful flowerpots on the front porch. Much of this is inexpensive and you can do it yourself. |
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| 4. Energy efficiency. Buyers worry about utility bills and not wasting energy. They look for triple-glazed windows, high-efficiency furnaces, efficient air conditioners and energy-saving water heaters. Energy efficient windows can cut heating and cooling costs by 12%. 5. Garage storage. I’m not talking about a bunch of hooks screwed into garage studs. Today’s buyers want a garage to look finished, with a storage system, a work bench and shelves. The cost to install: about $2,100. 6. Exterior lighting. This is a more recent selling point. I’m not sure if buyers want all the outdoor lights to ward off burglars, to show off the property, or both. My hunch is that people feel safer with outdoor lighting on at night. 7. Laundry room. Kiplinger reports that 91% of 2021 buyers want a nice laundry room that keeps the mess of dirty clothes out of the living space. Most prefer to have the laundry room on the main floor. A new laundry room in the basement could cost $1,000. On the main floor, with new plumbing, the cost could be $15,000. |
 Which home improvements give the most return? Home improvements usually translate to a higher listing price when you sell your home. Some improvements return more of your investment than others. Hardwood flooring returns 106% of your cost when you sell your home. A new garage door returns nearly 94% of your investment back when you sell your home. On the other hand, major kitchen remodeling might not be a good idea, returning about $6 for every $10 you spend. JANICE HOVORKA RE/MAX 303-324-4705 janice@janicehovorka.com http://www.janicehovorka.com Six-Year Five Star Real Estate Agent |