As you're preparing to put your home on the market, you may find yourself wondering, "What are homebuyers really looking for?" What is it that sets a home apart as luxury real estate in Seattle? Whether it is a Seattle waterfront home, or an in-city condo or townhome, many buyers are looking for similar features in their new properties. Take a look at some of the most popular features, and how you can set your property up for success when you're ready to sell.
Location
For many homebuyers, location is one of the most important pieces of the home purchasing puzzle. The pandemic, and the shift to remote work for many businesses created immense changes in where people wanted to live. Many people moved out of big cities. Others found themselves reconsidering where they really wanted to live.
As a result, many buyers found themselves looking for homes located in areas that genuinely fit their needs. For many buyers, that may have included things like:
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Moving into communities with better access to the resources they needed or wanted most
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Choosing homes closer to the amenities they used most often
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Choosing homes in school districts that fit their needs
While you might not be able to change the physical location of your home to fit the needs of potential buyers, you can take a look at the many benefits offered by your home's current location and how they may encourage potential buyers to choose your property. Is your home close to local amenities? Is your home in a desired public school cluster? Does your home provide spaces for working from home? Is your home in a turn key condition and move-in ready? It is imperative to clearly spell out that information for your real estate agent and potential buyers when it comes time to list.
Space
As a result of stay-at-home orders and the shift to working at home, approximately 21% of homebuyers prioritized the need for properties with more space. They may need more space to spread out, especially when family members are home more often. They may simply want to make sure that the home has an adequate number of bedrooms for every family member to have a little private space.
Take a walk through your home before you put it on the market and carefully consider how the spaces in the home look and feel. Proper staging of your home may significantly impact how much space buyers may feel that you have. Using furnishings that properly fit a room can make a room feel much larger, and also help define a space.
A home office
Around 7.7% of people work from home, which has risen substantially over the past two years. Many homebuyers are looking for homes that offer office space, where they can get work done in privacy and convenience while working from home. A home office can be an extra bedroom or a bonus room that can be easily transformed into a private work space. If you're getting ready to stage your home, you may consider setting up that vital home office space. Show how your home can best be used for work and leisure.
Outdoor living space
Outdoor living spaces are an incredibly coveted feature for many homebuyers. Outdoor living spaces showcase luxury. They add usable living space to the property while allowing homeowners to gather with friends and family members in various settings. An outdoor patio is often the perfect place to set up that space so buyers can see exactly how they might make the most of their new space. Even if you don't already have those features on your property, setting up comfortable seating may make the outdoor space appealing to potential buyers.
Updated kitchens
Many people feel that the kitchen is truly the heart of the home, and they expect their new property to allow them to enjoy the best it offers. A luxurious kitchen may include new appliances, clear task lighting, and stunning cabinets and storage. Many people are also looking for extra amenities in their kitchens: a double oven, for example. If your kitchen is outdated, with old appliances and dim lighting, you may consider some improvements prior to bringing your home to market.
Energy-efficient appliances and lighting
Modern appliances are increasingly energy-efficient. Many homeowners are looking for those vital energy savings as they consider the ideal properties for their needs.
Take a look at your property and analyze its energy-efficient options:
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How old are your windows? Do they have a high energy efficiency rating?
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Have appliances been upgraded recently? Do they meet Energy Star standards?
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Does the home have a smart thermostat or other amenities to help reduce energy use?
Many homebuyers find themselves worrying about rising energy costs. Not only that, they want to be as eco-friendly as possible in their new property. Ensuring your home is as energy-efficient as possible can help you sell it quickly when it goes on the market.
Storage
Many homebuyers are eager to find properties that offer more storage space. Current homeowners move because they feel their current property no longer has adequate room for their needs. Homebuyers are looking for storage options in your property and where they can best store their items if they plan to buy. They may be looking for things like:
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Walk-in closets, especially in the primary bedroom
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A walk-in pantry in the kitchen
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Clear storage areas in the garage or attic, where items can be easily and neatly tucked away
Take a close look at the available storage in your home. If you've always felt that the property is short on storage space, you may want to carefully consider where you might be able to add storage options that will increase the overall value of your home, and its potential appeal to buyers.
Luxurious bathrooms
Many homebuyers are looking for bathroom upgrades to make their new property as comfortable as possible. An upgraded, luxurious bathroom may include a walk-in shower, a huge soaking tub, or other luxury amenities that will help create that spa-like feel from the comfort of home. With high stress levels across the nation, many homeowners are looking for ways to get more comfortable and relax at the end of a long day.
Take a look at your bathroom. Does it offer an aura of peace and comfort? Does it have amenities like a rain shower head, double shower heads, or even a steam option that will likely appeal to potential buyers? You may want to highlight those features when you put the property on the market. Bathroom upgrades can also have a high return on your investment as you prepare the property for sale.
A laundry room
Many homebuyers are surprisingly attached to having an actual laundry room. Having a laundry room can help keep the rest of the house neat and organized. The clutter and noise of doing the laundry is neatly contained in a single room, and can be closed when visitors arrive. Furthermore, a laundry room is a more comfortable location for actually taking care of the laundry instead of having to cart baskets throughout the house. If you have a laundry room, consider sprucing it up to make it as attractive as possible for potential buyers
Exterior lighting
Having adequate lighting outside is critical for several purposes. Not only is it an essential part of your outdoor living space, but it can also help potential buyers feel more secure on the property. It will help buyers envision themselves on the property with friends and family members enjoying outdoor parties and entertaining.
Whether you're ready to put your property on the market or interested in the amenities you may want to consider when choosing the home of your dreams, Stephanie Stanford, Seattle real estate expert, can help. Get in touch today to learn more about the best attributes of luxury properties or to get your home on the market.
