What are Home Buyers in 2018 Looking For?
If you are considering putting your home on the market there are a number of things that you need to keep in mind. As with all trends, what buyers are looking for in real estate in 2018 is not the same as what they were looking for even two years ago. So, how can you go about getting top dollar for your home this year? Well, here are a few things that buyers today are looking for.
It is important to remember, that not all buyers are looking for a move-in ready home. However, if you are able to do a few of these upgrades will help to increase the market value of your home significantly.
So, here are some of the things that buyers in 2018 are looking for. Many of these are considered to be among the simplest home improvements that garner the best return.
New Light Fixtures
New light fixtures, have the power to illuminate a room in more ways than one. They show that the homeowner is has been keeping things well-maintained, cared for and fresh. It also shows potential buyers that the homeowner cares about the little details. New light fixtures also add style, warmth, and texture to un-staged homes.
A Little Curb Appeal
Many buyers will appreciate a big lawn for the dogs and kids to enjoy. But, did you know that there is an even bigger demand for sustainable, low-maintenance yards now more than ever? This is especially true in California where water is scarce.
Updated Finishes
If you’re struggling with where to funnel the funds for upgrades, know that your biggest price boosts will undoubtedly come out of an updated kitchen, but you’ll have to shell out some serious dough to see a high return. On the other hand, you’ll get the biggest return on your investment from affordable finishes, like a new front door, deck or garage door.
Although bathrooms have a lower return on investment than kitchens–one study showed that kitchens add 82.7 percent of the project’s cost back to the home’s value—you can still earn a profit when you upgrade the bathroom. The same study showed that adding a bathroom can yield a return of about 60 percent. When choosing new finishes for the kitchen or bathroom, follow the same rule as you would when buying appliances: Choose high-end finishes in high-end neighborhoods and budget finishes in more middle-ground areas.
Updated Appliances
It goes without saying, but that shiny new dishwasher and fridge can fetch you a pretty penny when you put your home on the market! You do not have to go all-out with top-of-the-line appliances, however if you are thinking about selling you should take note of the fact that many buyers are turned off by mismatched appliances, as well as older inefficient models(. It should also be noted that real estate experts caution against luxury appliances in middle-ground areas and standard appliances in high-end areas.