As more people are working from home and spending more time with their families, Americans are looking at their current living space and saying, “This won’t do.”  As a result, there are amenities that have moved up on buyers’ list of wants & needs this year.  Here’s a list for home sellers who want to appeal to today’s buyers.

Home Office.  Many, if not most, office workers are working at least part-time from home, which makes a quiet place to work remotely a much higher priority on many buyers’ lists.  To make your home more attractive to buyers, carve out a nook for a desk or convert a spare bedroom to office space.  If you are already working from home, adding wall shelves, good lighting and other functional features to your office space will go a long way to attracting buyers who will also work from home.

Kitchens.  Kitchens are always a focal point for buyers and that’s even more true now.  Many people have donned their chef hats and found that cooking is fun.  Large, open kitchens where families can cook together & congregate remain popular.  Make certain your kitchen is sparkling clean.  And whatever your kitchen’s size, try adding small modern upgrades to help your kitchen become more attractive.

Flex Space.  With gyms either closed or limited in the number of occupants allowed, people have been creative in finding ways to work out. If you don’t already have an area dedicated to exercise,  turning storage space into a home gym may pay dividends when you sell.  Even adding floor mats & hand weights to a corner of your garage or basement may demonstrate how home buyers can exercise in your home.

Outdoors.  When it became unsafe to go out in public, we all realized how important outdoor space is.  All the open space parks that our foothills enjoy are now more attractive than ever to homebuyers. At home, nice landscaping with a patio and a place for kids to play has way more value than it used to.  Decks, patios & backyards are becoming more important, so spruce up yours before going to the market. 

Separate Rooms.  When it comes to being together 24/7, parents are now looking for quiet places or separate rooms for kids to hang out.  While open living & dining areas are still popular, having separate rooms for privacy is now in fashion as well.  Finished basements, bonus rooms and dens are moving up on the priority list.  A tip: remove clutter & furniture to make your rooms feel more spacious. 

Utilities.  As families spend more time at home, they’re paying more attention to the utilities that serve them.  Fast internet service is especially important for WFH workers.  Solar systems that save on electricity costs are as well.  If you have low utility bills as a result of good insulation, triple pane windows and warm southern exposure, be prepared to tout that to prospective buyers.

Keep these things in mind if you’re thinking about selling.  And don’t hesitate to contact us  if you have specific questions about making your home more attractive to today’s homebuyers.