Obviously, not everyone wants the same thing in a home but knowing what the majority wants will improve your ability to quickly flip a home for the highest profit or get the highest price if you're selling your own residence. If you're going to be remodeling a home, it pays to know what most people are looking for. Still, if you're going to be living in the home, put in the amenities that you prefer. On average, people are living in their homes for nine years, up from six years in 2007. While you're there, you might as well have what you want.
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- Privacy from neighbors makes the top of the list. A National Association of Realtors survey reports that a full 86 percent of buyers list privacy among the most important features they are looking for. Not everyone can build a home in the middle of a five acre lot but you can improve privacy by planting shrubs and trees along the property lines.
- Multi-generations are living together more. As more children over the age 18 move back in with parents and the same parents are taking care of aging parents, the need for more bedrooms is increasing. Hispanics and African-Americans in particular are looking for four or more bedrooms. Even if you can't add a bedroom during your next remodel, putting in a full bathroom in the basement will increase the appeal and sales price of the home.
- Energy efficiency is high on the list. A full 86 percent of buyers say that energy efficiency is very important or somewhat important in their choice of a home to buy. You'll save money while living in the house when you seal air leaks, insulate the attic, and put in thermal windows. Also, when it comes time to sell the house it will have more appeal than other homes in the neighborhood that haven't been made energy efficient.
- Your kitchen probably needs a makeover. When planning to sell, it's always important to take a close look at the kitchen. Often, just a new coat of paint and replacing worn countertops gives you the most bang for your money. Most people prefer granite counter tops but most aren't willing to pay extra for them. You'll more easily recover your investment by putting in good quality laminate counter tops rather than granite.
- Buyers want 2 1/2 bathrooms. Across ethnic and age groups, the majority of buyers want 2 1/2 bathrooms. They also want high ceilings in the main living room. At least 9 feet high. Additionally, most people want the washer and dryer on the first floor. The garage or basement are the second choices for the laundry room.
- The 2 car garage is still the most popular. This is across all ethnic and age groups. A 3 car garage is seldom seen as an attractive amenity worth paying for. Especially by minorities. Today's homebuyers also want plenty of storage. They want that two car garage designed for extra storage. They want a linen closet in the master bath and a walk in pantry in the kitchen.
- Spruce up the outdoor living space. You don't want to put in expensive and high maintenance landscaping. However, a backyard patio with a fire pit can be inexpensive ways of making your house more attractive to buyers than the one down the street.
Please leave a comment if this article was helpful or if you have a question.
Author bio: Brian Kline has been investing in real estate for more than 30 years and writing about real estate investing for seven years. He also draws upon 25 plus years of business experience including 12 years as a manager at Boeing Aircraft Company. Brian currently lives at Lake Cushman, Washington. A vacation destination, a few short miles from a national forest in the Olympic Mountains with the Pacific Ocean a couple of miles in the opposite direction.
Brian Kline has been investing in real estate for more than 30 years and writing about real estate investing for seven years with articles listed on Yahoo Finance, Benzinga, and uRBN. Brian is a regular contributor at Realty Biz News
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I agree that you should have what you want inside and outside your home in order to make your property feel like "home". There are several things to keep in mind when purchasing, and a few of the ones mentioned are on my list. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the comment. I'm pleased you found it interesting.
Brian Kline