What do buyers look for when buying a house

LED bulbs come in a variety of models. Although their brightness is measured in lumens, packaging is generally marked with familiar watt equivalents, such as 60 or watts. You can select from a range of color temperatures, too, warm to cool, including, for example, soft white or bright daylight, depending on where the bulb will be installed and your preference. For example, you might not want a cool bulb that emits a bluish cast in the kitchen.

Many models are dimmable. At bulbs. To take it a step further, you could install a few smart LED bulbs that you can operate from an app on your smart phone. Install them in key locations, so that you can turn lights on as needed when your home will be shown. Eat-in kitchens—that is, table space for eating in a kitchen—are a must-have for second-time home buyers who were polled by the NAHB.

They're especially attractive to families with children. Such flexible spaces proved more important then ever during the pandemic. If you're on a tight budget and can't afford to knock out a wall to create more space for a table and chairs, consider adding a center island with room for bar stools , Parsons suggests.

You can purchase prefabricated kitchen islands with space for seating. For example, at Wayfair. In recent years, formal dining rooms and closed floor plans have taken a backseat to open floor concepts in today's home models.

While these layouts help maximize space, there are still home buyers who desire the charm and unique features that come with older homes. This includes a separate dining area distinct from the kitchen. Real Estate, a Charlotte, N.

It makes your guests feel special," she adds. This is especially true during holiday gatherings or sit-down family dinners. If you have an older home with a closed floor plan, it may be time to modernize your dining room area to help attract buyers.

The cost listed here for a small-scale remodel includes installing new flooring, doors, switchplates, decorative hardware and recessed lighting. Many of these features come standard in newer home models. If your home has an open floor plan, there are still ways to create a dining space that feels separate. You can add an over-the-table lighting fixture or incorporate a tray ceiling to help define a particular area of the main living level -- perhaps just off the kitchen.

While walk-in closets aren't among the top demands of all homebuyers, they're highly sought after among second-time homebuyers , according to the NAHB. If you live in an older dwelling with a reach-in closet, it may be time for a revamp if you're considering putting the house on the market. Couples generally want a closet with more space, because they'll be sharing it. Meanwhile, singles might desire the flexibility of being able to store their personal belongings -- from clothes and shoes to jewelry and other accessories -- in one place, while keeping them organized.

For would-be sellers with older homes that have less space, a full closet renovation in the master bedroom may not be practical. However, you still have options that will help make your property more appealing. Update an existing reach-in closet by installing an organization system complete with shelving units and hanging rods for clothes.

To save some cash, you can go the DIY route and install it yourself or hire someone, say from TaskRabbit , to do it for you. You can also hire a consultant from a custom closet design firm, such as Closet Factory , to assess your space and design an organization system that fits your needs. The cost will vary based on your requirements. If you're an empty-nester, you could even turn a nearby smaller room into a custom walk-in closet.

Depending on the quality of the materials used for example, solid wood shelving vs. Buyers with growing families need lots of storage space. Would-be sellers should keep in mind that "streamlined living equates to more dollars in your pocket at sale time," Compass's Lewis says.

Carving out some space in your garage to help keep clutter out of the main level could help your bottom line. The installation cost listed here includes adding storage, electric circuits and lighting, plus peg wallboard for tool storage. The Best T. Rowe Price Funds for k Retirement Savers. Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer. Home personal finance shopping home.

The 25 Cheapest U. Cities to Live In. The 20 Most Expensive Cities in the U. After all, a wider pool of would-be buyers means a higher chance of receiving an offer. So, for example, two bathrooms instead of one if there are lots of people living in the same home. This includes things like a south-facing garden which provides far more sun in the summer months , a feature fireplace and an electric door on the garage.

None of these are essential, but they all help to add a nice little bit of gloss to a home. Even more out-there would be things such as swimming pools, home cinemas or a games room. This website uses cookies to ensure you are provided the best browsing experience. More info. To get the best possible experience using our website we recommend you upgrade to a modern web browser.

What do house buyers look for when searching for a home? Television makes home renovations look easy, but in reality, they can be anything but. The costs can add up quickly, and if the home needs structural work, it could delay your move-in, causing unnecessary stress.

Here are the three major categories of property condition. A move-in ready home is new, close to new, or has been recently renovated. Zillow-owned homes are move-in ready homes that have been recently renovated by a licensed contractor, and are ready for new owners to start their lives.

A home in need of major repairs is often priced lower than other similar homes due to money and time it will take to improve it. If you find a home in great condition with the exception of an outdated kitchen or bathroom, you could update the space while living there or move out briefly while the work is being done.

If the inspector finds issues, consider asking the seller to repair them before closing or offer you a credit so you can fix them yourself. Be especially alert for the following issues, which can cost thousands to repair or replace:.

No house is perfect, so try not to get hung up on little imperfections. Cosmetic changes are fairly easy and relatively affordable to make. Picture the house as a blank canvas for your belongings. For instance, a shorter commute may be a must-have, but smart home features are a nice-to-have.

This browser is no longer supported. Please switch to a supported browser or download one of our Mobile Apps. See Mobile Apps. Menu subnav-close Search subnav-close. Home Buyers Guide. Getting Started. In this article: What are the top features buyers look for in a home?

Search for the right price 2. Prioritize the location 3.