elitere | Sep. 20, 2021
When it comes to selling a home, the only opinion that matters is the buyer’s. Homebuyers’ tastes are being influenced more and more by images they see on Pinterest, Instagram, magazines and home design shows. Buyers want to see kitchen upgrades, carpet-free floors and landscaping, just to name a few.
With the Waterloo Region’s real estate market being in high demand, buyers are willing to spend a premium on homes with quality finishes in sought-after neighbourhoods.
Here are a few home features desired by homebuyers:
It is a common misconception that modern carpet is safer and more aesthetically pleasing than previous wood flooring. Although carpet also has its benefits, interior designers and buyers alike prefer carpet-free flooring options including solid hardwood, luxury hardwood, vinyl or laminate because of its durability, cleanliness and comfort level.
With the majority of real estate agents agreeing that carpet-free floors make homes easier to sell, make sure to include this as part of your home features. Add an accent rug on top to contrast against floors and to complement your furniture.
The dynamic of work has changed since the start of the pandemic, and a home office allows for a dedicated work space and an opportunity for a more flexible work/life balance. For parents who have children at home and are learning online – and especially during the summer months when kids are not in school – having a home office gives parents more flexibility and freedom to balance work with quality family time.
When it comes to the kitchen, some things can truly stand out to a prospective buyer. Home buyers want to see an updated kitchen with new appliances, clean countertops, modern light fixtures and new hardware.
With the rise of stone countertops and trendy new appliances, people are looking for more sustainability and creativity in their kitchens. Stone countertops can easily elevate the kitchen, are extremely durable and easy to clean. From patterned black and cream ranges to bespoke fridges, home owners are getting creative with their kitchen appliances, looking for something different that sets their home apart from the rest.
Other simple changes, including new hardware and updated backsplashes, are appealing to prospective buyers because they can make the kitchen look and feel more clean, spacious, and luxurious.
More and more, homebuyers desire spa-like environments with clean tiles and fixtures, minimalist lines, and deep bathtubs. These modern bathrooms feel more upscale while staying modern.
A beautiful deck or patio is a great way to do just that. People love installing decks and patios because they give their homes that extra something special. A backyard patio could be a relaxing area with family and friends, or an entertainment area with an outdoor bar, fun games and a pool. A deck provides a lot of flexibility in a home. You can use it to expand the floor plan, and it can be something visually appealing.
For more simple updates, consider adding a fire pit, string lights, and some tall plants for privacy, and allow buyers to imagine themselves in the space.
There is a growing trend of buying homes with smart features. The top 3 smart-home technology features include Wi-Fi thermostats, lighting automation, and security systems. Some buyers are looking for luxury homes with high-tech features while others want affordable, stylish homes with the latest technology available.
Add these smart features to your home if you want to attract more prospective buyers.
Bedrooms are more than just a place to sleep. For many, it’s a place to escape, relax and unwind after a long day. Used by many as a place to retreat, it’s important that the room reflects this, both in its design and function.
First, create the mood of the room by asking yourself what you want from the space. Are you looking for an elegant, contemporary, or quaint space? From there, you’ll be able to express this mood through paint colours, furniture, lighting, and accessories.
The exterior of your home is the first impression potential buyers will get and it shapes how the rest of the property feels to them. Upgrades that will make the biggest impact on potential buyers include: painting the front door (or replacing it completely!), cleaning up the garden, freshening up the landscaping and most importantly, making the entrance aesthetically seasonal. Simple updates like this that don’t require any major renovations to the exterior are sure to go a long way in boosting the curb appeal of the home. Having an overall clean and tidy front yard that makes people feel welcome and happy will leave a long-lasting, positive impression on prospective home buyers.
Great lighting can have a major impact on the mood and ambiance of your home. Consider updating out of date lights with new, sleek lighting fixtures. When choosing lighting, it’s important to consider things such as the height of your ceiling to ensure your lights hang perfectly and fill the space, as well as the type of lightbulb. Ensure your lights can showcase each room well, which is especially helpful if viewings are being conducted in the evening hours.
It is important to understand how buyers rethink a home and their reaction to it. Adding the features mentioned above as well as consulting with your real estate agent, will help you meet the expectations of prospective buyers.
If you are in the Waterloo region and want to learn more about how to sell your home, contact us today!
