What do buyers want in a new home

If you decide to add any new underground electrical lines, make sure you consult an electrician. Ceiling fans are relatively cheap and easy to install, so this is a home improvement that could significantly improve the perceived value of your home and help you sell your home for the most money. Unfortunately, windows are not a simple or cheap home improvement. If you already have certified windows, be sure to include this as one of the features when marketing your home.

Homebuyers are looking for a place where they can sit outside, drink coffee, entertain guests, or watch their kids or dogs play. If you want to increase the value of a single family home, building a patio should be high on your priority list.

Patios were rated much higher than rear porches, decks, and even front porches. Fortunately, patios can also be simpler to build because they are on the ground, not raised above the ground like decks. In fact, side-by-side sinks are one of the top kitchen features that homebuyers look for!

Since this is an exterior home feature, the actual value of it may vary on the climate in your location. Search for homes that have been recently built and recently sold around the price that you want to list. Do these houses have front porches? Do the marketing notes emphasize this feature as a valuable asset? As you invest in your home, the energy rating should be a vital part of your decisions. The days when carpet was the most-desired floor type are long gone.

The majority of homebuyers want hardwood flooring in living areas, and having the same flooring in multiple rooms is another benefit. The fenced part is important, too, as many plan to have children or bring their pets along for the ride.

Here's another one of those family-friendly amenities we were talking about. About a fifth of all respondents ranked a family room as one of their most desired features.

With today's open floor plans, that family room may very well flow right into the eat-in kitchen, too. Basements go back to that need for more room.

With a basement on the property, homeowners enjoy significantly more space -- for entertaining, for working out, or even just for storage. Just keep in mind that you probably won't be able to add a basement where there's not one -- at least not cheaply.

It's funny to go from a dark, dank basement to this one, but really, who doesn't want lots of natural light and plenty of sweeping views? If they come with quality wood blinds and window treatments, even better. Full-size laundry rooms are huge these days, making it easier to deal with those endless loads of laundry that children, pets, and a household of people come with. A recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders backs up this finding, showing laundry rooms as the No. Knowing what buyers want is important, but so is knowing what they don't.

The following items fell toward the bottom of the list when buyers were asked to name their most desired home features:. Separate dining rooms, patios, and landscaping are other features buyers aren't prioritizing. Trends are always in flux. And if you're flipping houses , staying on top of those changing trends -- market-related ones , too -- is critical.

Need more help on your flipping journey? These books on home flipping can help. Our team of analysts agrees. These 10 real estate plays are the best ways to invest in real estate right now. Find out how you can get started with Real Estate Winners by clicking here. Aly J. 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. New homes take the win in this category, too. Our new vs. As we saw, a typical new home of today is 30 percent more energy efficient than one built just five years ago.

Compare a typical new home built today to a year old home? Game over! Many builders also offer three-car garages or larger that offer enough storage space to make the man of the house grow weak in the knees. The odds are good a new home is your best bet to realize your dream.