Sell Your Home Faster with these Top Home Features Buyers Want! (Part 1/2: Outdoor)

If you’re getting ready to sell your home, you’re probably starting to think about the top home features buyers want. And if you’re not, you should be! The truth is that there are some common features of a home that most prospective buyers are looking for. The presence or absence of these coveted features could potentially make or break a sale. And it could make the difference between getting an offer on your home in a week or sitting stale on the market for months or years.

You don’t even have to be getting ready to sell your home soon to be thinking about home features buyers want. If you ever plan on selling your current home in the future, you should keep these features in mind when undergoing any remodeling projects. Any improvements you make should be those that increase the future resale value, buyer appeal, and return on investment of your home. 

Make the best investment in your home improvements

When making improvements to your home to make it more appealing to buyers, it should be noted that most remodeling projects only end up increasing the home values by about 50 to 80 percent of the project’s cost. Though there is this small loss incurred by financing a home improvement project, the possible price of not making the improvements might far outweigh the extra cost investment. By not improving your home, it might cause it to linger on the market longer when you’re ready to sell. And that carries with it its own extra costs.

So if you are looking to remodel some features of your home, you want to make the best investment by getting the most financial return for the projects you undertake. To do this, focus on the features that home buyers are looking for. What are these features? We are glad you asked. We’ve put together a two-part guide expanding on the home features buyers are looking for. And we’ve organized it by indoor features and outdoor features. 

Here are 6 outdoor features home buyers want that will help you get the best return on investment for your home improvement projects and sell your home faster. 

1. Exterior lighting
2. Patio
3. Garage storage space
4. Functional roof
5. Energy efficiencies
6. Curb appeal

1. Exterior lighting

One of the top home features buyers want when looking for a home is the presence of excellent exterior lighting. Exterior lighting is a fast and easy way to instantly boost the curb appeal of your home. Strategically illuminating and showcasing the aesthetics of your home and a well-manicured lawn is a surefire way to grab the attention of potential buyers and make a great first impression. 

Also, not only does exterior lighting enhance the aesthetics of your home, but it also increases your home’s security. The presence of exterior lighting, including motion sensor lights that turn on whenever movement is detected outside your house, is an excellent deterrent for would-be criminals seeking to enter your home.

2. Patio

Home renovation shows are becoming increasingly popular, and with that comes the increasing popularity of creating a backyard patio that is one’s own outdoor oasis. This is evident in the growing demand for patios as one of the top home features buyers want.

When buyers see a house with a really nice backyard space and patio, they can easily picture themselves hosting outdoor parties with friends, relaxing in solitude and enjoying the sunshine, and just enjoying life in general. If you don’t already have a patio, this is a fantastic addition to instantly make your home more appealing to buyers. 

3. Garage storage space

Many people looking to purchase a new home are doing so because of a growing family or in preparation for one. And when families grow, so does the amount of “stuff” in the home. This is why ample and organized garage storage space is a major home feature home buyers want. This is even preferable to extra attic space or a backyard storage shed because garage storage is much easier to access.

Even if you cannot afford a fullscale garage overhaul, optimizing the space you do have for organization with pegboards, cabinets, and shelving with the help of home stores like IKEA will make your garage (and, therefore, your home) instantly more appealing.

4. Functional roof

While not as cheap to upgrade, one of the home features buyers want that will give you one of the largest returns on investment is roof replacement. Replacing your roof with new quality shingles is an excellent way to add significant value to your home in a way that’s easily recognizable to potential buyers. Metal or asphalt shingles are durable and long-lasting and a great choice when intending to make your home more attractive in a competitive market.

5. Energy efficiencies

Having an energy-efficient home is not only becoming popular but a necessity as a home feature buyers want. Being energy-efficient is not only better for the environment, but saves you money in the long term. 

You can improve the energy efficiency of your home by replacing your old windows with Energy Star-qualified windows. These windows have features such as an invisible glass coating, vacuum-sealed spaces filled with inert gas between panes, sturdier weather stripping than regular windows and improved framing materials. All of these features reduce undesired heat loss and gain in a home, significantly reducing energy costs.

Another way to improve your home’s energy efficiency that home buyers will be looking for is by acquiring new Energy Star-certified appliances. These appliances are an effective way for homeowners to save money on utilities every year. Potential buyers will also recognize the value of not having to replace a new appliance for a long time.

6. Curb appeal

Exterior first impressions are highly important when selling a home. In fact, a poor first impression outside can cause potential buyers to not even step inside to see the interior of a home. Don’t turn away buyers before they can come in and see how perfect your home is for them! Make an unforgettable first impression by making your home’s curb appeal impeccable. 

Tidy up and manicure your yard and home exterior. Trim your trees and shrubs, pull weeds, install fresh mulch, remove any cobwebs, and give the place a good cleaning. A fresh coat of paint, additions of flowers, and a sparkling clean driveway can make a house look more cheerful. And an overall landscaping upgrade is always a good idea if it’s in your remodeling budget to do so. 

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this guide where we go over some interior home features buyers want that will help you sell your home faster!

Are you considering selling your home and buying a new one? Give Ruth Stultz a call to see how she can help! Ruth Stultz is a highly experienced realtor who understands Lake Conroe and Montgomery County better than anyone. When it comes to the sale of your current home or finding the perfect property with everything you want, Ruth knows exactly where to look. You can trust Ruth Stultz with buying and selling your home.

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