Top Features Today's Home Buyers Want in a Home

In order to get an edge in today’s housing market, it’s important to know what buyers want in their new homes.  The National Association of Realtors recently published a study outlining the features that home buyers found most desirable.  Generally, the most important factors for a home buyer are going to be location, affordability, proximity to work, neighborhoods and the local schools.  But, how your home ranks after those factors are considered will be impacted by the features of your home. 

Some of the buyers’ top preferences revealed in the study included the following: 

• 78% chose a house with a garage;
• 69% were willing to pay more for a house with new appliances;
• 65% of buyers found central air to be very important
• 57% purchased a house with a fireplace; and
• 47% of buyers preferred a house with a laundry room;

The kitchen is a major selling point for homes, particularly with regard to appearance and space.  55% of buyers that were willing to pay more if the kitchen had granite counter-tops.  Hardwood floors were largely preferred.  48% of buyers were looking for a kitchen with an island and 40% wanted a home with an eat-in kitchen.

Becoming increasingly important is energy efficiency.  In 2013, 39% of buyers placed high importance on the costs of heating and cooling. 24% were looking for homes with energy efficient appliances and lighting.  After purchasing a home, 47% of buyers reported that they replaced lighting and 37% replaced appliances.  Installing new windows, especially for older homes, is a great way to make a home more energy efficient. 

Having the right features in your home will help to increase the number of bids for your home as well as the final sales price paid.  You might even get more for the home than the listing price. 

For more information about this article or any other Greenville SC real estate matter, contact us at PRODUCER REALTY at 864-438-5050.