6 House Features That Take Buyers From “Not Sure” to “I’ll Take It!”

BY ANUM YOON UPDATED OCTOBER 21, 2016 FLIPPING HOUSES & REHABBING – biggerpockets.com
Appealing to potential buyers is key to selling a property, as tailoring the selling process to their individual needs and desires can elevate that property into something they can envision themselves living in. It’s recommended to speak in detail with potential buyers regarding these preferences, but on a more universal scale, there are certain features, additions, and finishes that tend to impress potential buyers the most. Check to see if you have all these features so you can sell your property as-is. They include:

Gourmet Kitchen

A kitchen is such an integral part of a living space that it often tops the list of amenities built to impress. It’s where you eat, entertain guests, prepare dinner, and it is one of the first rooms you’ll spend time in after a long day. Not to mention, a gourmet kitchen can increase property value considerably, as 53 percent of young buyers surveyed noted an interest in gourmet kitchens. With those buyers representing the next wave of real estate clients, it’s clear that gourmet kitchens aren’t losing their luster any time soon.

Some typical aspects of a gourmet kitchen include double ovens — one being a convection oven — a microwave drawer, stone or stainless steel counterparts, and a spacious pantry. A cosmetically appealing kitchen will interest buyers who wish to entertain and show off their new place.

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Open Floor Plan

Speaking of entertaining, an open floor space is extremely accommodating to hosting guests. Plus, it prevents a feeling of claustrophobia by letting in more light, which makes a house show better. Some sellers opt to stage living or dining rooms that are rarely used over an open floor plan, though the latter is rising in popularity.

Backyard Deck

One of the best aspects of owning a home is enjoying a private outdoor space. A backyard deck is great for relaxation and entertaining, in addition to providing another space in which eat during the warmer months. Composite deck materials are preferred among many buyers because they require less maintenance and are similar to wood in appearance. Built-in decks and split-level decks are also appealing. In any case, any decently sized deck is certainly a feature that prospective homebuyers look fondly upon.

Crown Molding

This decorative feature provides ample character in rooms throughout a house, making the room feel more elegant and grandiose with a more upscale visual presence. Crown molding gives the impression of a home being more solid and well-crafted, which makes a house appear more finished. Crown molding typically costs $4 to $8 per linear foot for the labor and material.

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Vegetable Garden

In addition to allowing you to truly use homegrown ingredients in your cooking, a vegetable garden is something that everyone seems to love, regardless of whether they’re a Millennial or a grandma. Vegetable gardens coincide with a long and healthy lifestyle, something that anyone making a large investment should value. Plus, buying organically each week can be cumbersome on the pocketbook, so starting a garden yourself can alleviate these costs while adding character and convenience to the home.

Even a space for a potential vegetable garden is worth a real estate professional mentioning, as the prospect of a vegetable garden is very rarely looked down upon.

Regional Accommodations

Some places in the country are significantly less prone to major weather concerns than others, though most places have the potential for a severe storm of some capacity. As a result, it’s always a good idea for real estate professionals to flaunt the house’s ability to withstand Mother Nature. A properly reinforced garage door can save tens of thousands in case of a natural disaster. If the house already has one, it’s certainly something to tout that will be universally well-received.

These are all aspects that the strong majority of potential homebuyers will salivate over. They can play a large role in the difference between “not sure” and “let’s buy it!” among potential homeowners.

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