5 Features All Homebuyers Look For In A New Home
Whether you are selling your home or buying a new one, the process is rather long and tedious. There are many house showings involved, tons of paperwork, and the moving process to endure for both parties. In addition, unfortunately for sellers, buyers are getting pickier about their future residences, according to Market Watch. Of course, this is due to a lot of factors, but one common cause for this is the property's features.
Many potential homebuyers have certain aspects they want in a home they're purchasing. Of course, each buyer's demands vary; however, one thing remains true: The deal could fall off without all or most of these features. So, if you're looking to sell your place, you should consider a few things before putting it on the market. Whether it be a laundry room, garage, or hardwood flooring, here are five features all homebuyers look for in a new home.
1. Hardwood flooring
One feature that is important to many homebuyers is hardwood floors. Usually, this is because this flooring type has more benefits compared to other options, such as carpets. However, as Lifecore Flooring Products points out, carpet costs anywhere from $6 to $12 to buy, whereas hardwood can cost up to $20 per square foot. While there is a substantial difference in costs between the two options, these prices also reflect the durability of each type. Hardwood is known to last from 50 to 100 years if it is maintained regularly; on the other hand, carpets will only last up to 15 years.
In addition, hardwood floors are much easier to clean than carpets. They require simple maintenance such as sweeping and mopping every few days. Carpets, however, need a more in-depth cleaning as dirt and allergens can get trapped in the fibers. If your carpet doesn't get this cleaning, it can become a health hazard. Lastly, many look for hardwood floors as it has a higher resale value than other flooring options. According to From The Forest, this flooring can have up to a 75% return on investment, depending on the type of hardwood.
2. A master bathroom
Another equally important feature a homebuyer will be looking into is a master bathroom. Usually, as per EV Remodeling Inc, the main bathroom is defined as having two sinks, a toilet, a shower, and a bathtub. Having two sinks is crucial to homebuyers, specifically couples, as they'll each have their own respected area within the lavatory. This aside, a large area is desired so the homeowner will have a lot of space to move around in.
As Bradshaw Plumbing Heating Renovations points out, a bathroom is one of the most used rooms within a home every day and night; however, at the end of the day, it usually becomes a retreat, a place where you can relax after a long day of work. Lastly, much like hardwood flooring, it can increase the home's value. In fact, the more bathrooms you have, the more you'll be able to get for your house if you ever decide to resell it. It may even be the determining factor that gets you to your asking price.
3. A spacious walk-in closet
Fashion is more important than ever in the modern world, so having a variety of clothes is a must. Unfortunately, a standard closet no longer provides enough space for many homeowners; therefore, a walk-in closet is a very important feature to some. According to Closet & Beyond, there are many advantages when it comes to owning one. For starters, it can act as both a closet and a dressing room. You can not only store your clothes and shoes here, but your makeup and hair products as well — this also saves much-needed space in the bathroom.
In addition, if big enough, you can also set up a center island in it as this creates more room which you can use for other items. You can even use the top of this island as an ironing board to save some space in your laundry room. For those with small laundry areas or those without one at all, you may decide to install your washing machine and dryer in the walk-in closet instead. Lastly, it is a huge selling point in the real estate market ( via KompareIt), a walk-in closet can increase your property's value.
4. A separate laundry room
Another feature that is wanted and often a necessity for many is a laundry room. You'll need somewhere to store your washing machine and dryer. Unfortunately, without a dedicated space, these usually end up in the kitchen or the bathroom. A room made specifically for these machines can free up plenty of space you can use for other purposes. Having a laundry room can also make your home more appealing. Chances are, without this space, you'll have clothes thrown all over your house, as you have nowhere else to put them.
It goes without saying that this room is where you'll store your laundry essentials, such as detergent and dryer sheets. However, you can also keep other chemicals here, such as bleach and window cleaners. This keeps them out of reach of any children and pets that you may have. Lastly, much like the other features on this list, this area helps boost your home's value. Of course, this all depends on how modern the laundry room is and what features are within it. Nonetheless, this space is a great asset, whether you're a buyer or a seller.
5. A large garage
Many homebuyers look for a garage when considering buying a new home. This can be for many reasons, as everyone's opinion on this feature varies. According to Everyday Beautiful, some homebuyers want the protection a garage can provide for their vehicle. Weather conditions such as snow, thunderstorms, and even the UV rays from the sun can cause significant damage to your car; however, keeping it in a garage shields it from these circumstances. Likewise, it can also protect yourself and others from the weather as you can enter with your vehicle in the garage and, from there, into the house.
Another huge factor is that a garage can provide plenty of security. Break-ins are common for both homes and vehicles, but this space is an extra step that intruders must go through to get to your personal property. Speaking of other belongings, the garage can also provide more storage space. Bikes, summer items, and old souvenirs can all be kept in this area, allowing extra room within your home.