Whitby Home Stager discusses 10 Home Improvements that are at the top of buyer’s lists!
10 Home Improvements that are at the top of buyer's lists both here in Whitby and abroad are:
1. Up-Dated Kitchens:
The kitchen up-grade that is best for you will depend upon the price range of your home, its architectural style, and your home's target market. But with all that said there are certain trends you can embrace to appeal to the majority of buyers out there.
I. Slab Countertops: Granite is the top pick with buyers today. It is not only gorgeous to look at but it is also hard, nonporous and easy to care for. If granite is a little out of your price range there are other slab counters available that are also attractive to today's buyers. (Corian, concrete, limestone, soapstone, and marble. even butcher-block, which is less expensive than stone, is a good alternative to laminate counter-tops.)
II. Stainless Steel Appliances: Whether you are leaving the major appliances for the new buyer or taking them with you when you move stainless-steel appliances are a big hit with today's buyers.
III. Communication Centers: which include a comfortable workspace, storage area, message center, and electronic equipment
IV. Lots of Organized storage space:
2. Freshly Painted Walls:
Freshly painted walls are one of the top 3 up-gradesthat today's buyers are looking for. When choosing paint colours to sell your home, go for the neutrals. Warm beige's have replace the pink beige's of past. Others appealing colours for today's home buyers are soft Grey's and soft greens.
3. Up-dated Flooring:
Hardwood floors still rule with buyers. The current trend is toward the darker stains but if your home is small a lighter colour will most likely work better for you. If you cannot afford this up-grade go for a neutral coloured Berber or a cut pile. Make sure that the quality of the flooring matches the price range of the home. Up-dated flooring is also one of the top 3 up-grades for today's buyers.
4. Pre-Organized Closets:
The third of the top 3 rated up-grades is, organized storage space. This ranks big time with today's buyers. White melamine shelving in closets has replaced wire rods and shelving. Organizing all of the key storage areas of your home, including clothes closets, linen closets, kitchens, pantries and garages will boost you up the ranks on buyer's lists.
5. Spa like Bathrooms:
Think white, think clean, think luxury. These are today's trends in Bathroom renovations. Walk in showers, large soaker or whirlpool tubs, beautifully framed mirrors, chrome and beautiful tile floors and tub enclosures. Add to this plenty of thick white towels, elegant accessories and art work (especially in the master bath)
6. Upgraded Light Fixtures:
Today's buyers spend the majority of day light hours away from their homes. This has increased the demand for not only more attractive and functional lighting but also for more lighting in general. Be sure to include not only ambient lighting but also task lighting and accent lighting. Popular trends in lighting include pendant style lights over kitchen islands, puck lights in glass cabinets, under cabinet lighting and side lit vanities. Popular metals and finishes include brushed nickel, chrome, bronze, pewter and black metal.
7. Energy Efficient Features:
Energy consciousness is not a fad. It is a trend that will continue to grow in the buying public's consciousness. With soaring heating & electrical costs, water shortages and growing environmental awareness buyers are looking for ways to reduce their living expenses and to reduce their carbon footprint. Up-grades that improves a home's energy efficiency like: new thermal windows and doors; high-efficiency furnaces; energy efficient air-conditioners; energy star appliances; low flush toilets; low water demand landscaping and high R-factor insulation should bring you a good return on your investment.
8. Fabulous Fixtures
Up-grading your homes jewellery (such as draw pulls, door knobs, taps and faucets) will help it to stand out amongst the other homes on the market. Try to create a uniformed look throughout the home using the same metal and similar style.
9. Open Floor Plans:
Gone are the days of tiny little rooms and dark dingy corners. Today's buyers are looking for open and airy spaces with lots of light.
10: Low maintenance Landscaping:
Todays buyers do not have a lot of spare time for demanding yards. They are looking for low maintainace yards that look proffessioanlly landscaped. Decks continue to be popular but ponds have lost their appeal for many buyers. Black metal fencing (or wrought iron) have become very popular and combination stone and payment driveways and a big draw.
