The COVID-19 pandemic has had an undeniable impact on the real estate market in Columbus, Ohio and elsewhere across the country. A combination of recession-induced low mortgage rates, work-from-home situations, a wave of first-time millennial homebuyers, and years of under-building has resulted in record-high demand, record-low inventory, and incredible home value gains. This means now is a great time to sell your home!
National Association of Home Builders, 25% of homebuyers have altered their housing preferences because of the pandemic. Make sure your property stands out in a post-pandemic world by upgrading it with these must-have features.
Laundry Room
The single most-wanted specialty area is a laundry room, with 87% of homebuyers putting it on their must-have list. If your home only has a laundry closet, consider upgrading to a full-fledged laundry room. The basement is usually the easiest and cheapest place to put one, but keep in mind that 63% of buyers prefer to have the washer and dryer on the ground floor.
Outdoor Features
Outdoor living has become an essential survival mechanism during the pandemic. As a result, 75% to 87% of homeowners are looking for these outdoor features:
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Exterior lighting
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Backyard patio or deck
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Front porch
Energy-Efficient Features
More than half of all buyers are willing to pay extra for a home if they know it will lead to lower utility costs. The features they hope to find include:
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Double- or triple-pane windows
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Efficient appliances
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Efficient lighting
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High efficiency rating for the whole house
Technology
The most in-demand technology is designed to improve either energy efficiency or home security. Appeal to today’s homebuyers by upgrading the following before you sell your home:
- Programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat
- Security cameras
- Video doorbell
- Wireless home security system
- Zoned HVAC system
Kitchen Upgrades
More homeowners put their kitchens to work during the pandemic when eateries were closed for weeks at a time. As a result, 76% to 81% of homebuyers consider the following features essential or desirable:
- Double-basin kitchen sink
- Walk-in pantry
- Eat-in kitchen
- Kitchen island
- Tap water filtration system
Hardwood Floors
Hard-surface flooring is beautiful, less allergenic, and easier to maintain than wall-to-wall carpet. That’s why over 80% of buyers want it in the main living area of their next home.
Accessibility Features
As Baby Boomers continue to age, they want the peace of mind that comes from having a more accessible home. The features that top the list for 64% to 80% of homebuyers include:
- Full bath on the main floor
- Three-foot-wide doorways
- Four-foot-wide hallways
- Non-slip floor surfaces
- Front entrance without steps
If you’re looking to sell your home in Columbus, Ohio, reach out to Vutech | Ruff, Corcoran Global Living. We have over 60 years of combined experience in the real estate industry and would be pleased to help you achieve your goals. Call us at (614) 897-0618 or contact us online today to learn more.
