Selling Your Home? Highlight 10 Things That Many Homebuyers Want

As a home seller, you will attract more inquiries if you highlight things that most homebuyers want in your online listings, flyers and emails.

What do homebuyers want? Obviously, homebuyers differ in their preferences, as people have different circumstances and needs. Some put access to good schools as their number one criterion if they have school-age children. Others prioritize access to waterways if they have boats or love fishing. Some have must-have features like walk-in closets or fenced backyards. Some generational groups like millennials put a premium on easy access to their work and modern conveniences.

Based on the results of a US Census survey on the characteristics of new homes sold from 2014 to 2015, released in June 2016, here are three things that most homebuyers want:

1. Electric heating sources

Sales of new homes with electric heating sources grew faster than home with gas, oil and other heating sources. It’s assumed that electric heating sources became more popular because they are more energy efficient than other heating sources.

2. Porches

Based on the same survey, more new homes with porches were sold than homes with patios only, decks only, or combinations of porches, patios and decks. Porches afford views of the surroundings while providing a bit of height from the ground, comfort and shelter from the elements.

3. Three-car garages
It’s been observed that more millennials prefer to live with their parents for a while so they can save faster, so a larger garage is preferred.

Here are other things that homebuyers want, based on the National Association of Realtors’ Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2016 report:

4. Plumbing and electrical systems in perfect conditions

Understandably, buyers do not want to encounter problems that need immediate fixing. A house cannot function if plumbing or electrical works are defective.

5. No need for renovation or updating
Moving and relocating are tiring enough that most people just want to move in and live, and not worry about things to be repaired, repainted, removed, replaced, installed, reinstalled or extended

6. At least 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 1,900 square feet
The NAR survey found that the typical home that people purchased had 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,900 square feet of living space and was built in 1991.

And now, the obvious things that should be highlighted, based on our realtors’ home sale experiences:

7.  Style of house, stand-out features, superior materials used, and easy-flow layout

If applicable, mention modern-engineered hardwood flooring, abundance of natural light or, master suite with soaking tub, vanities, walk-in closet, garden views and access to the covered lanai. If the design or architecture was adapted from a well-known brand or builder, mention it. If there are features not present in some homes like guest room, den, flex room, deck, foyer, porch, patio, lanai, and other outdoor living spaces like pergola, arbor or gazebo, include them.

8.  Awesome community amenities

Community amenities that delight owners are well-maintained secured card-accessed heated pools, spa, fitness center, playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, theater, clubhouse and regular planning and hosting of community events.

9.  Great location

    Include easy access to good schools, shopping centers, restaurants, sports centers, major highways or an airport. Mention names of nearby public centers or facilities if they’re big or well-known.

10.  Smart-home and energy-efficient features 

If these are present, highlight them too. We all love energy-efficient windows, walls and appliances that save us energy costs. Remote control of lights, doors and appliances and remote tracking of the house make life more convenient and enjoyable.

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