9 Popular Home Features Buyers Want

As of this writing, it is still a strong seller’s market in Florida. While demand is steady, inventory is rising – meaning more residents are putting their homes on the market. As more sellers begin to compete with each other – and new construction builders – buyers will be given more choices, and sellers may have to consider how to get the best possible price for their homes.

In 2021, the National Association of Home Builders surveyed homebuyers across the country to determine which home features were the most important in their quest for a new place. Some of these are relatively easy and affordable renovations for home sellers, and others represent a significant investment. We understand that you may have limited funds to perform upgrades and remodeling projects – so if your home is old or dated, these are the home features you should focus on when renovating and preparing to sell.

Note: Major renovations do not always recoup their full value at the sale, so homeowners will need to assess the value each of these home features may represent in their market and in regard to their particular property.

Add These Home Features to Catch a Buyer’s Eye

1. Dedicated Laundry Room (87%): Coming in tied for the top of the list is the desire to have a dedicated space for laundry activities. while this may be surprising at first, it makes sense – families do a lot of laundry, and they want a clean area that they can shut the door on. Many Florida homes now feature a laundry room, but if you do not have a dedicated space, consider at least adding shelving, cabinetry, and storage to help hide away the dirty laundry and cleaning products.
2. Exterior Lighting (87%): Illuminating outdoor spaces is increasingly important to homebuyers, as evidenced by the strong percentage of them who indicated lighting as a “must-have.” This included lighting for driveways, walkways, and yards, as well as decorative, functional lighting for outdoor living spaces such as lanais, decks, and patios.
3. Ceiling Fans (83%): Perhaps with a desire to keep energy costs low, home buyers are looking for ceiling fans in key living spaces and bedrooms. When used in tandem with A/C, ceiling fans can help cut down on utility bills, especially during Florida’s cooler months.
4. Energy Efficient Features (82%): Homebuyers are looking to save energy and money. The good news for home sellers is that windows that are up to code are typically very energy efficient, and Energy Star or similarly compliant appliances are the norm rather than the exception in today’s market.
5. Patios and Lanais (82%): Except for exterior lighting, beautiful outdoor living space is the most coveted outdoor feature for homebuyers. Ranging from a simple concrete patio to an extensive living space with an outdoor gourmet kitchen and fireplace, these buyers want a place to relax, entertain and enjoy everything Florida has to offer – and the backyard often sells the home.
6. Double Kitchen Sink(81%): Eight out of ten home buyers desire a double sink to assist with easy cleanup, which may be one of the most straightforward home features to add. Think side-by-side, deep sinks that can accommodate many dishes, pots, and pans. It may not be glamorous, but it makes an impact.
7. Walk-In Pantry (81%): If you are undergoing a kitchen renovation, don’t neglect to add this must-have feature for many homebuyers – a large, walk-in pantry. Families know just how quickly kitchen countertops can become cluttered, so the ability to store non-perishables, snacks, seasonings, and kitchen implements just steps away is a huge benefit.
8. Full Bathroom on the Main Level (80%): This is less of a challenge to find in Sarasota than in other places, but if you have a two-story home, consider how important having a beautiful full bath on the ground level is to many buyers.
9. Eat-In Kitchen (78%): Gathering the family together for a meal is essential to most home buyers, and there are many creative ways to arrange kitchen seating around your available space.

West Coast Design Build Florida helps Sarasota area homeowners to design, create and install the beautiful, functional spaces they need – from gourmet kitchens to spa bathrooms and outdoor oases. Are you ready to transform your home? Call us today.