[schema type="organization" orgtype="LocalBusiness" url="http://4salebydonna.com" name="Real Estate Agent Donna Baker" description="Real Estate Agent showing homes for sale and available real estate in Monrovia, Pasadena, Arcadia the San Gabriel Valley in Southern California." city="Monrovia" state="Ca" postalcode="91016" email="donna@4salebydonna.com " phone="(626) 408-7766 "]

Increase the value of your home? Find out what buyers want.

Add french doors and an outdoor seating area to increase the value of your home.

Living Space re-think: Add french doors and an outdoor seating area to increase the value of your home.

Are you wondering how to remodel or upgrade for the most bang for your buck when you sell? The answer is simple. Find out what buyers want.  Consumer Reports magazine tells us that there are several steps a homeowner can take that may boost the value of your home, directed by research from today’s buyer.

Ranked in order of preference, here is the short list of what can do to potentially increase your home’s value or in other words, what the buyers are looking for.

  1. Kitchen –  Buyers want “a modern/updated kitchen.”  This doesn’t mean to start from scratch, nor does it mean spending tens of thousands of dollars. A simple update of appliances and counter tops with a fresh finish to the cabinets can do the trick. Also, consider an update of cabinet hardware, kitchen faucet, and light fixtures.
  2. Living space re-think -Buyers would like to see an “open floor plan with flexible living space” according to the article. Think about a room that buyers could stand as a home office, a workout room, or a place for a grandparent…with a door into a private bath. Can that tired old backyard work as an “outdoor entertainment area” if you add french doors from the family room and maybe some decking?  Gone are the days of the big lawn in the back yard. Buyers like to see a seating area with room for a BBQ, outdoor TV viewing and maybe a firepit.
  3. Energy Efficiency –  Water is a big deal in Southern California. Change out that lawn and install a low water yet lush looking landscape, swap out old toilets with sleek new dual flush low-flow toilets. Buyers prefer a home that addresses lower energy costs. How about considering dual pane windows with low E, or insulation in the attic. LED lighting is the newest take on energy savings.
  4. Update major systems – consider the heating, air conditioning, roof, plumbing, and electrical systems. Many of these upgrades bring high value to your home.  Buyers like to know they will not have to contend with aging systems. Younger buyers are also looking for fuss-free surfaces that clean easily and do not stain. Wood, laminate, or porcelain tile floors, quartz counter tops: these work well with the modern and sleek look that is popular now.
  5. Senior features – Baby boomers are still a driving force as buyers. They are looking for single level homes, or at least one with a master bedroom on the main floor. Considering their potential for walkers and wheel chairs, that means wider doorways, easy to navigate outdoor surfaces, step in showers with a seat, non-slip floor materials.
  6. Cosmetic touches – fresh paint is always the lowest cost way to add increased value and buyer appeal. Go for neutral colors, white or off white. If you are looking at remodeling that kitchen or bath, go to neutral colors for all surfaces for the best value when you sell.

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