Trying to ferret out which features home buyers value most is no simple matter, even though that’s of particular importance when you have a Sapphire house for sale. Updated kitchens and bathrooms are always near the top of the ‘most desired’ features compilations; and I’d put ample storage right there with them. It may not come to mind when you ask prospects what they value the most, because it’s a “feature” that’s so much an integral part of a home’s design—but a house for sale with small closets and few drawers is still likely to register with buyers as somehow “smaller” than others with the same square footage.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, updated cabinets and counters may catch a buyer’s eye, but other less expensive improvements are may serve the same purpose. The top three features home buyers from all walks of life want in a kitchen are double sinks, room for a table, and a walk-in pantry. That doesn’t mean tearing out walls or reconfiguring the whole kitchen—but it can call for seeing if a similar effect can be achieved within a sensible budget. If you don’t have room to create a walk-in pantry, see if there is room for a stand-alone pantry cabinet. If you will be updating the kitchen sink and fixtures anyway, consider a deeper-welled model. Any improvements that add extra ‘roominess’ to the kitchen will register with many prospective buyers.

The NAHB has more findings that should interest anyone with a Sapphire house for sale. Buyers increasingly favor environmentally friendly homes, for instance—but…they don’t want to pay extra for those ‘green’ features. On the other hand, they are willing to pay more for a home that’s energy efficient. If you have already determined that new appliances will be needed anyway, installing those with high Energy Star ratings is a definite recommendation. Likewise, if window replacements are also in the cards, new energy-efficient windows are worth considering. Today’s buyers are more aware of details like windows constructed with triple-pane glass. It’s common knowledge that those favorable Energy Star ratings mean decades of lower utility bills.

One low-cost way homeowners with a Sapphire house for sale can capitalize on buyers’ safety concerns is by installing some exterior lighting. It’s a feature rated as “essential” or “desirable” by 80% of buyers in one study. Addressing the same issue: security systems. When a house for sale features a wireless home security system in its listing, even buyers whose safety concerns are less than top-of-mind will take note.

Before making any improvements, it’s only sensible to have a discussion with your Sapphire Realtor®.

Even before you’re fully committed to putting your Sapphire house up for sale, I’m ready to offer a no-obligation assessment of your home and how to best take advantage of today’s active market!