As the economy improves, the housing market is also beginning to improve. The market is now, more than ever, a buyer’s market: desirable homes are available in surplus, and interest rates remain at historic lows for 30 year mortgages. Because the market is so overwhelmingly in favor of the buyer, buyers can afford to be picky, and many are insisting that prospective homes include specific features in order to be considered.
Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are one of the most important amenities that homebuyers are looking for in today’s market. Granite offers a home the appearance of timeless class and luxury, and buyers know that its legendary durability will ensure that their counters will stay beautiful for the lifetime of their new home. Sellers will benefit most from upgrading kitchen countertops to granite, but they should be aware that bathroom countertop upgrades are almost as much of a selling point as those in the kitchen. Be sure to have a professional granite installation company fabricate and install your granite countertops to ensure that you and potential buyers get the most out of the investment.
Energy Efficient Fixtures
Homebuyers today are more concerned than ever about the energy efficiency of their future home. They are insisting on Energy Star appliances, double paned windows, and upgraded insulation to ensure that their utility dollar is being well spent. Upgrading your property to be more energy efficient can be more effort than you’d like as a seller, but switching over refrigerators and dishwashers to Energy Star approved versions can make a notable difference to buyers.
Programmable Thermostats
In the vein of energy efficiency, many buyers are looking for homes that offer the luxury and savings of programmable thermostats. These thermostats make it easy for homeowners to change their heating and cooling throughout the day so that they use less energy overall and pay less on their utility bills. This is one of the easiest upgrades a seller can make; programmable thermostats are readily available at your local hardware store and are easy to install yourself.
Finished Basements
More and more homeowners are using finished basements as genuine living space. For some, they’re the perfect play areas for children, and for others, they’re excellent entertainment spaces. Buyers want to be able to use every single square foot they purchase, and a finished basement ensures that they can. Sellers can easily make a basement space livable by hiring a contractor to finish the space. Have your inspector make sure the basement plans will be up to code before you begin construction.