Amenities Home Buyers Crave:

If you are selling your home, it pays to know what modern buyers are looking for. The right amenities can make a world of difference, helping your home sell more quickly and for a higher price
Part of selling a home is giving the buyer what they want. Here are some of the things modern buyers crave.

Modern Lighting

The right lighting can make any home look better, and upgrading your lights could make a world of difference. Something as simple as installing new spotlight on the front door or a set of solar-powered lights along your front walkway will enhance your home’s curb appeal and give would-be buyers a good first impression.

Updating the lighting inside your home is a smart move as well. Replacing your old light bulbs with new and brighter LEDs will make your home look airier and more inviting and save you money at the same time.

A Wireless Security System

Security is an important consideration for the modern home buyer, but many homeowners have come to dislike old-line security companies and hard-wired systems. Modern buyers are looking for a better solution – one that can be easily moved from home to home. Investing in a wireless security system can make your home more attractive to would-be buyers and even boost its selling price.

New Energy-Efficient Windows

Replacing the windows is a difficult job, one that few buyers will want to tackle. That makes a home with new and more energy-efficient windows more attractive than ever.

If you have recently replaced your old windows with newer models, be sure to let the Realtor® know. Today’s buyers love energy-efficient windows, and they know that those new windows will save them money every month.

A Home Office

These days a lot of people work from their homes, and the presence of a home office can be a big plus for those buyers. Adding a standalone office to your home prior to putting it on the market probably does not make sense, but if you already have one make sure it is prominently highlighted in any marketing materials.

Built-In Storage

Ample storage is an important consideration for modern home buyers, and built-in storage solutions are very popular know. From recessed bookcases built into the bedroom walls to shelving units incorporated into the garage, the presence of these storage solutions can be a major selling point.

Knowing what buyers are looking for is one of the best ways to sell your home quickly. The more attractive your home is to would-be buyers the easier it will be to sell. The amenities listed above are in especially high demand, so be sure to point them out to all potential buyers.


Home Buyer Checklist:

Buying a home is not something to be taken lightly – or something to be entered into without preparation. Whether you are in the market for a $100,000 home or a $1,000,000 mansion, you need to prepare carefully and make sure everything is ready to go.

The home buying checklist below can help you get started and reduce the chances of an unpleasant surprise down the line. Taking care of these items before you start shopping is an important part of the home buying process.

Set a Monthly Housing Budget

Setting a realistic monthly housing budget is essential, and it should be the first step on your checklist. Financial experts recommend that the total cost of housing, including the mortgage payment, real estate taxes, maintenance and upkeep, should be no more than a third of your gross income.

You can use an online mortgage calculator to estimate the cost of your monthly mortgage payment and use it to determine a price range when you start to shop for a home. Remember it is best to err on the low side and buy less home than you can afford rather than stretch to make the monthly mortgage payment.

Check Your Credit Score

Your credit score will help determine the interest rate you pay on your mortgage, or if you qualify for a mortgage at all. If you do not yet know your credit score, make it the next item on your home buying checklist.

Many credit card issuers now include credit scores on their monthly statements. If yours does not, just contact the credit reporting agencies to get a copy of your most recent score.

Research the Local Neighborhoods

You will probably be shopping in more than one neighborhood, so it is important to research the local area thoroughly. Look at things like school graduation rates, trends in violent and nonviolent crime and home values as you select neighborhoods and make your home shopping list.

You want to buy in an up-and-coming neighborhood and avoid declining areas. The more you know about which neighborhood is which the easier it will be to make a wise decision.

Find a Great Realtor®

Once you have all your ducks in a row and know how much you can afford to spend, it is time to start interviewing local real estate agents. You want an agent who knows the local area and has specific expertise in the type of home you have in mind.

Look for a Realtor® who holds all the required licenses and has attained the necessary accreditations. Once you have selected a great agent, you can get on with choosing the right home for yourself and your family.