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Know what appeals to home buyers?
If You Were Selling Today, Would You Have the Home That Buyers Want?
Article From HouseLogic.com
By: Dona DeZube
Published: November 08, 2013
Knowing what appeals to today’s homebuyers, and considering those trends when you remodel, can pay off years from now when you sell your home.
Two new surveys about what homebuyers want have me feeling pretty smug about my own home choices. Maybe you’ll feel the same.
Privacy from neighbors remains at the top of the most-wanted list (important to 86% of buyers), according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS’® “2013 Community Preference Survey.” Privacy is no doubt the best feature of my mid-century ranch home, since I can only see one neighbor’s house and it’s a couple hundred feet down my driveway.
It may not be practical to move your neighbors farther away (although I’m sure many people wish they had that superpower), but you can increase your home’s privacy (and therefore its resale value) by planting a living privacy screen (http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/plants-trees/home-privacy-screens/) of trees and shrubs or by physically screening off your patio (http://www.houselogic.com/blog/patios/screens-protect-your-patios-right-privacy/).
Related: Trees Contribute to Property Value, Energy Savings, and More (http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/landscaping-gardening/landscaping-home-value/)
3 More Takeaways for the Next Time You Remodel
1. More and more generations are living together. Another NAR survey, the “2013 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers,” found 14% of buyers purchased a home suited to a multigenerational household due to children over the age of 18 moving back into the house, cost savings, and the health and caretaking of aging parents.
I did that back when my parents were still alive, and it worked out great for everyone. I didn’t have time to let my infant daughter nap on my shoulder all afternoon, but my mom did. She couldn’t drive to church meetings at night, but I could take her. And neither of us liked cleaning the gutters, but my husband didn’t mind that chore.
Even if you’d rather live in a cardboard box than with your mother, you might want to consider the multigenerational living trend when you’re remodeling. For instance, opting for a full bath when finishing the basement could offer more convenience for you now and boost your home’s resale value by making it more appealing to a multigenerational family.
2. On average, homeowners live in their home for nine years. That’s up from six years in 2007. Since you’ll be in your home for a long time, it makes sense to remodel to suit your taste but also with long-lasting marketability in mind. After all, you don’t want to have to redo stuff. For instance, you can go for trend-defying kitchen features (http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/kitchens/classic-kitchen-remodeling/), like white overtones and Shaker-style cabinets, which work with a variety of styles.
I feel compelled to caution against going so far out of the norm for your neighborhood that it’ll turn off potential buyers even nine years from now. (It never hurts to get your REALTOR®’s opinion on your remodeling plans.)
Related: Home Upgrades with the Lowest ROI (http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/home-improvement/home-upgrades-you-shouldnt-do/)
3. Homebuyers love energy efficiency. Heating and cooling costs were “somewhat” or “very important” to a whopping 85% of buyers. If your home could use an energy-efficiency upgrade, go with projects that have a solid return on investment, like sealing your air leaks (http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/insulation/home-air-leak-seal-tips/) and adding attic insulation (http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/insulation/attic-insulation-savings/). You’ll save money on your utility bills now and when you’re ready to sell, your home will appeal to buyers looking for efficiency.
By the way, to take back your energy bills, you need to do at least four things. One to two fixes won’t cut it, thanks to rising energy costs.
About two-thirds of survey respondents also thought energy-efficient appliances and energy-efficient lighting were important. Tuck away your manuals and energy-efficiency information when you buy new appliances and lighting. When you’re ready to sell (in nine years) you can pull those out and display them where buyers will see them.
Related: Which Light Bulbs are Best? (http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/lighting/which-light-bulbs-are-best/)
Open houses for the weekend of May 17th and 18th, 2014
11401 Makah Rd, Woodway 98020-4177
MLS #617914 – $995,000 Open Sunday 1-4pm
Located in the desirable community of Woodway Park Estates and just a few minutes to downtown Edmonds, shopping, restaurants, parks and beaches. Just under an acre of private, park like setting with rolling lawn and plenty of parking inside the gated entry. Step from your master suite into your private hot tub within an enclosed patio or cozy up next to the wood burning stove. 2nd full kitchen/living space (perfect MIL) with separate entrance and own separate garage. More information here.
1445 NW 186th, Shoreline 98177
MLS# 634043 $799,000
Picturesque, private setting for this stunning home that was completely remodeled in 2005. Move in condition with all the bells & whistles, great open floor plan highlighted by Brazilian Cherry floors, Viking range, granite counter tops in kitchen and baths, heated floors in baths, built- in stereo inside & out. Lower level bedroom, media room, office, playroom, 3/4 bath, wet bar, & utility room. Entertain in style in the backyard on the Blue Stone Patio, complete with built in fire pit and Viking Grill. More information here.
2516 NW 195th Place, Shoreline 98177
MLS #557221 – $749,000 Open Sunday 1-4pm.
Fabulous condo alternative very near Richmond Beach waterfront. Fantastic 180 degree views and plenty of windows and deck space to enjoy them from! Flipped floor plan with main living on top and bedrooms on the first two floors. Gourmet kitchen and built-ins. Street and alley access with good parking and just enough space for a garden and patio. Close to the Saltwater Park, the Cabin Restaurant, and the Library Park. Outstanding schools and upscale developments make this the place to be! More information here.
New on the market!
5408 NE 197th St, Lake Forest Park 98155
MLS# 635955 $519,900
Distinctive 1998 built 4 bedroom Craftsman style 2 story poised on a quiet cul-de-sac is move ready! Alluring light open main level includes extensive hardwoods, study/den and great room with new stainless steel appliances in modern kitchen, breakfast nook and family room with gas fireplace. French doors leads to private patio with arbor and manicured gardens with sprinkler system. Spacious private master suite has walk in closet and 5 piece bath. Laundry off huge 2 car garage. Great schools! More information here.
1445 NW 186th, Shoreline 98177
MLS# 634043 $799,000
Picturesque, private setting for this stunning home that was completely remodeled in 2005. Move in condition with all the bells & whistles, great open floor plan highlighted by Brazilian Cherry floors, Viking range, granite counter tops in kitchen and baths, heated floors in baths, built- in stereo inside & out. Lower level bedroom, media room, office, playroom, 3/4 bath, wet bar, & utility room. Entertain in style in the backyard on the Blue Stone Patio, complete with built in fire pit and Viking Grill. More information here.
8714 236th St SW, Edmonds 98026
MLS# 636397 $275,000
Great location in Edmonds! Charming three bedroom, one bath rambler on quiet, level corner lot. Large open living room flows into dining room with hardwood floors, vaulted ceiling, with lots of natural light from windows and skylight plus a cozy wood fireplace. Kitchen pass through to living room. Ample size bedrooms with larger closets. Mud/laundry room is close to bedrooms. Patio and extra garden sheds. Garage has plenty of storage and wood worker’s bench. Huge lot with off street parking. More information here.
Coming of light rail and real estate investments in Seattle?
A landmark Seattle apartment building across the street from the University District’s future light rail station traded hands Tuesday for $13 million.
Gerry Pigotti of Gibraltar/Persus Capital Partners in Seattle said the proximity of University Manor Apartments to the station played a “huge role” in his decision to buy the property. Read the full article here.
Severe inventory shortage sends Seattle-area housing prices higher
The Northwest Multiple listing service said that in King County, there’s only a 1.8-month supply of houses and condos for sale. Industry analysts say a four- to six-month supply is needed for a balanced market. The Puget Sound Business Journal report here.
New on the market!
3809 E Alder St, Seattle 98122
MLS# 629461 $1,195,000
Beautiful Ralph Anderson designed home located in gated courtyard 1/2 block from Lake Washington and 3 miles from Seattle’s core. Features include ground floor bedroom/media room with fireplace, wet bar, 3/4 bath and elevator to all levels. Second floor includes two master suites with separate master baths, one with a fireplace and deck. Top floor features 2 dining areas, living and family room, kitchen and two more fireplaces. High ceilings and tall windows create great wall spaces for art with views to Cascades and Lake Washington. More information here.
New on the market!
26418 NE Anderson St, Duvall 98019
MLS #629535 – $340,000
Beautiful like-new home within walking distance of quaint downtown Duvall. This four bedroom, three bath 1930 sq ft home boasts 2 gas fireplaces, maple floors, a master suite with bath and walk-in closet. Open room concept kitchen, dining area and living room, an over-sized two car garage and a large media/family room. All of this with views of the Snoqualmie Valley and seasonal views of the river. Close to Microsoft connector service. More information here.
How important is staging and curb appeal?
Two of the most important things a home seller should invest in when selling a home are skillfully staging the home and improving the home’s curb appeal. Full article by Puget Sound Business Journal here.
New on the market!
18609 SE Newport Way, Issaquah 98027
MLS# 631193 $325,000
Welcome home to this like new two bedroom plus large den upscale condo. High-end kitchen with granite countertops, maple cabinets, Electrolux and Kitchen Aid appliances, instant hot water tank and more. Beautiful hardwoods throughout great room and kitchen floors. Large master bedroom with designer closets and a generous master bath and a slider to patio overlooking greenbelt. Don’t miss the two side by side parking spaces located in secured garage. Very close to restaurants, shopping and I-90. Won’t last long! More information here.
Seattle's Most Walkable Neighborhoods
Whether it is to avoid sitting in crawling traffic or to lower one’s carbon footprint, residences in walkable neighborhoods are increasing in appeal. According to walkscore.com, some of Seattle’s neighborhoods rank 6th in the nation for walkability. Seattle’s top 5 walkable neighborhoods are Downtown, Belltown, South Lake Union, Pioneer Square and First Hill, with the University District tightly following in 6th place. See the complete list of Seattle neighborhood walkability scores.
walkscore.com applies a 0-100 walkability score based on the following:
90-100 Walker’s Paradise Daily errands do not require a car.
70-89 Very Walkable Most errands can be accomplished on foot.
50-69 Somewhat Walkable Some amenities within walking distance.
25-49 Car-Dependent A few amenities within walking distance.
0-24 Car-Dependent Almost all errands require a car.
Windermere Real Estate/Shoreline’s walkability score is 74. What’s yours?
