As the world grapples with the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, nearly a third of the world is working and schooling from home. As the world changes, so do real estate needs. Homes are no longer simply homes; they’re offices, classrooms, gathering spaces, etc.
If you’re planning on putting your home on the market in the Sacramento area, you’d be smart to keep these new homebuyer needs in mind as you start renovating. Not only will you want to tackle projects that spark buyer attention, but you’ll also need to think about functionality needs in a time when people are spending more and more time at home.
But don’t forget about attention-grabbers! Realtors are limiting in-person showings to serious clients, but many buyers are substituting impromptu drive-bys. Keep reading to find out not only which renovation projects are most important in this pandemic-ridden world, but also how to grab a buyer’s interest at first glance!
Desirable house projects post-COVID-19
The lasting effect of COVID-19 is still uncertain. Workers are unsure when — if ever — they’ll return back to work. Some schools have closed indefinitely. Restaurants are enforcing strict regulations for patrons.
What does this mean for potential buyers? Homes have now taken the place of workspaces, schools, and other establishments. Thus, buyers are now looking for homes that can double for the things they’re missing. Understandably, one of the biggest motivations for buyers to move right now is the need for more space. This makes sense for people who are spending double and triple the amount of time in their home as they were the year before.
According to HomeLight’s 2020 Q2 survey, top real estate agents claimed that home offices, private and spacious outdoor areas, and well-appointed kitchens are going to be key factors for homebuyers in a post-COVID-19 world. This makes sense as homes are currently functioning as offices; backyards are doubling as parks, and kitchens are handling double the effort.
In fact, agents are also predicting high ROI on renovation projects like adding a home office and patio. Adding new stainless steel appliances into kitchens actually sees the highest ROI at 141%.
Updating your curb appeal
If you’re going to be selling soon — especially in a COVID-19 world where in-person showings are limited — buyers are going to judge your home from the moment they pull into your driveway. First impressions are always key, which is probably why 94% of realtors recommend their clients update their curb appeal prior to listing their home.
As shown in HomeLight’s survey, adding a private outdoor space, such as a patio, is going to increase buyer appeal strongly. However, curb appeal is a much simpler endeavour. Realtor’s rank standard lawn care maintenance as the most important task in order to appeal to buyers.
It’s the simplest measures that impress the most. Give your front door a new coat of paint, plant some fresh flowers outside, buy a new welcome mat, hang prominent house numbers next to the front door, make sure your lawn is always freshly mowed. While basic, these tasks will have buyers looking twice.
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