Page 61 - June 2017 Newsletter

What homebuyers really want
Before you decide to list your home, it helps to have a sense of how attractive it will be to buyers, which will influence your initial ask-
scape lights and above-ground spotlighting are aestheti- cally pleasing and useful additions to a home. Such light- ing also helps you by doubling your home’s exposure to
passersby.
Energy-efficient windows. Buyers appreciate
green-conscious upgrades that save them mon- ey as homeowners. Energy-efficient windows are manufactured with materials and design that re-
LISA SANDERS
n
ng price and how to handle any offers you receive. According to a large na- tional survey conducted by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine, there are certain home features that most home buyers consider deal-makers. If you al-
i
i
ready have these, highlight them in your listing; if
you don’t, it might lead to better offers if you invest in an upgrade!
Separate laundry room. The Kiplinger’s survey ranked this as their top home amenity — not only did 93% of buyers consider it a necessity, but 57% of the respon- dents said it was a deal-breaker if the home didn’t have one. While not as showy or glamorous as other rooms in a property, utility will often be more valuable to a buyer than appearances. Larger families, in particular, consider a dedicated laundry room to be essential.
Exterior lighting. Curb appeal sells a house both by attracting buyers and by letting them imagine their own pride in owning a beautiful property. Wall lanterns, land-
duce the transfer of heat from indoors to outdoors — and the reverse — which means that you spend less money per year keeping your home warm or cool. Typically, this means that they have low-maintenance, durable frames and dual panes of glass with an air or other gas-filled space. Look for the Energy Star label, which lets you know that the product has been reviewed and certi- fied by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), a governmental regulatory body that follows strict guide-
lines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Storage space. Buyers looking to accommodate a grow- ing family will place a high premium on homes that max- imize space for everyday items. Cabinet space in kitchens might not be adequate in many properties on the mar-
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Real Estate
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JUNE 2017 61