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Jul 4, 2024
The 10 Most In-Demand Things Home Buyers Want
Are you selling a property? You'll know that it can be a daunting task to attract viewers and get offers because how do you know what buyers want when searching for a new home? To help you, our expert team of property experts have come up with a definitive list of the things home buyers want. So, if you're looking to sell your home in the near future, read on to discover the ten most in-demand features buyers look for in a new home! The 10 Most In-Demand Things Home Buyers Want 1. Open-Plan Living Spaces Gone are the days of compartmentalised living. Today's home buyers are on the hunt for spacious, open-plan designs that allow for flexibility and flow between rooms. The modern homebuyer’s preferences have evolved from enclosed rooms and defined spaces to open layouts. Whether it's to accommodate a growing family, entertaining guests, or to encourage a more communal style of living, these versatile spaces are adaptable. Large spaces with natural light allows easy supervision of children, improved sociability and the feeling of spaciousness. 2. A Home Office With remote working now commonplace, a dedicated home office is a necessity. Buyers prefer a space that's well-lit and quiet, offering a productive environment away from the hustle and bustle of family life. Buyers now consider home office design details including storage options and a door or divider to separate the workspace from the living area, as this promotes better focus and allows for a healthier work-life balance. 3. Outdoor Spaces You might have noticed a surge in garden renovations and patio makeovers in the past few years. That's because outdoor space is a premium feature. Buyers want space for children to play and explore safely, and they also want to be able to eat and entertain outside, using their gardens as an extension of their interiors. Buyers are also seeking low-maintenance gardens with landscaping and smart use of space. 4. Energy Efficiency The increasing costs of utilities have led to a surge in the popularity of energy-efficient homes among buyers. They are now seeking features that not only help save money but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable way of living. Some popular energy-efficient features include double-glazed windows, solar panels, and smart home systems that offer innovative control over energy consumption from a smartphone or other device. Additionally, buyers are looking for efficient insulation, energy-saving appliances, and advanced heating systems, which all contribute to a reduced carbon footprint and lower utility expenses. 5. A Modern Kitchen They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. And what buyers want is a kitchen that’s not just functional but also modern and stylish. But beyond that, they're also seeking top-notch appliances which contribute to the kitchen's overall look and feel. Innovative storage solutions, like pull-out pantry systems, are also high on buyers' wish lists. 6. En-Suite Master Bedroom Who wouldn't want a hotel-like experience right in their bedroom? An en-suite master bedroom offers that extra bit of privacy and luxury that can make all the difference in your daily routine. Buyers value a spacious master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom equipped with modern fittings, such as a large shower and a high-spec finish. Additionally, ample cupboard space or a walk-in wardrobe is desirable. 7. Location, Location, Location Whether it's being in a top-rated school catchment or a stone's throw away from amenities, location is and will always be important to buyers. Proximity to local amenities such as supermarkets, restaurants, parks, and healthcare facilities increases a property's appeal, considering the convenience and lifestyle benefits it offers to potential homeowners. Additionally, properties for sale in quiet neighbourhoods, those with stunning views, or situated near public transport links are highly sought after. 8. Ample Storage Let's face it: we all have too many belongings! Ample storage solutions, such as built-in wardrobes and loft spaces, are high on the list for potential buyers. In addition, potential homeowners also appreciate other clever storage solutions. These include built-in shelves and pantries that make the best use of available space. A shed or a garage is also appealing. 9. Pet-Friendly Features With pet ownership at an all-time high, features like a mudroom for your four-legged friend and a securely fenced garden are fetching a premium. A securely fenced garden provides not only safety but also a free space for pets to run around, play, and get their daily exercise. Additionally, it gives pet owners peace of mind knowing their furry friends can enjoy the outdoors without wandering off. 10. Smart Home Tech From video doorbells to smart thermostats, technology that simplifies life is a major selling point for today's home buyers. These advancements provide added comfort, convenience, security, and even energy savings - all wrapped into the modern smart home experience. Video doorbells, for instance, not only provide convenience with features like contactless deliveries but also enhance home security by allowing homeowners to monitor their front doors remotely via smartphone apps. Similarly, smart thermostats let residents control temperature settings based on their daily routines and preferences, optimising comfort while increasing energy efficiency. Wrapping It All Up When it comes to what are the things home buyers want, these are the top 10 features home buyers are craving! If you're in the market for a new home, consider this your ultimate checklist. And if you're considering selling, think about how many of these you can offer! If you're still unsure about what to look for, reach out to The Property Experts. Your local Property Expert is available 7-days a week. Contact us to arrange a valuation, call 0330 179 8180 or email hello@thepropertyexperts.co.uk for a chat. In the meantime, we've answered some of your common questions about what buyers want! Frequently Asked Questions About Prospective Buyers Demands Are smart heating systems a popular feature among homebuyers? Absolutely! Smart heating systems are in high demand as they provide residents with convenient temperature control, energy efficiency, and the ability to tailor heating preferences to their daily routines. How crucial is parking space for property seekers, especially first-time buyers? Parking space remains a key consideration for first-time buyers, adding both convenience and long-term value to a property, especially in urban areas where parking is often at a premium. Do double glazing and storage space significantly impact the preferences of potential homeowners? Absolutely! Double glazing enhances energy efficiency and reduces noise, making it a sought-after feature. Additionally, ample storage space, including built-in wardrobes and clever storage solutions, is highly valued by prospective buyers. Is additional living space or a renovation project more appealing to first-time buyers? It depends on individual preferences. Some first-time buyers seek properties with additional living space for immediate use, while others are attracted to a renovation project for the opportunity to customize and add value over time.
Jun 6, 2024
How to Choose an Estate Agent
When it comes to selling your property, 'how to choose an estate agent' is a critical question that can significantly impact a successful and stress-free sale. So, understanding the benefits of working with a local property expert in your area is crucial. In this article, we will provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you choose the perfect partner to market your property. At The Property Experts, we always aim to empower you, the seller, with the knowledge and confidence to make the best decision. The Benefits of Working With an Estate Agent and Leveraging Local Expertise Opting for a knowledgeable, local estate agent has several advantages that will enhance your selling experience. For example, a local estate agent knows your neighbourhood intimately, including property values, market dynamics, what's on the market, and buyer preferences. This expertise will allow them to provide accurate advice on pricing, positioning, and preparing your property for sale. So, by tapping into their local knowledge, you can set realistic expectations. The Power of a Local Network – Connecting with Buyers and Professionals One of the key strengths of using a local estate agent is their extensive network of potential buyers, fellow agents, and industry professionals. Leveraging this network can significantly speed up the sale process. Local estate agents can quickly connect with qualified buyers actively searching for properties in your area. Additionally, their connections with other professionals within the local property market allow for collaboration and access to resources that can enhance the visibility and marketability of your property. Key Factors: How to Choose an Estate Agent? To select the right estate agent to market your home, it's crucial to evaluate certain factors that can impact your experience and outcomes. Consider the following carefully: Track Record and Experience Examine the estate agent’s track record and experience in your local area. Look for a proven history of successful sales and a strong understanding of local market trends. Additionally, look at references and testimonials from previous clients to gain insights into their professionalism and effectiveness. Marketing Strategies and Innovations Enquire about the agent’s marketing strategies and techniques. A competent estate agent should have a marketing plan that utilises traditional and modern methods together. This could include digital marketing like social media, video tours, drone footage and a presence on property portals, alongside direct mail, community based promotions, open houses, brochures and newspaper advertising. They should demonstrate an ability to adapt to the ever-evolving estate agency landscape by using technology and innovative approaches to maximise exposure for your property. Communication and Support Clear and frequent communication is paramount throughout the selling process, so assess the agent’s availability and responsiveness to enquiries. A good estate agent will listen, be attentive, offer guidance on negotiations, provide regular sales progression updates, and address any concerns or questions you may have throughout the process. Negotiation Skills Effective negotiation is crucial to achieving the best possible sale price for your home, so seek out an estate agent with strong negotiation skills. They should demonstrate the confidence and expertise needed to navigate potential obstacles and secure favourable terms for the sale of your property, always working to achieve the best price for you, the seller. Fees and Contract Terms Carefully review and compare the fees and contract terms offered by different estate agents. While fees are an important consideration, you should also focus on the services provided, marketing strategies employed, and the agent’s commitment to delivering results. The cheapest is not necessarily the best! Knowing the answer to 'how to choose an estate agent' is integral to ensuring a successful property sale. Importantly, by working with a local property expert, you will gain access to their in-depth local area and market knowledge, and therefore their extensive network of qualified contacts looking to purchase a new home. Ready to Sell Your Property? Are you considering selling your property? The Property Experts is on hand to help, and we would love to hear from you. Find your local property expert here. Book a valuation or get in touch with us today via email at hello@thepropertyexperts.co.uk or on 0330 179 8180 to find out how we can help you sell your home. In the meantime, we've answered some of your common questions about how to choose an estate agent. Frequently Asked Questions About Finding the Best Estate Agents in Your Area Do online remote estate agents work just as well as local ones? Online agents might offer a lower fee, but they lack the local expertise when it comes to selling property in the local area. Local agents like The Property Experts have a network of buyers and a deep understanding of the market, often leading to a quicker sale and potentially a better price than an online estate agent can offer. How many estate agents should I contact when selling my house? There's no magic number, but 2 or 3 is a good starting point, rather than talking to just one estate agent. Getting a range of perspectives from local estate agents will help you compare fees, marketing strategies, and find the best estate agent for selling your property. What's more important: choosing the cheapest estate agent or getting the best price for my house? As The Property Experts in your area, we will always use our in-depth local knowledge and connections to achieve the best price for your property. Consider estate agent fees as an investment in getting the best outcome. What questions should I ask when chatting to estate agents? Ask about their experience selling similar properties in your area, their marketing plan (including online and offline strategies), their communication style, and their fee structure. Don't be afraid to ask us how we plan to achieve the best price for your home!