6 Data-Backed Design Trends to Boost Your Home Sale Price This Summer
Ensuring a property stands out in the competitive real estate landscape is vital to a quick sale and a higher sales price. As a Realtor, your role involves guiding clients to make intelligent, data-backed renovation decisions that will make their properties irresistible to prospective buyers. To help you, here are the top design trends, backed by industry data, to provide the best return on investment.
Maximizing Natural Light
According to a Zillow study, homes listed as ‘bright’ or having ‘lots of natural light’ sold for 3.5% more than expected. Will you ask your clients to replace their windows with larger ones and install skylights everywhere? Of course not. But, you’ll want to encourage them to ensure windows are professionally cleaned inside and out and use lighter window treatments to maximize their light.
Smart Home Features
Coldwell Banker’s Real Estate Tech survey found 63% of respondents want smart home features in their next home. Does the whole home need to be controlled by an iPhone? No. But, a Nest thermostat, Yale front door lock, and Ring video doorbell can tell buyers that the home is modern, efficient, and secure for around $600.
Home Office Spaces
Post-pandemic data from HomeLight shows homes with dedicated office spaces have seen a 3.4% increase in value. Help clients stage or create home office spaces to meet this growing demand.
Updated Kitchens and Bathrooms
Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report shows that minor kitchen and bathroom remodels can provide returns on investment of up to 80% and 70%, respectively. The key here: MINOR. New backsplashes, painted cabinets, fresh hardware and modern fixes can transform these spaces on a modest budget. And, yes, if the appliances are retro in the wrong way, new appliances may be worth considering.
Neutral Palette with Colorful Accents
Zillow’s 2020 Paint Color Analysis showed that homes with a neutral color palette sold for $4,035 more on average. Recommend sellers stick to neutral shades while adding pops of color through accessories and decor.
Minimalist and Clutter-Free
According to a report by the National Association of Realtors, a decluttered home could bring a 3% to 5% increase in the home value. Encourage clients to declutter and consider hiring a professional stager.
Don’t Forget the Repairs!
One crucial aspect of preparing a home for sale is a pre-inspection, or at the very least, a walkthrough by a licensed and reputable contractor.
While it might be intimidating for sellers to uncover potential issues, it’s better to address them before listing. Major issues are bound to surface during a buyer’s inspection, which could lead to renegotiation or even derail the sale. By addressing them upfront, sellers can enter the market confidently, knowing there will be no unpleasant surprises down the line.
By leveraging these data-backed design trends and taking a proactive approach to repairs, you can guide your sellers to make strategic decisions to make their homes more appealing and command a higher sales price.
