What Buyers Want In A Kitchen And Bathroom

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What are home buyers looking for? What do they want most in the kitchen and bathrooms? According to the buyer profile of home feature preferences conducted by the NAR, here are the most popular upgrades that appeal to home buyers.

• 36% of home buyers are looking for a separate shower enclosure in the master bathroom.
• 31% of home buyers say that an eat-in-kitchen is at the top of their list.
• 24% of home buyers have high-end appliances at the top of their list for features.
• 23% of home buyers want those granite countertops.
• 21% of home buyers are looking for a an island in the kitchen. (0% want palm trees)

Top retrofits that home buyers love in the kitchen and bathroom:

• Tile a backsplash. Use a bright color or bronze-like metallic.
• Add under counter lighting. Improve safety and ambiance.
• Paint the upper kitchen cabinets. Choose a different color for a custom look.
• Add doors with glass panels to some cabinets. Or create open shelves to display a few special dishes.
• Change the hardware. For a fresh look, install new knobs and pulls, or reface the cabinet doors.
• Universal bath design. Roll-in showers and decorative grab bars that match other bath fixtures.
• A kitchen island. Ideally one that's not a boring square and that incorporates lots of storage.
• A sealed shower. Multiple shower heads and outside vent to cut down mold build up on grout and behind walls. Home inspectors love ventilation.
• Stainless steel appliances. Essential today at almost every home price point.

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Other great ideas for adding appeal and value to your home:

• Add dimmers to all lighting so that you can adjust the light and mood in the room.
• Choose strong saturated colors as well as warm grays. A little shimmer is also a good thing.
• Coppery metallics and glass tiles in a rainbow of hues are a perfect way to add that pop of color in a kitchen.
• Add a bold color to the laundry room. It's a place to work in so make it fun.
• Add a walk-in pantry if possible. Storage is always a positive thing.
• Add an outlet inside a bathroom vanity drawer to hide shavers and other items. It's one of those little things that a buyer will think is a great idea and it will set your home apart.
• Install a single mounted faucet in the bathroom. It will make the space appear larger and modern.
• If you really want to get creative, try adding a refrigerated drawer in the bathroom to store cosmetics, medicines or morning juices. Warming drawers for towels are also an innovative idea.
• Replace cabinet shelves with roll-out shelves for better organization and a quick upgrade.
• Buyers also appreciate earth friendly upgrades like bamboo floors and cabinets. Also try eucalyptus for a more traditional look. Eucalyptus trees can be harvested in 10 years. The wood is dense and will take a darker stain.
• Recycled copper also makes for a great thoughtful kitchen upgrade. It will be appreciated by those looking for a more green approach to modern design.
• Try switching out a faucet to one with a built-in sensor. It saves water, and little ones never have to remember to turn it off. Another plus in a buyer's eye.
• When upgrading or adding a kitchen island or bath vanity, think high end furniture. A custom feel and separation from the pack is what buyers like. Think columns, toe boards and moldings.
• Try adding stylish pendant or chandelier lighting over an island or eat-in kitchen area for an easy custom upgrade.

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Easy Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. conducted a study of working adults between 18 and 31 years old and found that most are willing to pay as much as 20% more for appliances that can be customized with features like removable fronts and trivection ovens that simultaneously use thermal heat, convection ovens and microwave cooking.

Most young adults also said they wanted natural woods and stone in their kitchens and 76% said they are at least interested in having a greener kitchen. Since they prefer to cook at home and entertain, they want kitchens to be bigger. It may be time to knock out a wall or view your kitchen and bathroom for the next generation home owner.

If you're thinking of selling your home in Ohio and would like advice from expert Realtors at Howard Hanna, contact us and we'd be happy to analyze your home and discuss our marketing plan with you.






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