Seven home improvement projects that will appeal to most homebuyers this year

If your client is looking to update their home, but stay in budget, there are a few features that will most likely give them more bang for their buck.

Real estate brokerage Redfin recently asked real estate agents what new features they have been seeing in homes lately, as well as what features were most appealing to clients who were touring homes. Using keywords of these features, they searched real estate listings online and took note of what trends have lead in the past five years.

1. Quartz Countertops – While granite countertops were the “must-have” in recent years, quartz is slowly starting to rise in popularity. Redfin suggests that it is only a matter of time before quartz takes over due to its durability.
2. Smart Home – Smart home features are still considered a niche, but Redfin has noticed a substantial rise in the mentioning of these features.  If your client is thinking of adding some features, Redfin suggests a system with software that can be updated when new features come out, so it doesn’t quickly become out-of-date.
3. Stainless Steel Appliances – While white appliances used to be all the rage, data shows that mentions of stainless steel appliances have increased every year since 2011. Redfin called it a “gold standard for kitchens” today.
4. Fire Pits – Climbing in popularity in 2012 and 2013, and still popular in 2014, it appears as though this trend is here to stay. Commonly placed next to pools, swimmers can warm up after a dip in the water.
5. Tasting Rooms – Slowly, the term “tasting” has has gained mentioning in listings over the last five years. Today, buyers are looking for tasting rooms to be one of the socializing rooms of the house.
6. Outdoor Kitchen – “Backyards are becoming places to lounge during the summer, with full kitchens, fireplaces and televisions,” reported Redfin. Just like the fire pits, buyers want to have a comfortable backyard that’s great for socializing.
7. Freestanding Tub – Having a combined shower and tub is great for saving space, but if you have a big enough bathroom, a freestanding tub can be a worthy addition. The term has risen every year since 2011. “Since most people take more showers than baths, they want to have a stand-alone shower with multiple shower heads. But when they want to relax, they want a freestanding tub, which is starting to become the norm in newly constructed high-end homes,” Redfin reported.