Selling an outdated house? Five fast fixes buyers love

Key insights:

• Buyers are searching for homes in move-in condition. With some simple upgrades, your pre-loved house can become a competitive listing.
• Rather than undertaking an entire home renovation, select a few updates that can be done quickly, inexpensively or DIY.
• Pay special attention to additions that buyers are known to love, like hardwood floors, exterior light fixtures and painted cabinets.

Wondering if you need to remodel your entire house before listing? Thanks to a 2024 study, “What Home Buyers Really Want,” conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), you don’t have to guess. Now, you can appeal to today’s buyers by making a few easy tweaks to your property.

Plus, according to findings from the National Association of REALTORS®, 85% of today’s homebuyers purchased previously owned homes. So, if you’re thinking your pre-owned abode can’t compete with newly constructed properties, think again! Many buyers are searching for homes like yours — and they’re likely paying full price, too.

Below, we’re featuring five home projects that are smart, inexpensive and can help polish an outdated space. Plus, 80% or more of NAHB’s survey respondents deemed them essential or desirable!

1. Laundry room

A dedicated laundry space is a big draw to home buyers. Included are a washer, dryer, folding/ironing area and storage for drying racks, stain treaters, detergents and drying sheets. Remember that a laundry room often doubles as a space for cleaning supplies, so cabinets, closets and shelves all add value to the space. Bonus if there’s a utility sink for handwashing delicates and filling up mop buckets!

2. Outdoor space

Whether it’s a patio, porch or deck, buyers are eager for outdoor space that allows them to relax outside when the weather is nice. These areas can vary greatly from enclosed, backyard oases to a cozy corner to stop and chat with neighbors; it all depends on the space you have and how you use it. Landscaping is also a great way to increase curb appeal and doesn’t have to involve a lot of labor to upkeep while you’re on the market.

3. Energy Star windows

Energy efficiency is a huge draw to potential buyers, and windows are a great place to start. Energy Star certified windows meet specified performance criteria that will help reduce a home’s energy use, lower utility bills and prevent air leaks and drafts, allowing homeowners to create a comfortable climate within their home. They also feature multiple panes of glass that are often cushioned with gas to help with insulation, as well as insulated frames to minimize heat transfer.

4. Exterior lighting

Not only will exterior lighting add visibility and safety to the property in the long haul, it will also improve your curb appeal as you sell your home.

Here are a few creative ways to install additional lighting to the exterior of your home:

• Replace front door lighting fixtures
• Add uplighting under the front porch
• Insert in-ground lighting along walkways
• Illuminate a pergola or deck with cafe lights

5. Hardwood floors

Hardwood floors are a go-to renovation for soon-to-be sellers. If your home already has hardwood floors, you’re in luck. Simply give your floors a clean and fresh shine by refinishing or resealing the wood.

If your property currently has carpet, linoleum or other flooring, it may be time to upgrade to hardwood floors. Laminate options are available for less money, while true hardwood will cost more (and may be more appealing to buyers).

Other highly sought-after features

Don’t have the money for new windows or the space for a dedicated laundry area? Here are a few other highly-rated updates noted by NAHB:

• Ceiling fans
• Garage storage
• Tankless water heaters
• LED lights
• Outdoor fireplace
• Table space in the kitchen or built-in seating in the kitchen
• Home security, including security cameras and a video doorbell

Be sure to also check out the five home improvements with the best ROI, according to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report!

Moving forward with a home sale?

Looking for more tips about the selling process? Download “The Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Home” to find out everything you’ve ever wanted to know about listing your house for sale.

And, by moving forward with one of Edina Realty’s REALTORSⓇ, you can rest assured that you have a market expert guiding the path to a successful home sale.<href="#/?fl=Customer%20Care%20Page%20Contact"> Reach out to Edina Realty or one of our agents today for help choosing smart home updates and posting your “for sale” sign.