What Home Buyers in Minnesota Want 

For most people, their home is not only the roof over their heads; it is the most valuable financial asset they possess. As such, sellers should expect to make the most profit possible from its sale. With this goal in mind, if you are a seller preparing to put your house on the market, it is essential to consider what features buyers view most favorably.

Things for Home Sellers in MN to Consider

In the process of getting your home in tip-top shape for the market, you may plan to do some upgrades. That's a good idea, providing you do not go overboard on improvements. To spend your money wisely, it pays to know what features make a buyer's heart beat faster when looking at homes. Here are some of the features that turn lookers into buyers.

Laundry Room

Color me surprised, but a separate laundry room has become a game-changer with homebuyers in recent years. A dedicated laundry room was the number one feature in a National Association of Home Builders survey, with 91 percent of buyers saying, "I need one!" If you have the washer and dryer in the basement, as many people do, consider kicking the space up a notch with some cabinetry, shelving, and a folding table.

Hardwood Floors

According to a 2019 survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 83% of buyers prefer wood floors. If you sell a home with hardwood floors under wall-to-wall carpeting, it makes sense to rip it out and refinish the floors. If your carpeting is begging for a replacement, upgrade to wood, engineered wood, or laminate flooring. 

Updated Kitchen

Newer kitchens are on just about every buyer's wish list. Spending some money on modernizing an outdated kitchen can reap the most rewards. There are several cost-effective ways you can accomplish this without breaking the bank, especially if you are handy and willing to do some of the work yourself.

• Paint your cabinets.  White kitchens are still very popular with today's homebuyers. Two-tone kitchens are trending with gray, deep blue, or black lower cabinets and white uppers. Although this is not a fast DIY project, the results can be almost as appealing as a new kitchen.
• Granite or quartz are very popular with today's home buyers. A natural material would be the way to go if you have dated laminate countertops, which by the way, were a notable turn-off for buyers.
• Seventy-five percent of buyers want new appliances, preferably stainless steel. If you have dated appliances, replacing them with Energy Star certified models would be a wise investment. 

Updated Baths

Newer bathrooms score right up there with updated kitchens in a buyer's heart. If your bath is old and tired, a modern vanity, sink, mirror, and lighting can bring it back to life without costing a fortune.

Home Office

According to the most recent US Census data, over 13 million people in America work from home. From a Gallup survey, we learn more than a third telecommute occasionally. As Technology improves and we become more mobile, home-based work will be an increasing trend, and the demand for a dedicated home office space will expand. If possible, consider staging a bedroom or flex space as an office.

Backyard Deck, Patio, Firepit 

With 87 percent of buyers placing a deck or patio on their list of features, it would be unwise to ignore the backyard area when preparing your home for sale. Outdoor living space is a coveted home feature so staging the space for entertaining and relaxing is sure to move your home to the top of the list with potential buyers—bonus points for a firepit.

A Garage with Storage Space

Young buyers transitioning from renting to owning are looking forward to lots of space to store their things. Buyers with young families want storage that is convenient and accessible as well, and their preference is the garage. With 85 percent of buyers putting this on their want list, consider adding shelving or cabinets in your garage before putting your home on the market.

There you have my shortlist. Other features rated high with buyers include open floor plans, double kitchen sinks, water-saver toilets, a kitchen island, Energy Star certified windows, smart-home features such as programmable thermostats, wireless-controlled home security, and lighting systems.

Single story homes are the most popular preferred by 65 percent of buyers surveyed. Most buyers want to live in the suburbs in a community with good schools and nearby retail establishments, parks, walking, and biking trails.