Preparing for another generation of buyers

Home-ownership is on the rise-driven mainly by a shift towards owning over renting by the 35 and under crowd, who’d been wary of committing for both financial and personal reasons.

They’re not the only purchasers, of course. Which means if you’re looking to sell your house in the not too distant future, you might want to check out this generational roadmap to four upgrades that local real estate expert, Heidi Rutz, says are worth it to help attract potential buyers. “Most home improvements have a less than 90% return on investment,” says Heidi, a Realtor with NextHome Realty Select. When asked which improvements provide the most value, Heidi breaks it down according to generation:

• Cross Generational Appeal: A New Steel Door. The only thing that beat it on Remodeling magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report for 2018 was loose-fill attic insulation, but this project – with a 90.7% return on investment – speaks directly to the report’s main takeaway: “Curb appeal projects, by and large, generated higher returns on investment than work done inside the home.”
• Millennials: Smart Home Tech and New Appliances. Yes, there are Boomers and Generation Xers who are super tech savvy, but Millennials especially crave homes that allow them to control their heating, air-conditioning, home security, and lighting systems from their phones. Older appliances are a big turn off for this generation.
• Gen X’ers: A New Roof. It’s the ultimate curb appeal enhancer. Chances are the Gen X buyer just put a new roof on the home they are selling and it’s not something they want to deal with again any time soon. Consider artistic elements when selecting materials. Diamond-shaped shingles are currently on trend.
• Baby Boomers: Energy Efficient Upgrades. Fiberglass insulation installation offers the best return at 123% of costs recouped! In fact, according to The Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report this is the only home improvement that will actually earn you more than it cost.

Heidi cautions that too often sellers are disappointed to find out that their expensive kitchen or bathroom remodel might not increase their property value at all. She advises that before you call the contractor, call your REALTOR.

Heidi Rutz | REALTOR
NextHome RealtySelect | Licensed in Virginia
210 E. Main St, Front Royal, VA 22630
Phone: 540.974.5981
Email: Heidi@RutzRealty.com
Website: RealtorHeidiRutz.com