Top Home Upgrades People Want in a COVID-19 World

Did you have plans to sell your house this year that you put on hold because it just didn't seem like the time was right? It was because of the pandemic, right?

Thought so.

You aren't alone. Many people found themselves changing their plans once the pandemic arrived, thinking that there wouldn't be a market for a while, or that what they had to offer wouldn't be enough to draw a buyer in a high supply/low demand sort of climate.

The good news is that real estate and homeownership sales had a great year, and the outlook continues to appear suitable.

That's not to say it wasn't competitive. It's a smart seller who has some extra things lined up to make the house they're selling that much more appealing to prospective buyers during a time when people's lives are so affected by COVID-19.

Here are some of the top upgrades that are selling homes these days.

Space For Home Office Or Classroom Use

Working from home (WFH) as a business practice isn't going away anytime soon.

Many major corporations have already extended WFH policies into 2021, and some have even decided to make the change permanent. Add to that the rise in the number of people engaged in either freelance or "side hustle" work, a dedicated, comfortable home office space is growing in demand. People need to be able to work in peace, take calls in private, and, in some cases, keep their home office space separate from their living room for both tax reasons and life-balance reasons.

An extra room can not only make an ample home office space, but it could also be the classroom space you need for any children engaged in remote learning. The separate room allows for fewer distractions for in-school children and less underfoot during the parents' day.

Even if a buyer doesn't need a home office or schooling space, the staging shows what possibilities the area has to offer.

The Home Gym Option

People aren't going out as much as they used to. In particular, gyms have faced many challenges in controlling health risks during the pandemic, but many people miss their gyms just the same.

That's why you can stage a room as a home gym solution for potential buyers who are serious about physical fitness. Space for yoga mats, weight training, or exercise machines mean buyers no longer have to worry about sanitized conditions at their local gym, but can exercise in the comfort and security of their own home.

Adding Improvements To Outdoor Spaces

Because people aren't going out as much as they used to, the need for a relaxing recreational space is more important than ever. For many people, that means a nice backyard or patio area they can enjoy with family or friends within their bubble.

In addition to smart-looking landscaping, you'll want to look at backyard fireplaces and kitchens, stone walkways, garden areas, and a pool or hot tub. You don't even have to do too much. A little can go a long way so long as it conveys an impression of being a place where buyers can relax.

The front counts as an outdoor space as well. Curb appeal is a huge draw for most buyers, whether they're conscious of it or not. By sprucing up the front yard, and any porch areas, you're making your home more appealing for buyers.

Selling Homes In a COVID-19 World

Other ways you can be competitive in the homebuying market can include:

• Creating a dedicated laundry room
• Making use of room dividers to break up open floor plans
• Installing skylights
• Upgrading any in-law suites if available
• Modernizing bathroom facilities
• Installing energy-efficient windows.

We also offer these additional home selling tips you can use to put your home on the top of potential buyers' lists.

Don't forget to contact an expert to help guide you through this process. 2020 was a good year for selling a home. There's no reason why 2021 can't be an even better year.

This article was created by Barb Bullard, Marketing Director of Henderson Properties, a full-service real estate agency in Charlotte, NC.