WINDOWS
Windows are another update that can reap rewards, although they’re not necessarily the cheapest option. However, if your home doesn’t have energy-efficient windows already, adding them can increase your home’s value. They’ll also be a great selling point for energy-efficient-centered buyers!
BEHIND THE SCENES — MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
The things I’ve mentioned so far have been aspects of the house the buyer will see in pictures online or during a home tour, but it’s just as important to make sure all the mechanical aspects of your house are up to code and in good working order. The National Association of Realtors® found that, out of 31 mechanical features, a central air system was the most important for buyers. Sixty-five percent of buyers wanted working central air. Beyond that, buyers want a home that’s safe—electrical systems that won’t cause fires, plumbing that won’t cause floods and mold, gas lines that won’t leak and cause explosions, heat that won’t go on the fritz in the middle of winter… I mean, can you blame them? Obviously, most of these elements are hidden away, but one thing buyers may notice as they walk through your home is the outlets. I talked about updating the covers, but if you still have two-pronged outlets, it’s a good idea to switch them out to three-pronged ones. This isn’t a big update—just a few hours for an electrician—but if buyers see the two prongs and realize they’ll have to update those themselves, you’re giving them a reason to hesitate on making an offer, and that’s definitely something you want to avoid!
You also want to consider the number of outlets, especially if you
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