Looking for a new home?
In neighborhoods built with similar or identical homes, the finishes and upgrades make one home stand out from the others…
When working with your realtor, you’ll want to rely upon their expertise and market knowledge to help you spot which upgrades are the smartest choices.
Here’s a guide to help you put your list of must haves when shopping for a new home.
1. Hardwoods & Carpeting Upgrades:
The flooring throughout your home to be and how it fits into your lifestyle is a very important choice you need to consider.
Know that hardwoods and certain types of tile are most often more expensive. Here’s a quick list to on what to look out for:
- Natural Stone: Used in entrance ways and bathrooms. Marble is usually a higher priced option
- Mosaic Tile: Intricate patterns increase the value
- Exotic Hardwoods: Brazilian Teak, tigerwood and acacia are higher end upgrades
- Patterned Hardwoods: When you see chevrons, medallions & inlays – these all increase the value of the home.
- Reclaimed Hardwoods: These are very popular right now and also increase the value of the home.
At the lower end of the flooring costs are linoleum, vinyl and laminates. But remember some of these laminate flooring options can have a higher end look.
Ask your real estate agent to find out what flooring is used throughout the home you are considering.
2. Kitchen Upgrades
You need to know if the kitchen has been simply updated or is it remodeled.
Signs of an update are new appliances, lighting & painting. On older homes when you see things like a farmhouse sink, quartz countertops and ceramic flooring those are usually signs that the kitchen has been completely remodeled.
Marble, soapstone & concrete countertops are three of the most expensive materials used in kitchen remodels. And again if you see laminate, it is about ¼ the prices of the more expensive options.
Looking at these things in a kitchen will give you a better idea of the value of the upgraded finishes whether it is a new home, updated or complete remodel.
3. Bathrooms Upgrades
Having a spacious bathroom in a home is a very desirable feature when buying a home.
Look for high end upgrades like these that will increase the value:
- Water closet
- Double sinks or vanities
- Expansive shower
- Soaker tubs
- High end surfaces like quartz, granite or marble
And you should look closely at faucets, lighting & shower heads as well to see what has been used. Let’s not forget the high efficiency toilets – having one of those will help you reduce your water bills.
Green Home Upgrades
Besides high efficiency toilets, you’ll want to ask your realtor what types of green features the home has.
Here’s a list to think about:
- Solar panels
- Low-emission (Low-E) windows
- High-efficiency appliances
- Sustainable building materials
- Programmable thermostat
If it’s been repainted inside, ask if low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint was used.
Know what upgrades to look out for and having a list of what you want that fits into your lifestyle and budget is smart. Be sure to share your list with your real estate agent so they know what to look out for when helping you to purchase your dream home.