Like to maximise the opportunity of a faster sale and a better price? We all have different ideas of what a home should be, what it should look like and feel – but there are common ‘needs and wants.’ So, here are five features that rank high with home buyers.
1 - A great first impression
It may sound cliché, but first impressions matter. You only have a few minutes to make buyers fall head over heels for your home, so you want it to look its absolute best before and after they walk through that door.
From kerb appeal to decluttering and cleaning, home staging can help you create the ‘wow’ factor your house needs. And it doesn’t require a big budget – even a few well-thought-out touches can work a charm.
Whatever the cost, at Lifestyle Finance we work with top real estate agents to help Kiwis maximise their properties’ appeal and get more buyers over their doorstep. Click here to learn more about Front Door Finance, our three-month interest-free, deferred payment option.
2 - A sense of instant connection
You want your home to have style and charm, but it’s important to help prospective buyers visualise it as their own.
Start with removing your personal photos and any extra furniture, to help people better connect with their new place. The more neutral and de-personalised your space is, the more buyers will see it as a blank canvas onto which they can project their future memories.
3 - A warm and dry place to live
Damp and mould can not only affect people’s health; they can also wipe thousands off a property’s value. For many buyers, finding a home that’s safe, warm and dry – with no costly renovations needed – is key.
While vendors usually prefer to wait until spring to list their home for sale, to avoid the rainiest months, this is not always possible or preferable. So, regardless of the season, make sure your home has the right insulation in place, and get rid of any past signs of excessive dampness with extractor fans and good curtains.
Our Healthy Homes Finance option is specifically designed to help Kiwis fund any renovations or upgrades they require. Whether you are planning to sell or want a rental property to meet the new insulation standards, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
4 - No renovation required
Another important factor that buyers consider is how much extra money they’ll need to spend, on top of the purchase price. A house that’s ready to move in without the hassles will usually get more people to your front door.
Ensure the big repairs are taken care of first, but try not to ‘over-upgrade’ as profit margins may suffer. Adding rooms might add value, but it also comes with the risk of bigger investment. So, don’t underestimate the power of small fixes. Smaller updates – like a fresh coat of paint or new door handles – don’t necessarily cost much, but they can instantly add value to a home.
Plus, if the house you’re planning to sell has unconsented work, we can help you tick off compliance. When not sorted properly, compliance issues can either render your property un-saleable or wipe thousands off its value. So talk to us first: by funding remedial work and covering Council fees, our finance package can help you rectify these problems and maximise the sale price.
5 - Easy to maintain
In our busy lives, finding the time to fix things around the house can be challenging. Plus, if your house looks like it needs constant repairs and love, the potential costs may scare off buyers.
As we said, it’s important to get the first impression right. Sometimes, a few cosmetic changes (like new grass or pavers in the outdoor areas, or a freshly painted deck) can do wonders in making a house look tidy, clean and low-maintenance.
Get in touch
These must-have features are just a good start, but when it comes to maximising your house’s value, it’s important to know who your target buyer is.
At Lifestyle Finance, we love helping all New Zealanders get the most out of their properties. Whether you are a real estate agent looking to help a client make a profitable sale, or a home owner needing the funds for an upgrade, we offer smart finance tools for your property needs.
Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current development or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance.