Top 3 Home Improvements That Get Noticed by Buyers in Iowa City

Even if you’re not thinking of listing your home in the Iowa City area right now, it’s a good idea to stay on top of what buyers want in a house so when it comes time to sell you’re ahead of the curve. Below are the top 3 home improvements that are likely to get the most attention with buyers in Iowa City. That doesn’t mean to say you shouldn’t look at the rest of the house and consider other updates as necessary. Fresh paint, new carpet and light fixtures are all things that typically help with the overall impression of a house.

• For years the kitchen has taken the number 1 spot for best rooms to update. Kitchens are everyone’s favorites and new cabinets, counter tops and floors will always impress potential buyers. (Not to mention those updated appliances). Styles change quickly with kitchens so even if the kitchen was updated in the last 10 years you want to look at the counter top and the floor to see that they don’t look “dated.”
• Right after kitchens comes the bathrooms. If you have the option to add a 2nd or 3rd bathroom, this is an update that I definitely recommend. Homes with just one bathroom are a much tougher sell these days as bathrooms figure much higher in their appeal to buyers than they did in days gone by. Double vanities are always appreciated too.
• Finishing the basement is another good update that goes over well with buyers in Iowa City. Buyers just love basements with room for entertaining or as a place for the family to hang out.  Be careful when you finish a basement if you’re living in an older home, take a look at the main level before you start on the basement. It’s not good when the basements look better than the main living area. Buyers in Iowa City are looking for “move in ready,” you don’t want to give them the impression there’s work that needs to be done.

When you’re done with the inside of the house it’s it’s time to look at curb appeal. It’s a good idea to walk up the path and enter your house through the front door, which you probably don’t do much if you have an attached garage. How does the front door look? Does the entryway look welcoming to  buyers?

Updates that increase curb appeal are always good. Buyers do notice if a house is in good repair when they walk up to the front door. If they enter the house in a positive mind frame they’re much more likely to continue in that mode throughout the showing. Conversely, if they have a negative experience on the walk up the pathway that in turn will affect how they view the interior of the house.

These are just a few pointers to  to give you an idea of what will  get noticed by buyers when they’re buying a home in the Iowa City area. Cardinal Realty is based in Coralville Iowa and my primary area of expertise is helping clients buy and sell homes in Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty IA. When you’re ready to get your home sold, give me a call at 319-400-0268 or drop me an email. I promise you it will be worth your while!