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Even in a seller’s market, having a home that appeals to the most buyers can help you get your home sold quicker and for the best price. So it’s important to be aware of the top red flags buyers look out for when searching for homes.
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Opendoor surveyed homebuyers about their biggest turn-offs, and identified the home design elements that could be costing you that offer. Plus, we’re sharing how to address these issues on a budget.
Outdated Kitchen
An outdated kitchen was the No. 1 buyer turn-off, with 71% of buyers saying it would deter them from moving forward with a potential home purchase. Doing a complete kitchen renovation can get expensive, but there are smaller projects you can take on to make your kitchen look more up-to-date.
“One of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to give your kitchen a facelift is to replace the knobs on your cabinets and drawers,” said Yasmine El Sanyoura, home designer with Opendoor. “You can find drawer and cabinet knobs at your local improvement shop, hardware specialty brands or vintage shops for less than $10 a knob.”
Another option is adding a fresh coat of paint.
“Adding a fresh coat to your cabinets reduces the need for a full renovation and can save you thousands of dollars,” El Sanyoura said.
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If you go the DIY route for this project, make sure you do the proper prep.
“Prep and prime your cabinets correctly so your new paint job is sure to last,” El Sanyoura said. “The main costs involved are the cans of paint, which will run you about $50 to $100 per can, and the cost of the brushes, which are typically less than $100.”
Another cost-effective project is to update the fixtures.
“The accessories of a kitchen can have a huge impact on the overall look and feel of the space,” El Sanyoura said. “Consider changing out fixtures, like your sink faucet and lighting, to enhance the space without breaking the bank. Both range in price and quality — you can find kitchen faucets starting for as low as $80, and lighting fixtures for about $100.”
If you have more of a budget, El Sanyoura recommends upgrading your kitchen countertops and appliances.
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Outdated Bathroom
An outdated bathroom was a turn-off for 66% of prospective buyers. Fortunately, you don’t have to do …….