It’s a question many Bendigo vendors would love the inside scoop on: what features are property buyers most looking for when househunting?
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Polished boards
According to Anita Harrington from Tony Harrington Estate Agents in Bendigo, homes with polished timber floorboards attract the most attention. “The appeal of timber floors is impossible to deny,” she says. “They have an inviting warm glow and can make a home look spacious and homely. Not only that, they are easy to clean and a must for people suffering from allergies.”
Meanwhile, a recent study by economic think tank Kiplinger surveyed thousands of homebuyers to determine the crucial elements that help them “fall in love” with a house. Among them are other features that Anita observes as being alluring to buyers.
Fab front door
Love at first sight must happen with homes, too, because this was No.1 on the Kiplinger list. The most efficient way to improve the front door is to repaint it. Anita sees this prodominantly in Bendigo’s modern homes and says bright orange or purple hues are popular. If you have the time and budget, consider a door that stands out with style and character, such as Dutch doors, double doors with transom windows, or an antique door.
Sky-high ceilings
Once inside the home, high ceilings are high on the list of most impressive features. “Most homes dating prior to the 1970s will have high ceilings as a matter of course, that’s just the way they were built,” says Anita. “High ceilings give an impression of space – there’s nothing like walking into a home with high ceilings and feeling like the home is much bigger than it actually is.”
This is not possible for every home, however an easy improvement could be painting your entire entry white. Alternatively, try hanging art slightly lower to give the illusion of high ceilings, or hang a mirror so that a window can be reflected in it.
Standing out
Most newly developed neighbourhoods are lined with modern house designs that appear identical. Although ‘brand new home’ appeal is an attractive selling point, it may be a challenge to stand out.
One option for people in this situation should be to repaint the house, to remodel the front garden and to add new lighting fixtures.
Good bones
Fixer-uppers continue to be popular, and in many cases the opportunity to take on a project is part of the excitement. “These properties provide an opportunity for people to make some profit on a property in the shorter term, as you can easily add value,” says Anita.
