Must-Have Features to Look for When Shopping for a Home

By Mikkie Mills

When you're in the real estate market, you may have an idea of the type of property that you're looking for in a specific area. Although most people want plenty of square footage or a stunning bathroom, there are particular home features that are often considered to be must-haves. Here are a few essential home features to look for when shopping around:

Laundry Room

Many people want to own a home that features a laundry room due to the convenience that it offers. Laundry rooms are increasing in popularity because they provide a space to fold laundry and hang delicate clothes that need to air-dry.

An enclosed space for the washer and dryer will also prevent the noise of the appliances from inconveniencing other family members who may want to spend time in a quiet setting. You also won't have to worry about having piles of clean laundry in your living room or home office with a space that is designated for cleaning your clothes.

Patio

More and more people want to spend time outside and get use out of their backyard. A patio addition is a desirable feature that makes it easy to spend more time outdoors. Patios make for a great place to entertain when you want to barbecue or dine outside with your guests. You can also use the space to lounge around, read or relax while taking in the views. Most buyers look to buy a house that features a ground-level patio that is hardscaped and features plenty of patio furniture.

Hardwood Floors

Although carpet was a popular flooring material that was commonly used in residential properties in past decades, more people are looking for homes that have hardwood floors. Hardwood floors contribute to the design of the interior setting and can boost your home's value due to their durability and appearance. You won't have to worry about dirt or grime showing up in areas of traffic.

Those who are on a budget can look for homes that feature pre-finished hardwood flooring, which is color-treated and has a high level of appeal.

Well-Maintained Neighborhood

It can be easy to fall in love with a home without taking a close look at the neighborhood. Check the surrounding area by inspecting the other lawns and houses to determine if they're in good condition. You'll want to live in an area that is maintained well, which will affect the value of your home.

It's also necessary to determine the distance of the property to your job, local schools, and parks that are available. Some people don't want to travel too far when they need to shop for groceries or find a Christmas tree sale in the area.

Updated Kitchen

The kitchen is considered to be the most used room of the home where many people spend time with family or entertaining. The kitchen should be updated with new cabinets, a decorative backsplash, and an island that offers more storage space. You should also have plenty of space to cook and prepare food with the amount of counter space that is available.

When you're looking for a new property on the real estate market, it's important to look for features that are currently popular and are considered to be must-haves. By finding a quality home to purchase, you can get more use out of the home and enjoy various aspects that will enhance your quality of life.