If you are looking to take advantage of the current real estate market but aren’t quite sure which angle to take, here is a list of the five most likely amenities homebuyers are going to prioritize:

1. Updated Kitchens & Baths – Millennials and first-time homebuyers have made their intentions known; updated kitchens and baths are a must. According to a recent survey conducted by Metropolitan Regional Information Systems Inc., 81 percent of respondents recognized updated kitchens and bathrooms as the most important feature when considering whether or not to purchase a home.
2. Open Floor Plans – Outside of modernized kitchens and baths, first-time homebuyers have expressed their desire for open floor plans. Not surprisingly, 59 percent of first-time homebuyers are expected to place a priority on less-confined homes, or those that facilitate functionality. Sellers should consider their current floor plan and determine whether or not it would be worth knocking down a wall or two before they put the property up for sale.

   The proper renovations have been known to add to both the value of a property and its appeal. Consequently, it is entirely possible for more appealing floor plans to create demand.

3. Low Maintenance Features – The idea of saving money on maintenance is a strong selling point, and one home sellers need to consider.

   Most first-time buyers cringe at the thought of spending more money after having recently made the largest purchase of their life, so it only makes sense that they will prefer a “move-in ready” home over one that requires a lot of maintenance.

4. Energy Efficiency – Not unlike limiting the amount of maintenance a property will require once it is purchased, energy efficiency has caught the attention of first-time homebuyers for the soul purpose of saving money. However, energy efficiency has the added benefit of compounding savings over time.
5. Smart home features – Having smart home features is par for the course these days. But now that so many home buyers come with their own smart home gadgets, it pays to make sure your system is broadly compatible with the big players in the field.