If you're thinking about selling your home soon, you'll definitely want to keep the millennial homebuyer in mind. Although this generation wasn't a major player in the real estate market in past years, research shows that there's been an uptick in millennials buying their first homes. 

Our REALTORS® have recently helped many millennials find the perfect Beavercreek homes for sale. What we've noticed is that the features that are important to these homebuyers are different than what other generations were looking for. Before you make any changes or upgrades to your home, take a look at these five desirable features, and three you really should skip. 

1. A Nice-Sized Yard
   If you're thinking about a home addition that creeps into yard space, you might want to reconsider. Surprisingly enough, the number one feature millennials want in a home is a nice-sized yard. Having enough room to add a garden and plenty of space for future kids to play were some of the reasons cited in research surveys. Millennials in general value the lifestyle that having outdoor space affords them. They also realize that you can always update the interior of a home, but you're stuck with your yard for life.
   
   
2. An Open Floor Plan
   Mapped-out floor plans with designated rooms are a thing of the past. Millennial homebuyers prefer an open floor plan that allows the space to "flow." They prefer large, open rooms that can be used in multiple ways, particularly in the living and dining areas.
   
   
3. Specialty Rooms
   Millennials also enjoy specialty rooms, particularly home theaters, wine cellars, workout rooms, and children's playrooms. These are all selling points that will make your home more valuable to this generation of homebuyers.
   
   
4. Sustainable Design
   Millennials are known as an altruistic generation, and their desired home design is no exception. When making home upgrades, keep sustainability at the forefront of your mind. Smart thermostats, excellent insulation, and green appliances are now required features.
   
   While millennials are socially conscious, they're also budget-conscious. Other financial commitments, like student loan debt, require them to look for homes that are competitively priced. Keep this in mind before choosing expensive add-ons.
   
   
5. Turnkey Homes
   Previous generations would look for homes that they could get for a great price and fix up over the years. Millennials, in general, aren't interested in this. Most haven't added money to their homebuying budget to pay for repairs and upgrades. When they set their price range, they're looking for a turnkey home. 
   
   Before putting your home on the market, you'll want to make sure all projects are completed and that the house doesn't need any major work. If you live in a disaster-prone area, making sure everything is up to the latest codes will add value. Also, if you are going to make any upgrades, make sure to use reputable, long-lasting materials. 

3 Things to Skip 

In addition to looking for specific features in a home, there are also some things that Millennials couldn't care less about: 

1. Keep Landscaping Low-Key
   Don't waste your money on over-the-top landscaping. This will just add extra maintenance requirements and increase the home price unnecessarily.
   
   
2. Repurpose the Dining Room
   A formal dining room is also a thing of the past. This is important to keep in mind when staging your home for sale.
    
3. Anything But Carpet
   If you're thinking about putting new carpeting in the home before selling, skip it. Today's homebuyers prefer tile, laminate, and real or engineered hardwood. 

Your Beavercreek Real Estate Professionals

Whether you're a homeowner looking to sell or a first-time homebuyer looking for the ideal home in the Beavercreek area, we're here to help. Contact Wright-Patt Realty today to discuss your goals and get started.