Features That Sell a House in 2023 - Insights for New Hampshire Homesellers

What sells a house in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire in 2023? While national trends give us a broad picture, the real estate market has its nuances, especially in picturesque regions like New England. If you’re considering selling your property in the Granite State or anywhere else in the U.S., here are the features to highlight to make your listing a standout in today's highly competitive real estate market.

An Assumable Mortgage: A Hidden Gem in a Rising Interest Rate Environment

In today's real estate market, particularly with interest rates at a 20-year high, an assumable mortgage has emerged as a real asset for homebuyers. New Hampshire residents, like others across the country, are keenly aware of this. An assumable mortgage allows a buyer to take over your home's existing loan—with its favorable interest rate intact. If your loan originates from a time when rates were lower, this could be a significant selling point for New Hampshire buyers looking for a financial break. Unsure if your mortgage is assumable? Consult your lender and inform your local Lakes Region real estate agent.

Not sure if your mortgage is assumable? Contact your lender to find out, and then let your real estate agent know.

A Flood of Natural Light: The New England Advantage

Natural light is essential to homebuyers in 2023, with 81% prioritizing this feature. In the Lakes Region, where natural beauty abounds, properties with expansive windows that frame stunning lake or mountain views can particularly captivate buyers. Consider emphasizing features like strategically placed skylights or open floor plans that allow the serene New Hampshire light to permeate your living spaces. When preparing your home for showings, ensure windows are spotless and consider scheduling open houses when your property receives optimum natural illumination. Also, arrange your furniture in a way that maximizes space and openness in your home, and change your lightbulbs to soft white versions free of dust.

Highly Usable Outdoor Space: A Must-Have in the Lakes Region

In 2023, 60% of homeowners find usable outdoor spaces very important. Buyers now envision their homes as retreats where they can entertain, relax, and connect with the outdoors. Given New Hampshire's natural setting, properties with well-designed outdoor areas are especially appealing. Local features such as fire pits, native New England landscaping, and spaces optimized for lakeside entertainment can be unique selling points. Be sure to accentuate these during your open house, perhaps even offering a taste of classic New England refreshments to showcase the outdoor living experience.

A Versatile Kitchen Island

The kitchen remains the heart of the home, and in New England, character and function go hand in hand. A versatile kitchen island is highly desirable, with 60% of homeowners ranking it as very important. To resonate with local buyers, consider highlighting a kitchen island that accommodates not just cooking and dining but also social activities that suit the New England lifestyle—from seafood prep areas to built-in wine coolers for storing local vintages.

A Well-Planned Laundry Room: A New England Necessity

Practicality reigns in 2023, with 58% of homeowners desiring a dedicated laundry room. This feature is especially important in New Hampshire where seasonal gear—from ski equipment to beach towels—demands extra care. Make sure your laundry room is both functional and inviting, with ample storage and a utility sink for added convenience.

A Dedicated Laundry Room

In 2023, homeowners are increasingly valuing practicality and organization, and the desire for a dedicated laundry room is a clear reflection of this trend. A well-equipped laundry room significantly enhances a home's appeal by offering a designated space for doing laundry. This separation from other living areas keeps the home tidy and provides space for washing, drying, folding, ironing and more—as well as storage for the associated appliances and supplies. If your home doesn’t have a laundry room, you can improve its laundry area by providing separation with room dividers, area rugs, and shelving.

Already have a laundry room? Make sure it’s outfitted with ample storage, generous countertop space, and a utility sink for added convenience. Don’t leave this room looking utilitarian, either. Paint it with soothing hues and choose aesthetically pleasing laundry baskets and accessories. This attention to detail and organization will resonate with buyers, making your laundry room a sought-after feature that will help your property stand out.

In summary, while national trends provide an overarching idea of what sells a house in 2023, tuning into the local New Hampshire or broader New England nuances can make your property especially attractive to prospective buyers. Whether it’s leveraging the natural beauty of the Lakes Region or integrating New England charm into your home's features, tailoring your listing to the local market can provide you with a significant edge.

Want to know everything there is to know about buying and selling a house in the New Hampshire Lakes Region Area?  Check out our other Blog Posts!