By Linda Zhang

Want to target the largest group of homebuyers? Make sure its technology is up to date, inside and out. Technology is a big part of homeownership these days and a crucial selling point for millennials. Before putting your home on the market, consider a few upgrades that will attract younger buyers. People between the ages of 21 and 38 are now settling down and looking to start a family. They want a low-maintenance, modern house with an inviting community and neighborhood. Here are features that millennial homebuyers will love.

Outside

If the lawn and landscape aren’t attractive, chances are potential buyers won’t even bother to look inside. Start with a well-manicured lawn, ornamental trees and flowers, and a few time-saving gadgets to pique interest.

The first thing a would-be buyer sees is the front lawn, flower beds, lights, mailboxes, and trim. Maintain the lawn and landscape: Mow, weed, water, and edge every week. Trim back overgrown trees and shrubs. Pinch off dead flower blooms. Younger homeowners, busy with jobs and raising kids, don’t have spare time for fixing up and working in a high-maintenance yard.

Outdoor solar lighting and roof panels are of interest to environmentally conscious millennials. Solar lighting draws the sun’s energy into the house to reduce utility costs and wear and tear on the environment. Solar-powered appliances, fans, water pumps, and generators will save them money and save the planet. A moisture-sensing automatic sprinkler system is pricier, but also saves time and water.

Artificial intelligence and smart gadgets are a draw for young homebuyers. You can add inexpensive security cameras, pool heaters, lights, locks, doorbells, and window sensors that are controlled from apps.

Room for Rover

The majority of millennials own at least one dog, so having room for Rover to run is a must. Make sure your fence is in good shape so buyers know their pets will be safe.

Inside
Convenience and space are big draws. A large, wide kitchen with ample counter space is essential for cooking, eating, and socializing. The kitchen is now a place to hang out. Why not wire it for a television or stereo system? It’s not always possible to knock down walls, but you can update the kitchen with energy-efficient appliances and light fixtures.

Because bathrooms and bedrooms always get the most traffic, they need an occasional update. Remove old vinyl flooring. Replace rusty toilets and faucets. If shower doors cannot be cleaned well, then it’s time for new ones. Tear off dirty wallpaper and paint in neutral colors. When it comes to closets, the bigger, the better! While there may not be much you can do to make closets bigger, you can remove the clutter from them before a
showing.

Home Office
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of millennials preferred to have the option to work from home. It’s a trend that’s sure to continue after the pandemic passes. Show off the versatility of your house by dedicating a room for office work, home projects, bill-paying, game-playing, and social media. Add a table for powering up phones, laptop computers, and tablets. Wi-Fi is essential today, and buyers will want to
see how strong the signal is inside the house.

Inside Smart

Buyers may want to add smart features, and they’ll want to know which features you’ve already installed. A smart home has one or more of these specially designed items:
● App-controlled thermostats
● Indoor security cameras
● App-controlled air conditioners
● Color changing light bulbs
● Automatic lamps

● Smoke detectors
● Smartphone wall outlets
● Modular lighting panels

With more smart gadgets coming to the market every year, homebuyers will want to be ready for them.
Depending on when your home was built, chances are it needs a facelift to keep up with today’s newer models. Smarten up the place with a few well-placed gizmos that tell buyers this house is up to date and ready to be lived in.

When Linda Zhang isn’t redoing one of the rooms in her own house, she’s writing about home decor and other real estate issues.