Targeting middle-aged homebuyers when selling a house is a recipe for success. This demographic group is financially stable enough to qualify for a mortgage and cover out-of-pocket expenses more easily. People in their 40s, 50s or 60s have specific lifestyle requirements, so you must be selective about home improvements to make your property as appealing to them as possible. Here are three home features middle-aged buyers can find practical.
1. Home Elevator
Elevators for residential use are some of the best amenities homebuyers who are thinking about aging in place seek. A national survey found that 75% of adults aged 50 and older want to remain in their homes as they age, underscoring the importance of independent living for this age group. A lift can make a multistory property more accessible, allowing a person with mobility challenges to enjoy more space and greater freedom.
The best home elevators are customizable to fit any architectural style and interior design preference. Prioritize code-compliant safety gates, full-time cab monitoring and battery-powered cab lowering and lighting. Inclinator’s American-made 300 Elevator Cab with safety accordion gates meets or exceeds ASME A17.3-2016 requirements, which state and local governments consider the best industry standard for home elevators.
Door safety guards and light curtains are optional but desirable features. Every custom detail affects the cost of a home elevator, so request an estimate to determine whether your preferred design is within your budget.
2. Quartz Countertops
Choosing quartz for countertop upgrades is a surefire way to market your property as a forever home. Many middle-aged homebuyers look for residences they can grow old in, so they’re particular about beautiful, durable and low maintenance kitchen and bath features.
Quartz countertops fit the bill. They’re nonporous and scratch-resistant, making them sanitary and long-lasting without the need for sealing. Although quartz is engineered, many high-end options look indistinguishable from natural stone. MSI Countertops’ Q™ collections feature elegant slabs in a wide range of colors and patterns, with rich details that convincingly mimic the aesthetics of granite, marble, or limestone.
Be aware that quartz can be heat sensitive. Repeated exposure to severe heat can cause damage that may appear within weeks or months. Install quartz in indoor spaces only and consider more heat and weather-resistant materials for outdoor kitchens.
3. Energy-Efficient Windows
Some middle-aged individuals are in their peak earning years, while others are nearing retirement. Either way, they all value lower utility bills to stretch their disposable income. Switching to high-performance windows is key to decreasing heating and cooling costs month after month.
When paired with adequate insulation and airtight rooms, energy-efficient windows can keep the house toasty in winter and cool in summer. In frigid climates, Renewal by Andersen®’s Low-E4® SmartSun™ Glass with HeatLock® technology can trap more heat indoors, resulting in more energy savings.
In any climate zone in the United States, double glazing can satisfy Energy Star’s minimum U-factor and Solar Heat Coefficient ratings. However, triple glazing isn’t necessarily overkill. Three panes of glass filled with an insulating gas can further reduce heat transfer, provide soundproofing and enhance home security.
Make Your Home More Appealing to Middle-Aged Buyers
The cost of a code-compliant home elevator, high-end quartz countertops and triple-pane windows can be high, but you may at least recoup your initial expense at resale. These features can boost your house’s perceived value, resulting in potentially high returns on investment.
