This summary from a recent article in Houselogic really hits the mark when it comes to knowing what appeals to today’s homebuyers.  Knowing these trends can pay off years from now when you sell your home.

Privacy from neighbors remains at the top of the most-wanted list (important  to 86% of buyers), according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS’® “2013  Community Preference Survey.” While it may not be possible to move your neighbors farther away, you can increase your  home’s privacy (and therefore its resale value) by planting a livable privacy screen of trees and shrubs or by physically screening off your patio or yard by installing a privacy fence.

A privacy fence was a great investment for this homeowner (and any future buyers), considering her safety-minded neighbor loves mounted outdoor cameras.

3 Other Things to Consider the Next Time You Remodel:

1. More and more generations are living together. Another  NAR survey, the “2013 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers,” found 14% of buyers purchased a home suited to a multigenerational household due to children over the age of 18 moving back into the house, cost savings, and the health and caretaking of aging parents.

Even if you’d rather live in a cardboard box than with your mother, you might  want to consider the multigenerational  living trend when you’re remodeling. For instance, opting for a full bath  when finishing the basement could offer more convenience for you now and boost  your home’s resale value by making it more appealing to a multigenerational  family in the future.

2.  On average, homeowners live in their home for nine  years. That’s up from six years in 2007. Since you’ll possibly be in your home for quite a long time, it makes sense to remodel to suit your taste but also with  long-lasting marketability in mind. After all, you don’t want to have to redo things you’ve already done. For instance, you can go for classic and trend-defying features, which work with a variety of styles.  Just beware against going so far out of the norm might turn off potential buyers even nine years from now.

3.  Homebuyers love energy efficiency. Heating and cooling costs were “somewhat” or “very important” to a whopping 85% of buyers.  If your home could use an energy-efficiency upgrade, go with projects that have  a solid return on investment, like sealing your air leaks,  adding attic insulation and window replacement – a huge bonus!  You’ll save money on your utility bills now and when you’re ready to sell, your  home will appeal to buyers looking for efficiency.