Virtual interior designer/home stager Stuccco.com has compiled a wish list from numerous online sources that experts say homebuyers want in 2022. Many popular features aren’t what home sellers may think. Before you upgrade your home to sell, consider these top five homebuyer preferences:

• Laundry rooms
• Exterior lighting
• Ceiling fans
• Patios or decks
• Walk-in pantries

Laundry rooms. Homebuyers don’t want to go down to the basement to do laundry, so make room somewhere on the first floor. Including a built-in table for sorting is a good idea. Realistically, many Lansing area homes have a basement laundry.  Paint the surrounding wall a light color and make certain the area is well-lit.

Well-lit outdoor living spaces. Homebuyers want exterior lighting (87%), patio (82%) and a front porch (81%), a rear porch (75%) or a deck (75%). Landscape lighting adds a luxurious glow to outdoor spaces as well as an extra element of security.

Ceiling fans. With the sudden rise in energy prices, it’s not surprising that homebuyers want lighting fixtures to do double duty as an air conditioning aid, especially when cooling or heating a larger home.

Walk-in pantries. Homebuyers want to be able to stockpile food and paper goods. They want to open the door to the pantry and see at a glance what’s on hand.  Not everyone has a large enough kitchen to support a pantry.  Consider reorganizing a nearby closet that currently houses miscellaneous items.

Homebuyers also prefer two-sided kitchen sinks over farmhouse sinks (81%.) They want a full bath in the living area (80%) and kitchens open to the dining room for less formal dining (85%.)

Homebuyer preferences are changing home design. The National Association of Home Builders reports that new home buyers want bigger homes which now average 2,524 square feet.