As a real estate agent here in Kittitas County, some version of the same question lands in my inbox almost every week: “We’re thinking about updating our home — is it worth it?” My answer is almost always the same: it depends on what you change. So I thought I’d share what I’m seeing right now, straight from the buyers walking through homes in our community.
The biggest shift I’ve noticed lately? Buyers are falling in love with character and warmth again. The all-grey everything trend — grey walls, grey floors, grey counters — has had a good run, but it’s quietly losing its appeal. Buyers today are gravitating toward homes with personality. Warm whites, creamy tones, earthy neutrals, wood accents. When I walk into a home that feels cozy, buyers feel it too. If you’ve been sitting on a paint refresh or flooring update, now is a great time to lean warm.
“Buyers today are gravitating toward homes with personality — warm whites, creamy tones, earthy neutrals, wood accents.”
Another thing that surprises people? Bathtubs. I get asked all the time whether it’s okay to rip out the tub in a primary suite to make room for a bigger shower. And while a beautiful walk-in shower is absolutely a selling point, I consistently advise homeowners to keep the tub. Buyers in the move-up market, still view a soaking tub as a luxury feature and a true retreat. But it goes beyond indulgence for buyers with young children or pets, having at least one bathtub in the home is simply practical. A buyer with a toddler or a muddy golden retriever will walk in and immediately add “install a tub” to their mental project list and that hesitation can show up in their offer.
A few other things buyers in our area are noticing: storage that actually makes sense (mudrooms, pantries, and built-ins go a long way), spaces that feel functional for real life, and outdoor areas that have been given a little love. You don’t have to spend a fortune; sometimes a covered back patio or a refreshed landscaping bed makes a home feel like it has more to offer.
If you’re planning a remodel and want a second opinion before you start swinging a hammer, I’m always happy to walk through your home and share what tends to resonate with buyers in our specific market. A short conversation can save you from spending money in the wrong places and help you put it where it counts.
