Flow
The appropriate allocation of square footage and rooms is probably the most important item on a buyers checklist. The reason being, to change the flow, if at all possible, would be very expensive. And remember, today’s average buyer has less than $4k set aside for upgrades.
http://bricksmortarandbeyond.com/index.php/news/design/floor-plans/bad-home-layouts.html
The article above talks about how a poor layout will deter buyers. Again, this is common sense, but some investors buy because the price was just too good and then are surprised when the house does not sell, even under market value!
Flooring, Countertops, and Appliances
Picking the right flooring and installing it throughout the house dramatically increases the appeal of the house. Below you can see a great example in this house I have listed.
Some people would choose to do tile in the kitchen, and in some cases it would work, but in this house it would come off as compartmentalized.
Countertops are another big item on a buyer’s list. Mostly because most buyers don’t know what it would cost to replace them. Be sure to replace them to a level of quality equivalent to your list price (i.e. less than $225k – clean IKEA-esk manufactured countertops – see below; over $225k – granite or quartz countertops).
Appliances are probably the easiest upgrade to make. Sure it can be expensive, but you don’t really need to think too far into it like you might with flooring, countertops, and paint colors. Stainless steel is still the most fashionable choice and it always makes the kitchen pop!
Move-in Ready
Really buyers are looking for houses that don’t require them to spend any money on renovation or repairs. So investors, it may benefit you to have a designer walk through your properties before you renovate. You will spend your renovation budget much wiser, you will get a higher sales price, and a lower DOM (days on market).