How to make sure your home is on their shortlist
If you’ve been thinking about selling your Lakeville home — or you’re just curious what buyers in your neighborhood are actually prioritizing right now — this post is for you.
I work with buyers across Lakeville every week. Here is exactly what they are telling me, and what they are willing to pay more for.
1. Move-In Ready Is Non-Negotiable
Today’s buyers are not interested in projects. After years of elevated interest rates and tighter budgets, buyers want to walk in and live there. That means clean, updated, and well-maintained — not gut-renovated, but ready.
What this means for sellers: address deferred maintenance before you list. New carpet, fresh paint in neutral tones, updated light fixtures, and a deep clean will return far more than they cost. Buyers are comparing your home to others online before they ever set foot inside.
2. Home Office Space Is Still a Priority
Remote and hybrid work is now permanent for a large segment of buyers. A dedicated office — or at minimum a flex space that could function as one — continues to rank near the top of buyer wish lists in Lakeville.
If your home has a bedroom, finished lower level room, or bonus space that could be staged as an office, show it that way. Don’t leave it as a storage room. Buyers have to be able to see the possibility.
3. Garage Size Matters More Than You Think
In Lakeville, a three-car garage is a significant differentiator. Buyers with recreational equipment, home gyms, or simply multiple vehicles are actively filtering for it. If your home has a three-car or a deep two-car with extra storage, lead with that in your marketing.
4. Outdoor Living Space
Buyers in Lakeville want to use their yards. A deck, patio, or screened porch — especially one that is well-maintained — adds real perceived value. If yours needs staining or power washing, do it before you list. First impressions from the backyard matter just as much as curb appeal from the front.
5. Energy Efficiency and Mechanicals
Buyers are paying attention to utility costs and the age of major systems. A newer furnace, water heater, or roof is a legitimate selling point. If your home has had updates in the past five years, document them and make sure your agent communicates them clearly in the listing.
Buyers will ask. They always ask. Having the answers ready — and in writing — builds confidence and reduces negotiation friction.
6. Location to Schools and Trails
Lakeville is in ISD 194, which consistently ranks as one of the top districts in Minnesota. Proximity to elementary schools, the trail system, and parks like Antlers Park continues to drive buyer decisions. If your home is near these amenities, your marketing should say so explicitly.
The Bottom Line for Sellers
You don’t have to do a full renovation to get top dollar. You need to understand what buyers want — and position your home to deliver it. That is what a strong pre-listing strategy does.
If you’re thinking about selling your Lakeville home, I’d love to walk through your property and give you specific, honest recommendations. No pressure — just a conversation about what your home is worth and what it would take to maximize it.
Ready to talk? Contact me at lizsandwick.com or call/text to schedule your free home consultation.
Liz Sandwick is a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Realty serving Lakeville, MN and the surrounding south metro. She specializes in helping sellers maximize their results and move-up buyers navigate their next chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do buyers want in Lakeville MN right now? Lakeville buyers in 2026 are prioritizing move-in ready condition, home office space, three-car garages, outdoor living areas, newer mechanicals, and proximity to ISD 194 schools and trails.
How do I make my Lakeville home more attractive to buyers? Focus on move-in ready presentation — fresh paint, clean carpets, updated fixtures, and excellent curb appeal. Address deferred maintenance, stage any flex space as a home office, and document all recent updates to mechanicals.
What is the best time to sell a home in Lakeville MN? Spring and early summer (April through June) are historically the strongest selling months in Lakeville, with the most buyer activity. However, well-priced, well-presented homes sell in any season.