As the Coronavirus pandemic continues, many people are starting to think about upgrading to a new house that better suits their stay-at-home needs when it comes to remote work and school requirements. So, which home improvements should sellers concentrate on if they want to please buyers during the pandemic and beyond?

1. Upgraded outdoor space

Outdoor space—including pools—is becoming more important than ever to prospective buyers. But that doesn’t mean you need to build a new in-ground pool. A minor landscaping refresh can be enough to make a big difference and increase curb appeal. Depending on your budget and your neighborhood, you also might think about maximizing your outdoor space by adding a built-in fire pit, or and outdoor kitchen or living room (complete with a heater and area rug). Extending the usability of your outdoor space will be a big draw for buyers, especially as the temperatures get cooler.

2. Functional home office or classroom

Many workers won’t be heading back to the office until 2021 or even later. That means dedicated spaces for home offices and for kids to log in to their virtual classrooms is key. Don’t need two home offices or a remote-learning station for your own family? You still might consider staging a guest bedroom to show the possibilities. That way, a potential buyer can see the room being used in a versatile way and visualize it for themselves.

3. Separate areas

While open floor plans once were a highlight for buyers, many folks now are looking for distinct spaces where family members can work or study. If your space isn’t well-segmented, try creating separate spaces by adding barn or pocket doors, or even room dividers for a quick and easy solution. Having distinct rooms minimizes the volume from other people’s activities, and it also can create a different feeling in each part of the house.

4. Space for a home gym

To minimize risks of coronavirus transmission, a lot of people are choosing to work out at home rather than venturing into the gym. That means people are seeking space to house gym equipment, like yoga mats, treadmills and stationary bikes. Although your home may not have the space for a fully equipped home gym, you still can carve out a corner where home buyers will be able to picture their future at-home workouts.

5. A makeover for your in-law suite

A guest house can be an attractive feature for buyers right now, especially for people with multigenerational households or looking for a potential source of rental income. It’s even better if your additional dwelling unit is equipped with a kitchen and bath. Even if this space isn’t used for personal reasons, it still can serve as an investment property.

6. Spruced-up laundry rooms

With increased concern about cleanliness and hygiene at an all-time high due to the pandemic, laundry rooms are more important than ever. People are doing laundry more often after running errands, and many folks also have become more diligent about washing their bed linens. Plus, who couldn’t use more room for ironing, folding and hang-drying clothes? A dedicated laundry space is a wonderful luxury.