Virtual interior designer/home stager Stuccco.com 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
- 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. Include a built-in table for sorting, room for a steamer and drip-dry area.
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.
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...
Moving, especially in these times, can seem like a hassle and a headache! But, it doesn’t have to be! When finding your dream home, there are many steps you can take to make the moving process as smooth as possible. There are many different ways to go about buying and selling your home but today we are going to discuss the moving process specifically and ways to facilitate and organize the process!
Before move:
There are many things that need to be done before the move besides just packing up some boxes. If you are moving to a new city you have to allow yourself time to become familiar to your community and with the city’s housing market. Remember to pre-plan all your traveling arrangements: flights, hotels, etc. in advance so it is not a stresser on actual moving day. Even if you are staying in your same town remember to research if you are in a new school district and what options you have.
Moving is certainly not a cheap process and selling any furniture or items from your old home you no longer need could go towards moving costs. Plus, decluttering before a move saves you time packing and will make it easier to organize your new home. This includes using up refrigerated /freezer items if you don’t plan on taking them with you! If you know you have items you are keeping that won’t have a spot in your new place, go on ahead and reserve a storage unit so those items are out of the way come moving day.
Making a budget will be tremendously helpful to keep a running tab of how much is spent over the course of a move. Depending on your flexibility you may want to consider hiring and scheduling movers or reaching out to family and friends to help. Make sure to set...
When it comes to energy efficiency, look for smart features and expertise to help you save energy and money and add value to your home.
1. Begin with a Right-Sized Home.
If the home you buy is simply too large for you or your family’s needs or plans, you stand a good chance of wasting energy through excessive heating and cooling costs. If it’s too small, you’ll feel cramped and uncomfortable. It’s a big investment, so seek balance and buy it “right” from the outset.
2. Purchase Energy Star Appliances Such as Your TV, Dishwasher, Washer and Dryer, and Microwave.
And especially the refrigerator, as it alone contributes about 10 percent of the energy use in a home. Also, unplug electronics not in use or turn off power strips to avoid phantom charges.
3. Install Efficient Lighting Such as Compact Flourescent (CLF) or LED Bulbs in Every Fixture.
Lighting accounts for about 6 percent of an energy bill each year.
4. Get an Energy Audit and Have Tests Performed to Identify Ways of Improving Your Efficiency.
You can always upgrade your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system as well as your thermal envelope, which includes insulation, windows, and doors and the seals or weather stripping around them. Visit energy.gov/energytips for more tips.
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