We always wonder… what do people really want in a home? Of course, we know each home is different and so is each inhabitant, but things definitely do follow trends. Especially now that we have design shows on almost every major network, home trends are driven home hard to all of us. So, let’s see what most people are wishing and hoping to find when they open the door to their home… 

1. Laundry Rooms

This trend I can completely get on board with. I am especially in love with the new trend of putting them on the 2^nd floor close to all the bedrooms (you know where the clothes come from and ultimately need to be put back in) I love a good Rambler, but if I end up in a 2-story home a laundry area with folding table and storage on the second floor will be the top of my list. So, in short If your washer and dryer are sitting in a dark corner of your basement, it might be time think about how you could rearrange them a bit before selling.

2. Exterior Lighting

The two or three dim sconces on the front of your home are certainly what most people are used to. One by the front door naturally and one on either side of the garage doors. But the art of landscape lighting has come a long way, it is one of the most searched home features on Pinterest and gushed over during open houses.  It used to only be the luxury homes that had up-lights on their trees, shrubs and fencing, but now we can all have that beautiful glow of accent illumination all around our homes.  Start improving this by considering what exterior lighting you already have. You may not need to hire an electrician to wire new lights–simply upgrading your light bulbs or consider solar options and do it yourself kits from the big home improvement stores, it could make all the difference and add great value to the home in terms of security and curb appeal.

3. Energy Efficient Windows

Energy efficiency is increasingly important to today’s homeowners & buyers. A home with energy efficient windows and doors will help regulate the home’s temperature and save money for the homeowners, who doesn’t love a nice cozy home while still staying under budget?

Unfortunately, windows are not the most simple or cheap home improvement options, but many window distributors offer financing and pay as you go plans. It’s a wonderful investment to make in YOUR biggest investment and a great thing to keep in mind as you make upgrades.

4. Patios / Decks

This is one I can definitely get on board with. One of my favorite places to be is at my patio table with a good book and a morning cup of coffee. While outdoor spaces have been a highly desirable features for many years, the pandemic definitely showed us the importance of having a little place of our own, to be outdoors, to sit, drink coffee, entertain guests, or watch kids and pets play. If you want to increase the value of a single-family home, put building a patio or deck high on your priority list.

5. Walk-in Pantry

Can I get an “Yes, PLEASE!” (Hands in the air) having a designated, spacious area to store food and kitchen supplies is so important. As a person who is not much of a fan of having small appliances or things on the counters, a walk-in pantry is a must for me. An added bonus would also be some outlets for small appliances, to sit snuggled away in your pantry and ready to use, but of course that just my little suggestion! If you talk to your friends and family about what they want in a house, this is something that’s almost guaranteed to come up over and over again.

6. Front Porch

Front porches have been returning in popularity, which I can completely understand, they add functionality, design, and such great curb appeal to a home. Not to mention those design shows on every channel I mentioned before, always give you the cutest ideas on how to decorate adorable front porches for nearly every month of the year! However, since this is an exterior home feature, the actual “value” of it may vary greatly depending on the density of the neighborhood you live in and various other factors. If it’s something you’re considering, speak to a Real Estate professional and get their expert opinion on if you will get the value back out of your investment.

7. Energy Efficient Appliances

Energy Efficient appliances are definitely appealing to most buyers and owners, because they’ll save money in utility bills and maintenance over time. Yet the cost of replacing all your appliances at one time is a steep ask, but if you know that is the goal, you can plan to make those choices to buy Energy Efficient as you invest in new appliances.

8. Hardwood or Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) in the Living Areas

The days when carpet was the most-desired floor type are long gone, and is am SO thankful! Because that also means the days of carpet shampooing are gone. whew! That was defiantly low on my list of favorite household chores.  The majority of homebuyers want hardwood or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) in living areas due to its neutral tones, durability and all-around timelessness. Having the same flooring in multiple rooms is also a major plus, so let those beautiful floors flow through living, dinning, powder room and kitchen, keep it cohesive and simple. If you already have Hardwood or LVP flooring, then you are a very lucky homeowner, make sure to make note of it whenever you list your home.

~Blog by Maureen Briere, Statistics and some research courtesy of https://stuccco.com/blog