Changing the Value of Your Home (for Better or Worse). Isn't this Common Sense?
Title One sent us some links last week (thank you). One of them is this article, 20 things that can alter the value of your home.
I know sellers are looking for ideas to add value to their homes, but some of these suggestions are just common sense. For example, this article lists things like an updated kitchen, curb appeal and good windows. That's if you want LOOKERS, friends. If your house is falling apart, dirty, or stuck in 1901 then don't expect to get showings.
But I question making improvements to your home that include "a well-appointed master suite," ("a luxurious bathroom, lounging areas and walk-in closets") or a "modern bath" with a spa. Yes, I suppose those are ideal and might play a factor in how much you actually GET for your house. BUT...
There is an important factor at work today that might have been overlooked in the heady days of the housing boom, and it's taking a while to trickle down to the real estate "how to" articles!
That is: buyers are tightening their belts. Ridiculously high gas prices, fears about the economy in general and the housing market in particular will translate into buyers choosing (potentially smaller) homes closer to work and school--and this means becoming less picky about what kind of tub the home offers! Consider this article at Kitchen and Bath Design News.
I know sellers are looking for ideas to add value to their homes, but some of these suggestions are just common sense. For example, this article lists things like an updated kitchen, curb appeal and good windows. That's if you want LOOKERS, friends. If your house is falling apart, dirty, or stuck in 1901 then don't expect to get showings.
But I question making improvements to your home that include "a well-appointed master suite," ("a luxurious bathroom, lounging areas and walk-in closets") or a "modern bath" with a spa. Yes, I suppose those are ideal and might play a factor in how much you actually GET for your house. BUT...
There is an important factor at work today that might have been overlooked in the heady days of the housing boom, and it's taking a while to trickle down to the real estate "how to" articles!
That is: buyers are tightening their belts. Ridiculously high gas prices, fears about the economy in general and the housing market in particular will translate into buyers choosing (potentially smaller) homes closer to work and school--and this means becoming less picky about what kind of tub the home offers! Consider this article at Kitchen and Bath Design News.
...homeowners are making certain concessions in design choices and product selection based on prevailing market conditions, a major new survey concludes.That article hints at another trend you should take into account: greener, energy efficient homes. Replacing light bulbs, faucets, toilets and shower heads with more energy efficient alternatives--what an easy, relatively inexpensive thing to do! And when it comes time to sell, you can highlight these "perks."
Bathrooms also increased in number and size within homes, according to residential architects, but by a smaller share than a year ago...
“In general, we’ve seen less emphasis on upper-end features in homes as the housing market has cooled, and bathroom characteristics may be a reflection of this trend,” [chief economist for the Washington, DC-based AIA, Kermit] Baker says.
On the sustainable front, water-saving toilets were reported by a majority of respondents as growing in popularity, as was LED lighting.
Multi-head showers remain very popular, apparently at the expense of soaking tubs, steam showers and infrared saunas, each of which is reported to have limited popularity. Other traditional upper-end products, such as towel warming drawers and double-sink vanities, are reported to have limited popularity at present.
Labels: Economy, Green, Home Appreciation, Home Values, Quality of Life, Real Estate Trends, Remodeling, Successful Marketing
Posted in Boise’s Best Real Estate by Leigh Wilson on Friday, May 23, 2008
Permanent Link to this post
Email this post: 
5 Comments:
Add value to your home with a New Bath Spa Steam Showers
Helpful Links
Whirlpool Spas, Luxury Steam Showers, Shower Enclosures
Modern Toilets
Spam is everywhere! Sigh.
I was not aware that towel warming drawers were "traditional." Hmm.
Installing a new Steam Shower can be a step into a new era of bathing and relaxation in the home. Already your heart and soul are happiest in the home, with the installation of a wellness steam shower or whirlpool steam shower spa the experience with the family or in solitude can be profound.Add value to your home with a New Bath Spa
Helpful Links
aka Steam Showers
Whirlpool Spas, Luxury Steam Showers, Shower Enclosures
Modern Toilets
Yeah, I installed my new Steam Shower last May. These things are awesome. My kids love the TV and the acupressure jets are a blast!
Post a Comment
<< Home