Five Things That Make Us Happy With Our Homes

According to a survey conducted by houzz.com, here are five things that consistently make people happy with their homes.

1. Big windows and comfortable furniture: Nearly 75 percent of respondents listed these two items as major difference-makers. It’s a no-brainer—people like lots of light and a good place to relax.

2. A big-screen TV: This is more likely to be a key feature for men than women. 40 percent of men said having a big-screen TV makes them happy with their homes, compared to just 17 percent of women.

3. Overall design and layout: 87 percent of the 6,000 people surveyed said the design of the home is a major contributor to overall happiness. If you’re unhappy with your home and there’s a project you’ve been wanting to tackle, get to it!

4. Home cookin’: 39 percent of respondents said the scent of good cooking or baking made them happiest. Clearly, it helps to have a capable chef around the house!

5. Keep it tidy: 72 percent of homeowners said they’re happiest when their houses are clean and well-organized. If you want to be happier with your home, try having a place for everything, and put everything in its place.

 

Which Features are Young Buyers Looking for in a Home?

With historically low interest rates, the market is hot this summer, and it's a great time to sell because inventory is low and there is an abundance of home buyers home shopping right now. Millennials are the second-largest segment of home buyers, ranking behind only baby boomers, according to the National Association of Realtors. Here are five features that tend to entice millennials who are looking to buy.

An up-to-date kitchen and bath

Younger buyers often have limited funds for renovations, so it’s important that they have functional and inviting bathroom and kitchen spaces from the very start.

An open floor plan

Having a formal dining room isn’t of particular importance to millennials, in fact, many prefer open spaces with no separation between kitchen, living room, and dining room. An open concept makes it easier to entertain everyone at once.

An office

More and more jobs are offering work-from-home options, and there are also plenty of freelancers and telecommuters among millennials. A dedicated space for getting some work done can be a key attraction.

Friendly location

With gas prices rising, many millennials prefer walking, biking, or public transit for their commutes. A great location is key.

Energy savings

Millennials are often more conscious of energy conservation and efficiency. Energy-efficient appliances, energy-efficient windows, and quality insulation can make a huge difference.

Seller Tips - Getting Started

Several years ago, you may have been renting an apartment and dreaming of owning your own home. A few years later, you were a first time home buyer. Now, after some truly wonderful years living in your home, you are ready to sell - maybe you’re a newlywed or your family is outgrowing the home or you're relocating for a job. Whatever the reason, you want to list your home for sale, but you do not know anything about selling a home.

Similar to my First Time Buyer Tips post located HERE. Let’s begin with some tips to help you get ready to sell.

1. De-Clutter. Reduce the amount of personal items around your home and anything that you can live without for a while. Donate it. Pack it. Whichever you choose. The goal is to make your home look more open and make it easier for prospective buyers to picture themselves living there. Bonus: You'll have a head start on packing for moving day once your home sells.

2. Fix the Little Things. You know those items on your “Honey-Do List” that you keep saying you’ll do and then you push it off until next weekend? Take the time to fix them. Don’t worry about those huge projects that will take a lot of time and money. Focus on the little things - tighten a bolt, fix a squeaky door, replace cracked outlet plate, etc. - quick and easy items.

3. Paint. You don’t need to paint every room in the house. However, if there is a room in need of a fresh coat of paint or rooms with bold colors, paint those rooms with a neutral color. A gallon of paint can go a long way in improving the look of your home to prospective buyers and may even add some value.

4. Clean. Remember when you were a kid and your parents were having a party? You were tasked with helping to clean everything from the baseboards to the ceiling fans to all the windows? Your mom wanted the home spotless. Clean like that. Buyers will understand you are still living in the home, but a deep clean will make your home appear well maintained.

5. Interview Real Estate Agents. It is true that you can try to sell your home on your own and avoid paying a real estate agent. However, on average, using an agent usually results in a better price because an agent knows the market well and will be able to help you price your home to sell. Further, an agent is likely to be able to bring qualified buyers, market the listing professionally, and save you time. There is more to selling a home than just putting a sign in the yard, so instead of getting overwhelmed, hire an agent to do all the work for you. During your listing appointment, ask the agent about their marketing plan, sales history, and tools and technology they use to assist in selling your home. Interview a few agents then choose the agent that feels like the right fit for you.

These five steps will start you down the path, and you will be ready to list your home as soon as you have chosen your real estate agent. Stay tuned for future posts with tips of what to do once your home is listed.