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December
30
30
Must-Have Home Features? It's Your Call
An outdoor kitchen. Double sinks in the master bath. A wrap-around porch. Solar panels. There are just so many things we want our new home to have.
However, when shopping for our dream home, it's essential to steer the dream a little bit more toward reality. No home will have every single feature you desire, so before you set out on the search, sit down and think hard.
Also think long-term. While certain features may not matter to you, they may weigh heavily in determining your home's resale value. According to a recent report by Kiplinger, there are seven features that will help sell a home faster: a laundry room; exterior lighting; energy efficient appliances and windows; a patio; hardwood floors; garage storage space; and an eat-in kitchen.
For most of us, our must-haves are rooted in practicality—a classic case of needs vs. wants. Which would explain why some of the most unwanted features in a home, according to a National Association of Home Builders study, include a pet-washing station, an elevator and a wine cellar. Some important musts, therefore, often involve:
Also think long-term. While certain features may not matter to you, they may weigh heavily in determining your home's resale value. According to a recent report by Kiplinger, there are seven features that will help sell a home faster: a laundry room; exterior lighting; energy efficient appliances and windows; a patio; hardwood floors; garage storage space; and an eat-in kitchen.
For most of us, our must-haves are rooted in practicality—a classic case of needs vs. wants. Which would explain why some of the most unwanted features in a home, according to a National Association of Home Builders study, include a pet-washing station, an elevator and a wine cellar. Some important musts, therefore, often involve:
- The number of bedrooms and/or potential to turn a room into an additional bedroom – are you planning on children? Need space for an in-law to move in?
- The master bedroom – is it big enough for your king bed and does it include a master bath?
- The number and condition of other bathrooms
- The yard - how much space and privacy do you need to be happy?
- The kitchen – do you need a new kitchen with high-tech appliances or are you willing to update down the road?
- Closet space – is there adequate storage for your current belongings with room to expand?
- The school district – an obvious factor if you have or are planning to have children, but also important if you don't as it will affect your home's resale value
- Proximity to work – are you willing to commute or is a walkable community a high priority?
- New construction – are you looking for a maintenance-free environment or the charm of an older home with DIY options?
Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2016. All rights reserved.