WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT “MUST HAVES” IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW HOME?

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT “MUST HAVES” IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW HOME?

We are coming into an important season in real estate…the spring.  Winter will be over soon and everything will be turning green.  It’s time to sell or buy your home.  What are people looking for?  What are you planning to do? BUY or SELL?

As a professional interior designer in Bergen County, NJ, I am often invited to see a home to give my professional opinion.  Sometimes it is for staging the home to sell.  Other times, it is to visit a home a client is thinking of buying.

Regardless, there are several important aspects to making that decision.  Here’s the important things that surveys show people are looking for in a home:

1.  LOCATION.

We all have heard it on the shows…Location is the number one reason someone is influenced to buy or not to buy.  There are plenty of reasons shared:  “It’s easy to commute to my work.” “It’s far away from my old neighborhood.”  “It’s too close to the highway.”  “It’s out in the boondocks!”

Whatever the reason, it is an important factor in making the decision.

2.  COUNTERS.

GRANITE counters specifically!  I know with all the quartz products out there and more constantly coming, they are man-made.  But, the majority of people still want the real deal!  Today, the granites are stunning.  There are special finishes that help keep them interesting and different.

3.  HARDWOOD FLOORS.

Hardwood floors are long lasting and give a certain warmth and welcoming to a home.  They are easy to clean and maintain.  Spills, dirt, stains or other messes clean up easily. 

Hardwood flooring can be installed in a contemporary décor scheme or in a traditional way using patterns in the wood planking.  Stains can add to the look in an overall coloring or in certain accent areas.  Hardwood flooring is a healthy and energy efficient way to complete your floors.

People desire hardwood floors because they perceive them to be upscale and worth more than others.  They also think they are easier on the feet and back when standing for a while.

4. STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES.

There are many benefits to using stainless steel appliances.  But, people want them for more than just its sleek look of modern elegance.  It started with people wanting to be able to cook like the chefs they watched on TV.  Stainless steel was the staple of commercial kitchens and restaurants.  People wanted that in their home kitchens.

A new modern alternative being used now is black stainless steel.  We will see how popular it becomes.

5.  GOURMET KITCHENS.

What does that mean to you?  These are what people think of when they describe that they want a gourmet kitchen.  If you are re-doing your kitchen, keep these items in mind, not only for yourself, but for future resale.

          Professional appliances, in stainless steel.

          Sturdy and easy to clean surfaces.

          Storage for specialty items such as: spice collections, a range of pots                  and pans and utensils.

          A layout including zones for food prep, cooking, clean up and serving.

          An island or two if you have the room.

          A multi-burner stove.

          A double oven with convection in one.

          Warming drawer(s).

          A high powered exhaust hood.

If you need help, we are just a call away!