The Washington-area real estate market can be fickle, as design trends and desirable features constantly change according to evolving lifestyles and homeowner preferences. This spring, the buying season is well underway and agents I talk to are seeing robust activity across the metro area.
With all this activity, a few home design features are beginning to emerge as this year’s must-haves among buyers. So, what exactly do home buyers in Washington want? According to a recent survey conducted by Bright MLS, buyers are seeking out open kitchens and open floor plans. Forty-five percent of agents surveyed say the demand for open concept is greater this year than last. An open floor plan is by far the most requested feature in kitchens, with 89 percent of agents saying that their buyers ask for it. Agents say that granite countertops and stainless steel appliances remain popular amenities in the kitchen. Other popular features include double-island kitchens (12 percent) and niche appliances such as steam ovens and warming drawers (11 percent). Eat-in kitchens, wine refrigerators and quartz countertops are gaining momentum. Motivated sellers should try to remove these features, which can make an otherwise desirable property seem like a fixer-upper. Replace laminate with a granite, natural or engineered stone countertop. Replace popcorn ceilings with a simple, non-textured surface in a neutral color. Remove as much carpeting as possible, especially in high traffic areas, and put down hardwood flooring if you can. On the flip side, buyers should be prepared to pay for these updates and the convenience of a move-in-ready home. Or they can save money on the purchase price and take on the upgrades themselves after purchase, with the added benefit of selecting the flooring and granite of their dreams. Either way, it is important for buyers and sellers to keep up with the latest home design trends so that they can better navigate Washington’s ever-changing real estate market. An experienced real estate agent who knows the local area can help advise you on what’s hot — and what’s not. Jon Coile, chairman of Rockville-based multiple-listing service Bright MLS (formerly MRIS), writes occasional commentary on the Washington area housing market. |
Anne Morgan PatesAnne Morgan Pates has worked in Real Estate and in Sales & Marketing since 2012. She currently runs her own Marketing business, FXBG Real Estate &.Small Business Marketing. Archives
January 2018
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