Home Amenities that are Likely to Grow in Demand

When selling a home, you need to understand the current consumer expectations and lifestyles. While some trends come and go, others remain popular for years and certain amenities that home buyers now consider “nice-to-have” may soon move into the “must-have” category in the coming years. Regardless of which category these features fall into for a buyer, they will enhance the marketability of a home and help it to sell faster and for more money. Below are three amenities that are likely to grow in demand among home buyers.

• Energy efficiency: Home owners are spending more of their income on utility bills and that likely will motivate them to want to find homes with more energy efficient, cost-effective appliances. Energy Star-qualified appliances are on the rise. The appliances use 10 to 50% less energy than their older counterparts. Also gaining popularity are smarter appliances, including dishwashers with sensors that can determine the appropriate cycle length and water temperature as well as washing machines that can extract more water from laundry during the spin cycle so the dryer has less drying to do. (Read: More Builders Say Energy Efficiency Is Priority)
• Stainless steel alternatives: While stainless steel appliances have long dominated many home owners have long had a love-hate relationship with them. They are known as being difficult to keep clean and this is a major frustration for many owners. White ice and slate are two popular alternatives to stainless steel. Slate is being touted as a great choice as it blends in with other black, white, or stainless steel finishes. It can resist fingerprints and washes easily too. (Read: More Attempts to Dethrone Stainless Steel’s Popularity)
• Smart homes: More homes are expected to be controlled via a smart phone or tablet in the coming years. Appliances and home systems can be turned on, off, or programmed via mobile devices. Smart refrigerators are emerging that have built-in apps that can even create grocery shopping lists and smart ovens can be remotely controlled to start dinner or check on the status of what’s cooking. Surveys are showing that more home owners are desiring the ability to control and monitor their appliances from anywhere. (Read more: 10 Products Making Homes Smarter)