Rochester Real Estate | LOCAL Homes For Sale https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com Rochester Real Estate | LOCAL Homes For Sale | Homes for sale in Rochester, NY, LOCAL Rochester real estate listings, market data, REALTOR® info, and high quality content updated every 15 minutes! Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:50:30 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/cropped-SITE-LOGO-512-x-512-1-32x32.png Top Home Features That Today’s Home Buyers Want – Rochester Real Estate | LOCAL Homes For Sale https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com 32 32 June Home Maintenance Checklist: 40+ Must-Do Tasks to Prepare Your Home for Summer https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/june-home-maintenance-checklist-summer-prep/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=20501 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> May Home Maintenance Checklist: 30 Essential Tasks to Prepare Your Home for Summer https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/may-home-maintenance-checklist/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=20484 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> April Home Maintenance Checklist: How To Prepare Your Rochester NY Home For Spring https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/april-home-maintenance-checklist/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=20364 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> March Home Maintenance Checklist: Get Your New York Home Ready for Spring https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/march-home-maintenance-checklist/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=20338 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How to Buy a House in New York https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/buy-a-house-in-new-york/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19906 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How to Sell a House in New York https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/sell-a-house-in-new-york/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19905 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Risks of Buying a Non-Warrantable Condo In New York: What You Need to Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/non-warrantable-condo/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19796 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What Builders Should Know About Spec Construction Loans In New York https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/builders-spec-construction-loans/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19795 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Moving To The Finger Lakes Region Of New York | Guide To Relocating To The Finger Lakes https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/moving-to-the-finger-lakes-region/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19875 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Navigating the Numbers: The Pros and Cons of Using Online Home Value Estimators For New York Real Estate https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/pros-cons-online-home-value-estimators/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19794 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> The Role of Location in Home Valuation In New York https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/role-of-location-home-valuation/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19768 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Lowe’s vs U-Haul: A Review of Truck Rental Companies https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/lowes-vs-uhaul/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19758 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Understanding the Importance of a Seller’s Property Condition Disclosure https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/property-condition-disclosure-statement/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19632 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What are Delayed Showings and Negotiations in Real Estate In New York? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/delayed-showings-negotiations/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19547 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> 8 Viable Tactics to Selling Your Home and Moving Out of State https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/selling-home-moving-out-of-state/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19542 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Unconventional Methods for Selling a House: Thinking Outside the Box https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/unconventional-methods-for-selling-a-house/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19519 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Should I Sell My House Off Market: Pros and Cons Explained https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/sell-house-off-market/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19503 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What is PITI and How Does It Affect Your Mortgage https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/what-is-piti/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19498 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How To Set A Home Renovation Budget https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/home-renovation-budget/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19490 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How Does A Co-Borrowers Credit Scores Affect A Home Purchase? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/co-borrower-credit-score/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19474 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> New Construction Final Walk-Through Checklist: Ensuring a Seamless Home Inspection https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/new-construction-final-walk-through/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19458 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Essential Tips for Pumping a Septic Tank: What You Need to Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/pumping-a-septic-tank/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19450 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Can You Submit Multiple Offers On Homes At Once – A Legal And Ethical Analysis https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/multiple-offers-on-homes-at-once/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19414 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How to Get Your Home Photo Ready for Real Estate Listings https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-photo-ready/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19409 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What Does a Home Builder’s Warranty Cover? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/home-builders-warranty/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19394 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> July 2023 Greater Rochester NY Area Real Estate Market Update https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/july-2023-rochester-ny-real-estate-market-update/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19403 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Who Pays Real Estate Commission When You Buy or Sell a Home https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-commission/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19366 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Quitclaim Deeds: What You Need to Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/quitclaim-deeds/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19358 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What to Know About Selling a Home As Is for Cash https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/selling-home-as-is-cash/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19347 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How to Know if My House Has Paranormal Activity https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/is-my-house-haunted/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19342 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Why Find The History of a House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/find-history-house/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19316 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> June 2023 Greater Rochester NY Area Real Estate Market Update https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/june-2023-rochester-ny-area-real-estate-market-update/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19313 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-lawyer/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19181 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> May 2023 Greater Rochester NY Area Real Estate Market Update https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/may-2023-rochester-ny-area-real-estate-market-update/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19162 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What to Know About Buying a Home For The First Time https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/buying-home-first-time/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19058 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> <strong>What Should a Buyer Look For at a Home Inspection?</strong> https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/what-look-for-home-inspection/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18983 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Companies That Buy Houses For Cash Reviewed https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/companies-buy-houses-for-cash/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18889 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Does Home Staging Work and What is The Cost? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/does-home-staging-work/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18814 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What to Avoid When Getting a Mortgage https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/avoid-when-getting-mortgage/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18797 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> <strong>5 Options For Replacing a Roof Reviewed</strong> https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/replacing-roof/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18771 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What Are Restrictive Covenants in Real Estate? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/restrictive-covenants/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18714 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Can The Court Force The Sale of Your House in Divorce? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/court-force-sale-divorce/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18693 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Real Estate Agent vs. Broker: What&#8217;s The Difference? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-agent-vs-broker/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18650 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How To Determine Square Feet In Your House For More Accurate Property Estimates https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/determine-square-feet/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18167 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> 3 Things That Often Results in a Real Estate Agent Getting Sued https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-agent-sued/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18133 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> The Top 5 Types Of Home Inspections Buyers Should Consider https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/5-types-home-inspections/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18119 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> The Pros And Cons Of Rent To Own Homes: What You Need To Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/pros-cons-rent-own-homes/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18104 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> 5 Smart Things To Do Before Moving That Will Help Ease Your Transition https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/things-before-moving/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18084 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How to Become a Real Estate Agent https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/become-real-estate-agent/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18071 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Renting A House Or An Apartment: Which Is The Better Option https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/renting-house-apartment/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17871 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> The 5 Most Important Factors To Consider When Buying A House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/5-factors-buying-house/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17851 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What Buyers And Sellers Need To Know About An Appraisal Gap https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/appraisal-gap/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17827 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Pros And Cons Of Renting With Roommates – What You Need To Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/renting-with-roommates/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17794 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> 6 Things You Should Know About Buying Land https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/things-know-buying-land/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17773 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How Long Should Home Sellers Wait To Respond To An Offer On Their Home? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/home-sellers-wait-respond-offer/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17745 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How To Buy A House With A Low Credit Score https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-to-buy-a-house-with-a-low-credit-score/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16819 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Things To Consider When Shipping A Car https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/things-to-consider-when-shipping-a-car/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16248 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Home Depot Truck Rentals: What to Know Including Pricing https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/home-depot-truck-rentals-what-to-know-including-pricing/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16156 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> 16 Things To Do Before Listing Your Home For Sale https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/16-things-to-do-before-listing-your-home-for-sale/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16138 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> The Biggest Home Inspection Mistakes to Avoid https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/biggest-home-inspection-mistakes-to-avoid/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16112 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How Your Credit Score Impacts Your Ability To Buy A House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-credit-score-impacts-buying-house/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16086 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Top Winter Home Selling Mistakes | 7 Errors Made While Selling A House During The Winter https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/top-winter-home-selling-mistakes/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16051 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Top Winter Home Buying Mistakes | 11 Errors Made While Buying A House During The Winter https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/winter-home-buying-mistakes/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16013 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What Address Change Form Should I Use At The Post Office? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/address-change-form-post-office/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15981 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What Does Contingent Status Mean in Real Estate? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/what-does-contingent-status-mean-real-estate/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15956 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> DIY Renovation Ideas For Your Backyard https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/diy-renovation-ideas-backyard/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15937 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How to Rent Your First Apartment Guide https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-to-rent-an-apartment/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15931 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Tips For Selling A Home Virtually https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/tips-selling-a-home-virtually/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15907 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> The Complete Winter Storage Checklist For Your Belongings https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/winter-storage-checklist/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15885 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Should I Waive My Home Inspection When Buying A House? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/should-i-waive-my-home-inspection/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15870 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> The Biggest Self Storage Companies Reviewed https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/biggest-self-storage-companies/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15836 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Earnest Money and House Deposits Explained https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/earnest-money-house-deposits-explained/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15760 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Moving Mistakes To Avoid https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/moving-mistakes-to-avoid/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15568 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Top Mortgage Myths | Demystifying Common Home Loan Misconceptions https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/top-mortgage-myths/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15102 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes to Avoid https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/first-time-home-buyer-mistakes/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=14815 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> 10 Tips For Adding Appeal To Your Home This Summer https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/10-tips-adding-appeal-to-home-this-summer/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=14237 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Exploring The Merits of Smart Home Technology When Selling a Home https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/smart-home-technology-selling-a-home/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13782 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Top Frequently Asked Questions From Home Sellers https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/top-frequently-asked-questions-home-sellers/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=2424 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> First Time Home Buyer Programs In Rochester NY &#8211; Updated January 2025 https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/first-time-home-buyer-programs/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock http://rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=580 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How New Doors &#038; Windows Can Boost Your Home Value https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-new-doors-windows-boost-your-home-value/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13643 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Top 5 Things To Know When Flipping Your First House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/5-things-to-know-when-flipping-your-first-house/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13574 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What Are The Best Mortgage Options for Self Employed Borrowers? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/mortgage-options-for-self-employed-borrowers/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13450 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Top 10 Best Places To See Christmas Lights In Rochester NY https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/top-10-best-places-see-christmas-lights-rochester-ny/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=10236 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What Are The PROs And CONs Of Multifamily Homes? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-multifamily-homes/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13219 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What Low-Cost Home Improvements Should You Make Before Selling Your Home? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/low-cost-home-improvements-you-should-make-before-selling-your-home/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13114 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> 15 Things Millennial Home Buyers Look At While Buying A House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/15-things-millennial-home-buyers-look-at-while-buying-a-house/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13028 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How Does A Fence Increase The Value Of Your Home https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-does-a-fence-increase-the-value-of-your-home/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12995 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> 5 Simple &#038; Low Cost Fixes To Make Your Home More Appealing To Buyers https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/5-simple-and-low-cost-fixes-to-make-your-home-more-appealing-to-buyers/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12779 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How To Improve A Homes Curb Appeal In Rochester NY https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-to-improve-a-homes-curb-appeal-rochester-ny/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12665 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> 7 Ways to Create an Energy-Efficient Home While Conserving Your Budget https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/7-ways-create-an-energy-efficient-home/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12633 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Hiring Movers Vs. Moving Yourself | The PROs &#038; CONs Of Each https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/hiring-movers-vs-moving-yourself/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12592 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Should You Pay Off Student Loans Before Purchasing a Home? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/pay-off-student-loans-before-purchasing-a-home/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12531 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Should I Build A New Home Or Buy An Existing Home? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/should-i-build-a-new-home-or-buy-an-existing-home/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=2497 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Buying A Condo Vs. Renting A Condo | What Are The PROs &#038; CONs? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/buying-a-condo-vs-renting-a-condo/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12402 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> 9 Money Saving Moving Tips | How To Cut Costs When Moving https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/9-money-saving-moving-tips/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12341 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How to Create a Proper Home Maintenance Checklist https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-to-create-a-proper-home-maintenance-checklist/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12300 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> 5 Tips For Tenant Screening | How To Weed Out Bad Tenant Applicants https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/tips-for-tenant-screening/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12291 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> The Best Social Media Blogs For Real Estate From 2017 https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/best-social-media-blogs-2017/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12045 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> The Best Home Improvement Blogs From 2017 | Advice For Home Remodeling https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/best-home-improvement-blogs-2017/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12044 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> The Best Mortgage Blogs From 2017 | Advice For Home Financing https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/best-mortgage-blogs-2017/ Tue, 23 Jun 2015 11:30:55 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12043 Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a home is the ability to add or remove home features through home improvement projects or remodeling projects.  There are many home improvement projects that can have a positive impact on a homes value as well as many home improvement projects that should be avoided due to the possibility of negatively impacting the homes value or the homes desirability. There are certain home features that today's home buyer wants and is willing to pay top dollar to obtain.  Even though some home buyers will pay top dollar for certain home features, one of the biggest challenges that is faced when selling a home is dealing with unrealistic home buyers.  Some home buyers that are in the market to purchase a home have a laundry list of home features they want in their home but are not willing to pay for them.  This can obviously be very frustrating for home owners. A homeowner who knows what home features today's home buyers want will put themselves in a much better position when it comes time to complete their next home improvement or remodeling project.  By knowing what today's home buyer is looking for when it comes to home features can save a lot of valuable time on the open real estate market and can also lead to a higher sale price. So, what are some of the top home features that today's home buyers want in a home?  This article will analyze the top home features that buyers are looking for in their new home as well as provide some excellent tips to help improve your home features to appeal to today's home buyers! Open Concept Floor Plans The days of compartmentalized homes are gone.  Most homes built prior to the early 1990's had floor plans that were choppy and compartmentalized.  Most newly constructed homes are being built with open concept floor plans.  Today's home buyers desire a floor plan that flows seamlessly from one room to another.  Due to the fact that older homes generally do not have open concept floor plans, many home buyers are electing to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing home. Why do today's home buyers desire an open concept floor plan?  Many millennial home buyers enjoy entertaining friends and family.  An open concept floor plan is a feature that allows a homeowner the ability to interact with their guests even if they are in a different room.  A compartmentalized home does not allow this.  An open concept floor plan is also very popular home feature with families with young children as an open concept allows the parents the ability to watch their children even if they are not in the same room or area of the home. An open concept floor plan in some homes may not be feasible, however, in some homes can be created with the simple removal of a wall or two.  If you're planning a remodel or home improvement, consider improving the flow of your floor plan since it is such a highly desired home feature with today's home buyers. Updated Kitchen Most people who have any interest in real estate have heard that kitchens and baths sell homes.  This is very true since many of today's home buyers are not interested in remodeling a kitchen or don't have the capital to do so. Some of today's home buyers will elect to not even look at a home that has old counters, cabinets, or flooring.  It's very easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel project, however, it may not be necessary to attract today's home buyers.  There are many ways to update a kitchen without breaking the piggy bank.  Knowing what the current trends are for kitchens is extremely important to keep in mind when completing any remodel or update. Low cost kitchen updates can reduce the amount of time a home takes to sell significantly and also potentially increase the sale price.  Low cost kitchen updates include:
  • Fresh Paint
  • Re-staining or Refinishing Kitchen Cabinetry
  • New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
  • New Light Fixtures
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Sink
Updated Bath(s) [caption id="attachment_2790" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want Updated Bathrooms Are A Top Home Feature That Today's Home Buyers Want[/caption] Just like the kitchen, the cost to update or remodel a bathroom can be very high.  An updated bathroom is however, one of the most desired home features for today's home buyers. One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom appeal to today's home buyers is by freshly painting the bathroom(s) with a bright and inviting color and also ensuring it is extremely clean.  A very popular way sellers scare away potential home buyers is with dirty and grimy bathrooms.  Some home buyers will choose not to buy a home because the bathroom is extremely dirty. Similar to a kitchen, a bathroom remodel or update does not have to break the piggy bank to make it appealing to today's home buyers.  There are many low cost ways to update a bath, including:
  • New Vanity
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Plumbing Fixtures
  • New Bathtub/Shower Surround
  • Updated Light Fixtures
  • Clean and Organized Linen Closet(s)
First Floor Laundry Room Many homeowners believe the location of the laundry room is not relevant when it comes time to sell a home.  The location of the laundry room can have a major impact on how fast a home sells and the desirability of a home.  In most homes there are only a handful of locations for a laundry room.  The basement, the first floor, and the second floor are the three most common areas. Today's home buyers ultimately prefer the laundry room is located on the first floor.  First floor laundry is a home feature that is extremely desirable for older home buyers or home buyers who may have difficulty walking up or down stairs.  Most newly built homes will have a first floor laundry room as a home feature since it has become so popular with today's home buyers! Outdoor Space Today's home buyers are not only interested in the home features of the interior but also what the exterior home features are in a home.  Many sellers make the mistake of not paying attention to the outdoor space of their home, which can be very costly.  A very popular and relatively inexpensive staging tip to help sell a home quicker for more money is to ensure the outdoor space is not neglected! What are the outdoor home features that today's home buyers desire?  A few of the most popular home features desired by today's home buyers include attached decks, patios, and fenced yards.  Other outdoor areas that homeowners should pay attention to include:
  • Landscaping
  • Hardscaping
  • Pools
  • Fire pits
  • Balcony
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor Kitchens
Home Technologies Many of today's home buyers are very "tech savvy," especially millennial home buyers.  There are many home features that can be added to a home that are very technologically advanced.  Home technologies can help increase the "WOW" factor of a home. What are some of the most popular home technology home features that today's home buyers are looking for?
  • Programmable thermostats, such as a Nest, which can be controlled via a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile device
  • Whole home speaker systems, such as Sonos
  • Key-less locks that can be accessed via Bluetooth
  • Timed irrigation systems
Today's Home Buyers Want "Green Thumb" Home Features [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="450"]"Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers "Green Thumb" Home Features Are Highly Desired By Today's Home Buyers[/caption] "Going Green" is something that is seen all over the place nowadays!  Today's home buyers are also desiring many home features that could be considered as "going green."  Whether it's because a home buyer wants to save on their utility bills or because they are concerned with protecting the environment, it's important to understand what "green" home features today's home buyers are looking for. Energy Efficient Furnace & Air Conditioning Two of the most important features within a home are a homes furnace and a homes air conditioning, if applicable.  First and foremost, there are many home buyers that will not look at a home if it does not have central air conditioning.  Certain types of HVAC systems don't allow for central air conditioning to be installed, such as baseboard or radiant.  If able, installing a central air conditioning unit is a good idea as it can increase the number of potential home buyers who maybe interested in the home. A home feature that some of today's home buyers are looking for are the efficiency levels of the furnace and air conditioning.  There are several reasons why today's home buyers are looking for energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units.  The primary reason is the fact that these home features can save a buyer significant money per month on utility bills. Other reasons why this home feature is so important to today's home buyers include:
  • Longer Life Expectancy
  • Quieter
  • Better For Environment
  • Superior Performance
  • Improved Health and Quality of Life
Extra Insulation Similar to energy efficient air conditioning units and furnaces, additional insulation can significantly reduce utility bills, which is the primary reason why today's home buyers desire this home feature.  The standards of home insulation change fairly frequently, therefore, a home built 60 years ago is likely to have very minimal insulation in comparison to a newly built home. In addition to the reduced utility bills, other reasons to increase insulation in a home include exterior noise reduction and a lower chance of ice damming.  Ice damming can create significant damage to a home, especially in very cold climates, such as Rochester, NY. This past winter, while selling a home in Brighton, NY, a seller experienced significant ice damming damage to the interior of their home.  A contractor pointed out that this could have been avoided if there was additional insulation added.  As you can imagine, extra insulation is an even more desirable home feature for home buyers in colder climates, due to the potential for ice damming damage. Energy Efficient Appliances Even thought energy efficient appliances are more expensive than non energy efficient appliances, they are a home feature that many home buyers look for.  An energy efficient appliance, such as a refrigerator, may cost two times more than a non energy efficient appliance, however, the can yield significant savings in utility bills and usage. When shopping for appliances, keep an eye out for the "Energy Star" logo.  Energy Star is a program run by the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.  Any appliance that has the Energy Star logo is likely to be very efficient and also highly desired by today's buyers. Energy efficient appliances are a very popular home feature with today's home buyers but it's also important to keep in mind the look of the appliance.  In addition to energy efficient appliances, many of today's home buyers are looking for stainless steel appliances.  Stainless steel appliances are often more expensive than non stainless steel appliances, but are so highly desired that it is normally worth the additional expense. Energy Efficient Windows A common concern for home buyers is the efficiency and condition of a homes windows.  Windows that are in poor condition or that are inoperable are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection.  The cost to replace windows in a home can be expensive, depending on the quality and efficiency level. Today's home buyers will pay more for a home due to the fact it has energy efficient windows as one of the home features.  In extreme climates, this can be even more important than the furnace or air conditioning efficiency since the amount of air lost or gained through windows can be significant. Final Thoughts One of the best ways to make a home appeal to today's home buyers is by knowing what home features they are looking for.  A home that has many of the above home features that buyers are looking for will sell faster than the homes that are lacking the above home features. While it may not make sense to remodel a kitchen for $30,000, it may make sense to tackle some of the low cost projects such as a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on the cabinets.  It's important that if you're unsure whether a home feature is going to help sell your home or hurt the chances of your home selling, that you consult with a top local real estate professional.  They should be able to give you the proper advice and tips to making sure your home has the home features that today's home buyers want! Other Top Home Selling Tips & Advice If you're selling a home in Rochester, NY, it's critical you understand what kind of home features today's home buyers are looking for!  If your Rochester, NY home has many of the above home features, your home should appeal to many of the local home buyers who are in the market to purchase a home.  If you're unsure about whether you should add or remove a home feature in your Rochester, NY home, contact me, and I'd be happy to share my expertise and opinion with you. 
Subscribe To Our Blog (it's FREE) & You'll Receive All The Top Real Estate Tips, Trends, News, and More in your e-mail inbox!:Delivered by FeedBurner
About the authors:  The above article "Top Home Features That Today's Home Buyers Want" was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With over 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]>