Top Ten Most Desired Home Features

From flat-screen TVs to fireplaces, there are many luxuries that make up the dream list of most homeowners today. With Design Your Dream Home, Homes.com, instead of conducting a simple poll, has taken a more ingenious approach to collecting data in compiling a list of the 10 features homeowners desire most. 
 
The study, which is in the form of an interactive page, allows users to literally create their own dream home online. Moving from a living room to your fictional master bedroom to a yard, and, lastly, to a kitchen, the Homes.com page provides 10 features to choose from in each space, of which you can choose one.
 
"This is the first year that Homes.com has used the interactive webpage to gauge their consumer's interest in the types of features that they'd like to see in their dream home, as well as in a new-construction home," Cheria Brickhouse, content marketing coordinator at Homes.com, tells Housecall.
 
Amenities that you can choose from include exercise equipment, a large tropical fish tank and spa, just to name a few. The interactive page is still live and Homes.com will continue to collect data, but these are currently the top 10 most desired home features:

1. Pool
2. Fireplace
3. Private balcony
4. Entertainment center
5. Walk-in pantry
6. Ensuite spa
7. Walk-in closet
8. Energy-efficient appliances
9. Bay windows
10. Guest house 

More Words of Wisdom. Home Ownership

As Realtors, we get this one question asked of us over and over:

Should I update my home?
The typical homeowner response is: When we do decide to sell, the new owners are going to change things anyway.

If you can afford to update your home, do it. Don't go crazy with updates. Save your money, then update within your budget. Why?

One, you will be able to enjoy these updates and feel proud of your home and what you have done.

Two, it will add value to your home. Home values increase due to inflation and supply and demand. If you have a home that looks great, the buyer demand will be higher, and that will generate a higher home price. And, if the supply (homes currently for sale) is low, your homes value will increase even more.

Three, If you choose not to update anything, then do NOT expect a quick sale and do NOT expect to receive the value that an updated home has. The buyer demand for your home will be lower.

Four, If you cannot afford to update and remodel your home, there are other less expensive options you can take to get more value for your home and you can do them yourself.
Improve your curb appeal. Make your homes exterior look "Wow."
Paint the exterior. Keep your grass and bushes trimmed.             Add colorful flowers. Make your home look Sparkling Clean.
Update fixtures one at a time as you can afford it. 
Don't underestimate the power of the first impression, inside & out.

If you make the decision to buy a home, along with the benefits, comes some work. Do this work & it is called, "Pride of Ownership." Take care of your home and you will be rewarded.     

If you do not want to do the work (or pay to have it done), then you probably should consider renting.

We wrote a paper on enhancing your home for impact. If you'd like a copy, just contact us.

Wisdom & Stuff

Dog Humor

Real Estate Questions

Question: I have a neighbor whose downspout has a plastic extension that's directed at my house. The houses are only about ten feet apart and the ground is a bit higher on his side. I have asked him to reroute the extension to no avail. Do I have any other options?

Answer: Yes. Given that the homes are 10-feet apart I suspect you're in a newer community with a homeowners association. If we assume that no one has the right to devalue your property by flooding, you could ask your HOA for help or you might ask the local building inspector for assistance.

If the slope was created by a builder, if it was man-made, then one could imagine a suit against the builder, the HOA and the neighbor for the damage done to your property. Hopefully, cooler heads will prevail before costs for litigation reach flood stage.

Question: All of my friends tell me its a bad idea to buy an investment house with a friend. Is this true?

Answer: Yes and no. Yes, you can reasonably buy investment property with a friend, relative, co-worker or anyone you choose. No, it's not a good idea if done incorrectly.

The problem is not in the joint buying, it's usually in the lack of a written agreement between the investors. Without a proper agreement put together by an experienced attorney in advance of any purchases, it's inevitable that what started as a good relationship will run into problems when one investor wants to sell and the other doesn't, finances change or the property has losses. So, if you want to buy with someone, that's fine -- just have a proper agreement in place before the first check is written.

https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/in/schererville/1240-primrose-lane/pid_25356585/

New Listing in Auburn Meadow in Schererville. 
Condo.    $154,900.

Everything on the Main Level. No Stairs.

2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths. Main Floor Unit.

In Unit Laundry room.

Master has a Private Bath.

1,367 sq ft.