Woodlands Realtor

In The Market

Are you in the market for a Woodlands realtor? If so, then you have made a fantastic first step in the process of buying a new home for yourself and your growing family. Navigating the real estate market is not something that any average civilian should attempt, as it can be confusing and filled with jargon that is of no significance outside that specific market. A Woodlands realtor can assist you in comprehending the complex system that is the housing market. No one should feel alone in the house hunting process and a Woodlands realtor will ensure that you do not have that feeling of hopelessness that accompanies attempting to purchase a home without professional assistance. A Woodlands realtor can assist you in analyzing the pricing of a specific neighborhood, finding a listing that fits your personal wish list and scoring a deal that is fair for both you and the seller. A Woodlands realtor is an invaluable resource during the mind-boggling process of attempting to find the perfect home. Be sure to get into contact with a Woodlands realtor today and ensure that your experience in the real estate market goes as smoothly as possible.

Being A Woodlands Realtor

Being a Woodlands realtor means that you are daily dealing with properties in a localized area. This experience gives the realtor a knowledge base that provides them with the historical facts necessary to assess the reasonability of prices of specific properties. Knowing whether properties in the area traditionally sell for a certain amount or close at a different amount assists a Woodlands realtor in making rational expert judgments about whether or not a listing is priced reasonably. Do not be the buyer who simply takes the sticker price blindly. Be sure to consult a Woodlands realtor in order to ensure that you are not being overcharged in an area that is usually priced significantly lower than the asking price on your prospective property.

Property Search

A Woodlands realtor can also assist you in mastering the real estate system and locating a property to fits each and every criterion that you hope to find in your new home. It can be extremely confusing to attempt to search through every last listing in the Woodlands, hunting for that gem property that gives you everything that you want. A Woodlands realtor is skilled in finding that perfect property with effortless ease. Let a Woodlands realtor work their magic for you and score that real estate listing that rises to even your highest standards.

Negotiating A Final Price

When negotiating a final price on a listing, a Woodlands realtor is well practiced in the art of sealing the deal. In order to find a comfortable middle ground between the buyer and the seller, a realtor must have fantastic people skills and the ability to solve complicated problems. The average house hunter does not have this adept ability and should most definitely call in a professional to do the job. There is a reason that they are the Woodlands realtor and you are not. You simply specialize in a different field. Imagine someone coming in and telling you that they could perform the job that you do on a daily basis more efficiently without any training. That is ludicrous, right?

Woodlands Realtor

When hunting for a home in the Woodlands, a Woodlands realtor is an essential confidant that you should not attempt to go without. There is no reason that you should be expected to scramble through the maze of house hunting without an experienced advisor at your service. Call a Woodlands realtor today and begin your search for a home in the Woodlands, the smart way.

The Woodlands Texas Real Estate

Real Estate Agents

The real estate industry in The Woodlands can be mind boggling for your average homebuyer as they attempt to make the single largest investment of their lives. For this reason, it is important that homebuyers consult a real estate agent in order to ensure their real estate search experience in goes as smoothly as they would wish. However, one thing is simple for many Houstonians, they know that they wish to live in the classy and bustling Woodlands, Texas. Many things about the Woodlands mesmerize homebuyers and leave them itching to purchase real estate in the area. People love the convenience that the businesses of the Woodlands provide, the coziness and security of the newly developing subdivisions and the quality of Woodlands schools.

Amazing Place

The Woodlands is an amazing place to invest, whether you are looking for residential or commercial real estate. Businesses are pleased to serve the large population of the Woodlands, as well as surrounding communities, and residents are more than pleased to be only a short drive away from almost any product or service that they could desire. The Woodlands offers real estate close enough to many stores and businesses that simply are not within the reach of homeowners in other areas. Some people have to drive an hour or more to pick up the items that they need on a weekly basis. Woodlands real estate owners do not have this problem. One short car ride can take you from any Woodlands real estate property to almost any store that you could dream of. Homebuyers looking for convenient shopping need look no further than real estate in the Woodlands.

Real Estate

While there is a large number of businesses that make life in the Woodlands convenient and easy, new neighborhoods in the Woodlands provide real estate the gives the homebuyer the security that they desire as well. Want to be able to sleep easy at night, knowing that your family is safe and sound inside your real estate property? Consider a gated community in the Woodlands area. For those homebuyers concerned with the surroundings of their neighborhood, a gated community is a perfect fit. If safety is one of your top concerns when it comes to the real estate market, be sure to let your realtor show you homes in gated communities in the Woodlands. Real estate in the Woodlands is uniquely connected to businesses and protected from crime.

Schools

Schools in the Woodlands school district are also a large draw to the real estate market in the area. Parents want their children attending schools that are in a safe and respectable school district and schools in the Woodlands provide exactly this. Mommy and Daddy can drop Bobby off in the Woodlands district without a single worry. Do not let school districting distract and confuse you as you navigate the real estate market. Come and look at real estate in the Woodlands and you can rest assured that any home you tour will land your favorite student at a school that will gently culture him or her into the young adult.

The Woodlands Texas Real Estate

Buying a new home is stressful and real estate that fits all of a homebuyer’s criteria can sometimes stump a realtor. Simply tell your realtor that you are interested at looking at real estate in the Woodlands and you cannot go wrong. You will find a home that has easy access to the businesses, restaurants and stores that you and your family love. You will find homes in safe gated communities that you will have no fear of allowing your children to ride their bikes to the park in. You will find schools that fit the needs of your student and leave you feeling safe about their safety. You will fall in love with the Woodlands real estate.

The Woodlands Realtor

Job of a Realtor

The job of a realtor in The Woodlands is multifaceted and is strongly intertwined with the emotions of the other complex actors in the real estate business. Buyers and sellers have various and sometimes incompatible interests that require a realtor. Realtors in The Woodlands have to work to make these interests meet in common ground, allowing the sale to occur. Sometimes, this is not easy. On occasion, a realtor in The Woodlands must look to the buyer to reconsider a home that is closer to their price range when a seller of a different home refuses to budge on their price. Other times, a realtor in The Woodlands will have to ask a seller to concede in the closing costs to a buyer’s desire in order to score the deal that both parties really desire. Also, it is possible that the seller in The Woodlands simply does not want to reveal issues with the home’s maintenance that the realtor feels should be carefully explained to the buyers. No matter what the intergroup issue, a realtor must work to assure that both the buyers and sellers in a particular real estate transaction leave the bargaining table content with the deal that they have just signed off on.

Real Estate Buyers

In the case that a buyer in The Woodlands has eyes much larger than their wallet, the realtor may find it necessary to show that buyer something in the price range that they are more comfortable with. In this situation, the seller of the home that the buyer originally wanted may have refused to negotiate on the price of the home. When this occurs the deal is put at a stand still and some buyers may not be able to see past this without a realtor. It is a job of the realtor to show the buyer something that they can feel comfortable purchasing in their true price range. No realtor wants to place a buyer in a situation in which they are buying a home that they cannot really afford. The goal of the realtor will be to find a home that encompasses every desire of the buyer, without breaking the buyer’s bank. This takes the extreme skill of a realtor to negotiate both with the sellers, to bring their prices down, and with the buyers, to look at homes that they may not have been immediately attracted to.

Closing Costs

When closing costs are discussed with a realtor in a real estate transaction, it can be tricky business. The seller wants to get out of the deal with as little concession as possible, while the buyer wants to protect themselves from immediate costs on their newly purchased home. In this situation, it is the job of the realtor to play ambassador between the two parties and find a happy median, leaving the buyer compensated for future expenses and the seller happy with the amount of compensation agreed on. It takes a realtor in The Woodlands with a lot of negotiation skill to make a deal like this work with both parties leaving happy with the final deal. A realtor spends a lot of time honing in on their negotiation skills and really working towards perfecting their methods of nailing down those closing costs.

Real Estate Sellers

There are also occasions in which a seller in The Woodlands is withholding information pertinent to the wellbeing of the buyer. In this case, a realtor who has become aware of the situation will zone in on the seller. It is absolutely essential that the home buying process is a transparent one. Hidden costs and fees are not only unprofessional but also dishonest. It is always best to have an experienced realtor on your side, as the buyer. Then, you will have an expert overseeing the home hunting process who knows where to look for sketchy dealings. A realtor must be very careful in handling this situation as to find clarity for the buyer while still maintaining the reputation and good face of the seller. This, as you would expect, requires a high level of people skills.

The Woodlands Realtor

The job of a realtor in The Woodlands is complicated. Overseeing all correspondence between the buyers and sellers in a real estate transaction can be tough. It is the job of the realtor to really specialize in the common issues that they see daily, learning how to cope with each issue and resolve it quickly.

Spring Texas Real Estate

Real Estate

Real estate in the Spring Texas area can be tricky to navigate. As a homebuyer, you definitely need to make sure that you have a well-respected and reliable real estate agent in Spring Texas on your side. There are three really common types of real estate properties in the Spring Texas area that you should consider before requesting your real estate showings: condos, duplexes and homes. Depending on what stage of your life you are currently in, whether you live at home or alone or whether you have a pet that you will be bringing to your new abode, you may choose a different one of these three real estate options. Newly married couples tend to like the feel of a smaller, and more affordable, real estate option. Larger families on the other hand, tend to look more for multiple bedroom homes in real estate. For the bachelor whose furry friend will be accompanying him, a quaint duplex with a nicely fenced in yard may be the perfect real estate selection. It is all about you and what kind of real estate property will meet your needs. Be sure that, when you go looking at different real estate properties, you have an idea of the kind of properties that you are interested in. This will assist your realtor greatly in finding you the home of your dreams.

Real Estate for the Just Married

Did you just get married? Are you and your love just beginning your careers? A condo may be the right real estate choice for you, as you attempt to fully put your new lives together. Not only will this living choice be significantly more economical, but it will also require significantly less maintenance and upkeep than a traditional home. As you are beginning your new married life, do not add the pressures and stresses of owning a large home to your plate. Begin your lives together in a smaller cozy condo and enjoy your spending your free time getting to fully know each other instead of scrubbing the guest bathroom floor. Mention to your realtor that you would really rather look at smaller real estate properties in Spring Texas that can give you the feel of owning your own place without all of the expensive and time consuming obligations that accompany the purchase of a traditional multiple bedroom home.

Real Estate for Families

For those families in Spring Texas who have already began to grow and have a few little ones in tow, a traditional multiple bedroom home is most likely the best real estate property choice for you. Little Sally and Susie want their own bedrooms, so let your realtor know that you are really in the market for a real estate property in Spring Texas that can give them exactly the space that they desire. Traditional homes are perfect real estate properties for those families that have added younger members. It is always nice to have plenty of space for younger family members to play and enjoy their youth. Parents also enjoy the fact that they will be able to watch their children grow up and create memories in their newly purchased real estate property.

Real Estate for Bachelors

Bachelors with a furry companion sometimes feel that a duplex with a fenced in the yard is the absolute real estate property for them. This can be an amazing real estate choice as they are personally growing up and are ready to venture out of the younger apartment scene. While bachelors focus on their career growth, Fido and Fifi can venture outdoors in their owner’s new fenced in yard. When attempting to ensure that your pet gets the exercise and play time that he needs as you zone in on your business relationships, a fenced in yard is the most fantastic aspect of a duplex real estate property. Tell your realtor how you are feeling. Let him or her know that you want to make a fenced in yard, with a smaller real estate property, a central priority.

Spring Texas Real Estate

Buying real estate in Spring Texas is a huge choice, however, deciding what type of real estate property to purchase should be a relatively easy process. Just assess the needs of your loved ones and you will be sure to make the correct real estate decision.

New Homes Spring Texas

New Homes

Are you one of the many Houstonians settled in Spring, Texas looking to purchase new homes? If so, then you must have considered the option of looking at new homes on the market in Spring Texas. Though it can some times be pricier, many homebuyers feel that they truly are getting their money worth when they purchase new homes in the Spring Texas area. New homes give homebuyers the look that they want and ensure them that they are investing in a lasting property that will not need nearly as much structural maintenance as older homes. New homes also assure the buyer that the appliances that come with the home will be of relatively up to date technology and will not need replacing in the immediate future. While new homes in Spring Texas can leave a buyer feeling a little nervous about their price, new homes also provide the buyer with a sense of security that the money that they spent was well worth it.

Shopping for New Homes

It is simple for most people shopping in the real estate market to see, there are definite trends when it comes to the construction of new homes and, like all trends, trends within the architecture of new homes in Spring Texas come and go. When it used to be in vogue to have darker carpeting and wood panels in new homes, homebuyers now may be opting for lighter and more open feeling décor. When a homebuyer goes the route that they feel will be cheaper by purchasing a home that has an older style than they would like, they sometimes end up incurring more costs than if they had just bought the stylized new home that they wanted in the first place because they spend thousands attempting to refresh the home that they thought was going to be a bargain. If you are looking for an open floor plan home with carpeting and wall treatments that are closer to what the style is at this moment, you are better off looking at new homes. With new homes in Spring Texas, you will already have the floor plan, flooring and wall treatment styles that you want, without spending a single penny more.

Reasons to buy New Homes

Another reason that many buyers look to new homes in Spring Texas is that they want to be sure that they will not be experiencing excessive maintenance charges simply to keep the house safe for their family to live in. Older homes in have roofing issues, foundation issues and many other problems. These issues can arise at any time after you have already settled on the price of the home, and then the buyer is responsible for those costs, whether it is two months or two years down the road. For this reason, many buyers do not feel as if they are being hustled when they purchase more pricey, but new homes in Spring Texas. Buyers want to be sure that their investment in their home was the right investment and that they will not be running into hidden charges down the road. If you want a one-time buy that will not require any repairs in the near future, your best bet is to begin looking at new homes.

Purchasing New Homes

When you purchase a home in Spring Texas, the appliances are not always the ones that you have dreamed of, especially when you purchase an older home. If the sellers are leaving behind an outdated appliance that comes with the home that still works, it can be a tricky situation for the prospective buyers. Say they accept the status of the appliance and then are having to pay out of pocket a month later for a new one. This hidden charge can impact the “bargain” they thought that they had received on their older home. New homes are going to come with appliances that are significantly newer than old homes. This is an immediate benefit for the buyer with new homes, as it is not likely that these newer appliances will need replacing in the near future.

New Homes Spring Texas

When purchasing a home and deciding whether to tour new homes or old ones, be sure to keep in mind that old homes will need maintenance to keep them functional, may have out of date décor and their appliances might need replacing in the near future. Take these extra costs in to account as you attempt to weigh the pros and cons of new homes versus older homes.

Magnolia Texas Realtors

Realtors An Invaluable Resource

Realtors in Magnolia Texas can be an invaluable resource throughout the real estate property hunting process. First time homebuyers may be tempted to stray on their own without a realtor in Magnolia Texas, relying on online resources to view and select properties to visit. Though this is most definitely a great resource for prospective real estate buyers, nothing can top the expertise of a professional realtor in the home buying process. Realtors in Magnolia Texas specialize in dealing on a daily basis with the issues that come along with the property hunting business. Realtors know what properties are priced reasonably and where a diamond in the rough can be found. When it comes to the real estate purchasing business, realtors are the experts that everyone should consult. No prospective buyer should be deceived by the idea that they can find everything that they need to know online. You simply cannot get the same valuable advice that realtors can provide from an online listing service. Seek out the assistance of a realtor if you are considering purchasing a home in the near future. You will be glad you did.

Local Realtors in Magnolia Texas

Local realtors in Magnolia Texas have looked at properties in the exact same areas that you are considering buying in. However, unlike you, realtors have the knowledge of the average pricing of the homes in that area. While the figures that you find on online listing services can tell you how a seller’s asking price compares to the asking price of other sellers in that area, it cannot provide you with background information as to whether any of these asking prices are realistic to what homes in that area have historically sold for. Realtors dealing in the local market can let you know when a price is outrageously priced compared to the listings in that area that have sold recently. Realtors can help you to make the personal decision as to whether or not the asking price on a home is reasonable, but also whether or not that asking price is negotiable. Negotiating the price on a home is tricky business. However, it is tricky business that realtors encounter on a daily basis. Do not attempt to do the job of a realtor and negotiate your own deal. Without background information on the pricing of homes in that area, you are clueless as to the reasonability of the sticker price on the property you are considering purchasing without realtors.

Identifying Red Flag Issues

Realtors can also assist homebuyers in identifying red flag issues with a listing that may have gone unnoticed because of a bargain asking price. No one wants to be fooled by a seller in Magnolia Texas who is hiding issues with a property that will soon cost them a sizeable amount of money. Realtors assist prospective buyers in noticing issues that may not be noticeable to an untrained eye. Once again, this is a profession. Realtors see issues with listings on a daily basis. Realtors can identify the trends in these issues and then are quick to spot them out when they see them in a different property. Do not let your naivety allow you to purchase a bargain priced home simply because you think that you can get it quickly and cheaply. Have a realtor take you on a tour of this home and take a look at some common issues that may incur hidden costs. You will be thankful that you identified any issues before closing a deal with a seller so that you can negotiate those values into the closing costs. However, if you do not have the assistance of a realtor, you may not identify the issue before closing and you may end up footing the bill yourself.

Magnolia Texas Realtors

Realtors are professionals whose advise is extremely valuable to the prospective homebuyer IN Magnolia Texas. Whether it is dealing with the sticker price of a home or the condition of a home that is going cheap, realtors have the expertise to assist you in assessing the situation with a level head.

Real Estate Spring Montgomery County Texas

Real Estate in Montgomery County

Real estate properties in Spring, Texas, a small area in Montgomery county, are extremely desirable for their great neighborhoods, respectable schools and their vicinity to local conveniences. No matter whether you are in search of an older or newer real estate property, Spring Texas and Montgomery County have the real estate options that you are looking for. The school districts in the Montgomery County are revered for their excellence in teaching and their outstanding test scores. Local shopping options are of plenty in most areas of Montgomery County and people who purchase real estate in the area are pleased with the stores that are only a short distance away from their homes. Montgomery County, and Spring, Texas in particular, is a fantastic place to begin your search for real estate properties. If you are in the market for a real estate property in this area, be sure to contact a local Montgomery County real estate agent so that you can more efficiently navigate the neighborhoods of Spring, Texas.

Real Estate in Spring Texas

Whether you are in the market for an older home in a notable neighborhood or a brand new real estate property in a recently erected community, Spring Texas and Montgomery County are a great place to begin your real estate search. Prestigious neighborhoods such as Champion Forest can give the prospective real estate buyer a feeling of nostalgia that they so desperately desire. While there are newer sections to this massive neighborhood, Champion Forest offers a variety of homes built in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Other neighborhoods in the Montgomery County, Spring, Texas area can give the buyer that fresh off the press look that they see in home style magazines. Want that new fresh and youthful look? Look no further than the Vintage Lakes, a gated community with gorgeous new real estate properties that will leave you drooling. Anything you can imagine: granite countertops, French doors, custom cabinetry, the builders in the Vintage Lakes community can provide you with in your custom built home. Homes, both new and old, are of plenty in Montgomery County, Spring, Texas. Give your realtor a call today to discuss the infinite real estate opportunities that this area has to offer.

Spring Texas Schools

The schools in the Spring area are also something to brag about. Constantly reviewed for excellence, Texas schools in general are outstanding. However, the schools in Montgomery County, Spring, Texas truly do focus in on the success of their student body. Safety for students is an absolute priority, and the school districts in this area spare no expense to ensure that their students are safe in their learning environment. The school district in which you purchase a real estate property is an extremely important factor in the house hunting process, especially for those families planning to expand in the near future.

Surrounding Montgomery County and Spring Texas

Surrounding the Montgomery County, Spring, Texas area is a plethora of shopping and dining options within a comfortable driving distance. This can be an outstanding resource for those families who sometimes need to make last minute trips to the store before a dinner at home, or close access to a restaurant for those nights on which you simply do not have the time to cook. No matter what your shopping or dining needs are, rest assured that a real estate property in the Spring Texas area can provide you with the means to meet them.

Real Estate Spring Montgomery County Texas

Shopping for real estate property in the Montgomery County, Spring, Texas area can be overwhelming because of the immense amount of neighborhoods that meet your structural, educational and recreational stipulations. Get in touch with your real estate agent immediately so that you can begin your search for real estate property in a truly fantastic area.

Real Estate Outlook: Existing-Home Sales Rise Again

Real Estate Outlook: Existing-Home Sales Rise Again

The National
Association of Realtors latest existing-home sales survey shows that sales are
on the rise again. This is the third straight month of increases as well the
rate rising above year ago levels. December saw a 5.0 percent rise and is now
3.6 percent above December 2010. The entire of year of 2011 experienced an
overall 1.7 percent rise in existing-home sales over 2010.

Lawrence Yun, NAR
chief economist, said these are early signs of what may be a sustained
recovery. "The pattern of home sales in recent months demonstrates a
market in recovery," he said. "Record low mortgage interest rates,
job growth and bargain home prices are giving more consumers the confidence
they need to enter the market."

Regional increases
were seen across the board, but had the largest increase in the Northeast which
rose by 10.7 percent for the month of December. Next in line was the Midwest,
rising 8.3 percent. The South and west followed suite, rising 2.9 and 2.6
percent respectively.

This rise in
existing-home sales has led to a dip in available inventory, which is welcome
news for many sellers who are facing steep competition. NAR reports
"available inventory has trended down since setting a record of 4.04
million in July 2007, and is at the lowest level since March 2005 when there
were 2.30 million homes on the market."

Total housing
inventory fell a staggering 9.2 percent in December to 2.38 million homes for
sale. "The inventory supply suggests many markets will see prices
stabilize or grow moderately in the near future," Yun said.

NAR President Moe
Viessi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc., in Miami, said more
buyers are expected to take advantage of market conditions this year. "The
American dream of homeownership is alive and well. We have a large pent-up demand,
and household formation is likely to return to normal as the job market
steadily improves," he said. "More buyers coming into the market mean
additional benefits for the overall economy. When people buy homes, they
stimulate a lot of related goods and services."

Partially to blame
for pent up demand has been the large amount of contract failures. The NAR says
failures were reported by 33 percent of NAR members in December, unchanged from
November; they were 9 percent in December 2010.

Declined mortgages
and depressed home values leading to loan values under appraised values are
heavily at fault. A recent Government Accountability Office (GOA) found that
the appraisal process needs more monitoring procedures.

A recent NAHB
survey shows that one out three builders have lost signed sales contracts
because of flawed appraisals.

NAHB
Chairman Bob Nielsen says, "The current system is not working." He
called for resolution of a flawed appraisal process. He says the current system
"fosters price instability, puts more families in danger of default or
foreclosure, and undermines the housing and economic rec

Read This Before You Buy a Real Estate Spring TX Property

Read This Before You Buy a Real Estate Spring TX Property

Whether you’re buying a real estate Spring TX property for investment or for your new home, you should think thoroughly first before you start taking out a loan. It is not because the place is not okay; it is because you might want to live near the famous places in this city.

Real estate Spring TX boasts of a lot of things, but the first reason you’d be happy about this area is that it is close to Houston. If you do not like to go to Houston for fun, then don’t fret, this destination has a lot to offer on its own. It has pocket areas like Highway 249 and Louetta Road which has many commercial establishments like restaurants, bars and shopping centers. Chain stores, individually-owned barbecue places and unique restaurants can also be found there.

If you like spending time with your family, the parks and recreation places like Splashtown and YMCA recreation center in Spring Texas are great locations you can visit. Aside from that, you can gain friends here, as it has a small town feel yet it offers great things that a large city has.

The schools in the area also attract people to get real estate Spring TX properties. The well-known Spring Independent School District and Klein Independent School District are well-known all over the United States because of their superb educational system. The competent faculty members in the campuses of Spring, Texas are getting adoration from parents of their students. Families who prioritize education often consider this destination as their home.

The homes in the area are usually master-planned communities that are developed with families in mind. The prices of these properties vary depending on the location and the developer, but it usually ranges from $100,000 to $1 million. You can choose to live in a tiny community where everyone is friends with everyone, or you can choose luxurious developments that provide its residents with extravagant facilities like pools and landscaped parks.

Spring, Texas is indeed a hidden jewel in the Lone Star state. You can find anything there, yet you can still enjoy the tranquility of a suburban community. If you want a place where you can stay, or you’re looking for an investment that will surely be worth it, then you might want to consider buying real estate Spring TX. It is good for your family, your pocket and your social life too.

Remodeling Improvements That Entice Buyers

by Phoebe Chongchua

Over the last few years, some homeowners have opted to stay put for the time being and that’s caused them to consider remodeling instead of moving. But most homeowners know that one day they might need or want to sell their home so which remodels help to add value and entice buyers?

There are a few areas that are better than others to improve. It’s pretty easy to understand why these home remodels are enticing buyers when you consider the way the housing market has been for the past several years.

Here are a few of the renovations that are adding value to homes and creating appeal from home buyers.

Aging in Place

With the tough economic times, more short sales and foreclosures, extended families are combining homes and reducing their cost of living by residing together in one larger house. The National Association of Home Builders found that 62 percent of builders in a survey were working on home projects that were helping families “age in place”. Included in these types of remodels are placing a bedroom on the entry-level of a home, wider doorways that would accommodate a wheelchair, and overall modifications for the elderly including reducing steps outside and inside.

At one time, these designs might have been unattractive but with many Americans wanting to “age in place” and extended families living together, remodels like these are becoming common, necessary, and valued.

Savvy Kitchen

The great rooms that bring the kitchen and the eating areas together are still popular. More space is preferred so families can have room to sit and spend time together over a meal even if that means having less space to actually prepare the food. Cabinets and shelving are being customized to suit the homeowners’ needs and many are favoring pantries or utility rooms. Kitchens are taking on the look of a chef’s cooking space with open shelving and islands to help homeowners be able to quickly prepare meals and still mingle with guests and family.

Totally Wired

Fast-placed, busy buyers who often work from home will find smart homes that are wired and built to handle all the high-technology needs a huge plus when it comes time to market and sell their homes. Another plus is having space-saving workstations in the home. Remodeled homes that feature floor-to-ceiling bookcases and wiring for home offices are increasingly becoming the norm in many homes.

Outdoor Living

This continues to be a popular trend to bring the outside in. Making the most of living spaces, even those in the garage and outside, is a huge benefit. Homeowners are capitalizing on all possible livable space by creating outdoor living rooms complete with wiring for entertainment, cooking, and relaxing. Outdoor furniture is also being featured inside as well as outside the home, blending the line between the two.

According to the Census Bureau, 2011 home starts were bigger and featured more amenities than in the previous year. It seems houses are growing again. The average new-home’s square footage is was 2,522 in 2011, up from 2,381 square feet.

Not all remodels add value to the home. The balance of achieving what you like in a home and which improvements can potentially increase the sale of your home, can allow you to make smart home improvement choices.

Published: February 24, 2012