Realtor Magazine just came out with 13 Hot Home Trends for 2013.
They're guidelines for agents who often advise their clients on how to make their home a "must see' when they put it on the market. An agent's mission is to have a potential buyer exclaim "I love it!" when they walk in the door – because an offer isn't far behind.
I'll sell my home someday. But I'm not going to wait until a month before I list it to break the bank to fix it up and make it better just for someone else to enjoy. Better now than later to get new carpet, paint over the black marks and replace the 1990s light fixtures And it;s sure to boost the resale value in the long-run.
Here are some of Realtor Magazine's design trends to turn buyer's heads.
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Outdoor Living Rooms: These all-weather porches are furnished and decked out with fireplaces, entertainment centers and bars. I'm hoping I can talk my husband into screening in our existing deck -- but first we'll have to power wash and stain it,
Automated home systems: They've come down in price and control the heart of the home - temperature, lighting, electronics and security - with a single device. Too high-tech for me. I'm replacing a drawerful of remotes with one universal remote to run the TV, DVR and DVD player.
Themed interiors: Decorating rooms with a distinct theme is making a comeback with British-style motifs all the rage. I'm checking online for sweet closeout deals on souvenirs from last summer's London Olympics.
Green minded: Not Pantone's color of the year - emerald - but energy-efficient, recyclable and water conserving products. My bathrooms' getting a new low-flow shower head.
Stylish updated kitchen: The popular "transitional" look - it's not too traditional or too contemporary — won't send buyers running for the door. It seems like every kitchen makeover on TV and in magazines is awash in whites and grays. It shouldn't be to hard or costly to paint my 1990s golden oak cabinets a crisp clean gallery white.
Is resale on your mind? What's your plans to boost your home's livability for today and for future buyers?
