The State of the Market
One look at the real estate transactions all over North Atlanta, and it’s plain to see that a record number of homeowners are buying and selling properties in an effort to make their homes work well for the new normal. However, also trending are the record number of homeowners working to re-think, re-imagine and renovate their spaces to make them work for them now.
Let’s look at the top items on their lists, and also explore which of those will give them the greatest return on their investment so when it’s time to resell, they will benefit from their renovations.
The Hard Working Home of Today
Today, homes are required to work harder than ever often serving as ground zero for all of the entire family’s life activities. We are seeing items that were once on a homeowner’s wish list, now become requirements.
Let’s explore today’s most sought after spaces.
Private Work/Classroom Spaces
Perhaps the most radical new must are offices and classrooms. While it was once a luxury item – the home office or study, it’s now essential and often for both parents as well as classroom space for kids.
Checklist: Spacious. WiFi. Private (away from sound and distractions).
TIPS: Think temporary. You should not think too much about resale here. Have extra bedrooms? Dedicate one or two for office spaces. Murphy beds can literally go away making the room feel like a dedicated place for getting work done. Let kids help make the room their own. Let them choose the paint and their desk. These are easy to undo when it’s time to resell, and goes a long way to giving them some say so during a time when they get very little. They will also be more inclined to use the space if they helped
create it.
Recreation Areas
A recent survey indicated that most pool companies in North Atlanta markets have up to a 6 month waiting list.
Checklist: Game Room. Movie Room. Outdoor Play Areas. Fire Pits. Water Features. Pools.
TIP: With a sad 43% Return on Investment (ROI) and the annual costs of maintaining a pool, you really need to be motivated by love and not by money to put in a pool. Lots of homeowners are opting for an outdoor water feature to sit by and unwind.
INSPIRATION: For more information on the return of the rec room, check out Karen’s earlier website blog post, The Rec Room Makes a Comeback
Check back next time for Part Two and see what else tops the Must Hove List for today’s Home Buyers. In the meantime, please contact Karen for any and all your real estate needs!