That Awkward Age

If you are like me, you know subconsciously that you are getting older, but it is generally not something you think about every day. Days, weeks, months go by, and then one day, perhaps after viewing photos from a family event or some social gathering, you are confronted with undeniable evidence that even Phil Spector's jury could agree on... you are getting old. And short of quitting your job, spending 7 hours a day at the gym, and getting cosmetic enhancements from your plastic surgeon, there is not a lot you can do about it.

In the world of real estate, the same phenomenon exists with regards to your home's condition. You buy a new house, make it the way you want it, and enjoy it comfortably day after day. Time marches on. Then a few short years later, when you need to sell your home, you are confronted with reality. Your house, while only 12 or 14 years old, suddenly looks old, tired, and out of date. Many homes between 10 and 20 years old are in what I like to call the "awkward age", where the home is new enough style-wise to be attractive (vaulted ceilings, open floorplan, large master suite with luxurious oversized bath), but cosmetically starting to show its age with out of date materials and a tired feel to it.

Part of the problem, especially in the Pleasanton CA and Tri Valley real estate markets, is that there is abundant new construction that continues to reflect the changing styles and preferences of home buyers. The effect of this abundance of new homes is that it makes slightly older homes seem much older than they are. Here are some of the characteristics of a typical home in that "awkward age"

* Oak and maple cabinets. Oak cabinets have not been in style for at least a decade. Maple was all the rage 10 to 12 years ago, but it is falling out of favor... fast. If you do have oak or maple cabinets, and they are yellowing with age, it is even more problematic. Right now, medium stained cabinets, antique glazed (painted to look rustic), and natural or stained cherry are popular.

* Ceramic Tile. Tile counters, ceramic tile flooring with dark grout lines, glossy finish, and small individual tile sizes are dated. Granite and stone is in favor for kitchen counters, and large tiles with minimal grout lines are the norm right now for tile flooring.

* Sold oak banisters. Again, it was popular 10 to 20 years ago, but it is definitely out of style now. Consider replacing it, or at the very least painting the spindles white.

* Window coverings. The old, heavy lined draperies for privacy are out. So are metal mini blinds. Wood blinds, plantation shutters, and whispy, light decorative draperies are more up to date.

* Bathrooms. Wall to wall vanities are tired. Free standing vanities with a furniture look are better choices. Cultered marble is tired. Consider granite instead (it is not as expensive as you think), or larger stone or tile. And lose the beveled mirrors over the vanity. Go with framed designer mirrors and up to date light fixtures. Tile flooring in bathroom is always preferable. Make sure they are large (18″ or more) tiles, preferably with a matte finish, or better yet, get stone or travertine marble.

* Brass anything. Brass is out. Brass door hardware, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, and shower door trim/hardware instantly dates a home. Brushed and oiled nickel is in.

* Off white cut pile carpeting. Nice back then, out of date now. More popular now are textured and sculpted carpeting, as well as longer strand fibers (similar to shag carpeting 25 years ago). And deeper, warmer colors are in.

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