A local title agency sent us some links to real estate articles, and one of them is this article at Bankrate.com, 20 things that can alter the value of your home.

Leigh Wilson (one of the agents I work for) blogged about this article on our company blog, and I'd like to know if any agents are seeing the trend take place. Here are some highlights:

"But I question making improvements to your home that include "a well-appointed master suite," ("a luxurious bathroom, lounging areas and walk-in closets") or a "modern bath" with a spa. Yes, I suppose those are ideal and might play a factor in how much you actually GET for your house. BUT... There is an important factor at work today that might have been overlooked in the heady days of the housing boom, and it's taking a while to trickle down to the real estate "how to" articles! That is: buyers are tightening their belts.

Ridiculously high gas prices, fears about the economy in general and the housing market in particular will translate into buyers choosing (potentially smaller) homes closer to work and school--and this means becoming less picky about what kind of tub the home offers! Consider this article (At least skim it!)

How are you advising your clients when it comes to questions of size, energy effeciency and location? Or are they simply opting for cheaper, smaller and closer?