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What Home Buyers Want in 2013

By
Home Stager with New England Home StagingĀ®
If your plans are to ring in the new year with buying a home, chances are you've got a couple of "must-haves" on your shopping list. Our Builder friends, Home Sellers and Real Estate Agents are dying to know the latest  "hot buttons" for the 2013 home buyer. We see a lot houses up here in the Northeast and every time we stage a house that sells, a home buyer is born. 

 

We've got the scoop on what they're looking for!

 

 

(especially in the kitchen!)

 

 

 
In 2012, the National Kitchen and Bath Assoc. revealed that the "traditional" kitchen fell out of the top spot and a modern movement was trending in kitchen design. We see this with all areas in the home. 

 Keeping in mind, there is a tipping point.  Appealing to a large audience when selling means finding a balance between 

"a little bit country, and a little bit rock-n-roll."

 

 via Wisteria

 

 

 This does not mean a professional,"I work from home" office, although

  there may be a need for that too, this is the household:

  •  Homework Hole
  • IT Department
  • Check Facebook status
  • Mini DIY Starbucks 

 ZONE

 

 

via houzz

 

 I know we've heard this before however, it seems that these "outdoor" spaces are taking on a new vibe for 2013.  The big outdoor kitchen took a turn in the "trendy" direction while the "outdoor living room" seems to be getting more than comfortable, not only sticking around, but changing the way homes are designed.

In the North East, no one demonstrates this better than The Green Company in Plymouth, MA.

 If you are building a house, you MUST visit Greengate at Pinehills, it's so worth your time!

 Here is a floorplan at Greengate that gets it right! Right sized and right designed for 2013's buyer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merging the in and out possibilities:

 

 

 

 

 The days of "builder basic" lighting is over and our clients either go willingly or we tackle them to the floor and make them cry uncle until submission. (kind of ;)

 WHY is it important? Because it's a way to get a HUGE bang for your buck.

 Our favorite store? West Elm

 We suggest West Elm lighting somewhere in the house for every model home we design. It looks expensive and can translate into any style of home. We put this W.E.turned pendant light in a recent model home. 

 

 

 

Here's the Capiz Pendant via Decor Pad. Seriously, it can hang with the big boys. From The Hamptons to Paris, find us a room and we can find you a light from West Elm that looks great. ;)

 

 

 

 

Another fave for a large foyer is the Troy Maidstone 6 light.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 From reclaimed wood to cork, our floors are getting attention in 2013. And although everyone may not be able to afford a stunning, chevron patterned, wood floor, it looks like carpet may be taking a vacation in 2013.

 

 

 

 Builders and homeowners struggle with this because flooring can add quite an increase to the budget however, knowing what is relevant to the home's price point is key. If your home is listed at $1M or higher, you should pay attention to what's underneath your potential buyer's feet. 

 Those Loubes like upgraded flooring.

 For the rest of us, there are some really great alternatives. If you can get your hands on the reclaimed wood look- go for it!

 The hand- planed look is happening and the darker, the better.

 

 

And while you're at it- prepare for the ceiling to take it's place in the spotlight too. 

 

 

 

On a side note, the announcement of Pantone's color the year for 2013 has everyone buzzing. 

 

 

 
When you're selling your home it can be difficult to work in the latest trends without making it too personal and throwing off your buyer audience. Here are a few tips to get your emerald fix without going GREEN overboard.

 

Accessorize with color

 

 

 

 Camilla Molders

 

And if you absolutely must go there, take to a smaller room, like an office or a small bedroom. Keep a neutral backdrop and go for accents through window treatments and pillows. Just remember, you're moving, so think about how you're going to decorate your new home!

 

 

 

 

Camilla Molders

 

 
What are you doing to your house in 2013?

 

Show All Comments Sort:
David Shamansky
US Mortgages - David Shamansky - Highlands Ranch, CO
Creative, Aggressive & 560 FICO - OK, Colorado Mtg

Nice pics and good info to share ideas and trends with others

 

Peace

Jan 07, 2013 11:16 AM
Alan Kirkpatrick
Austin Texas Homes - Round Rock, TX
Alan in Austin

Stayci:

Very nice post and great pictures. Have a great week.

Jan 07, 2013 11:19 AM
Bill Reddington
Re/max By The Sea - Destin, FL
Destin Florida Real Estate

Heard about the emerald choice a few days ago. Maybe nice as an accent piece but not my personal choice. Guess I will be out of fashion.

Jan 07, 2013 11:21 AM
Sandi Reed
Chartwell Realty, LLC - Lee's Summit, MO
Lee's Summit #1 Real Estate Expert

Thanks for the information!  Great presentation of what's new and hot!

Jan 07, 2013 11:26 AM
Stayci Fast
New England Home StagingĀ® - Boston, MA
MIRM

Thanks guys. Bill, I know that in Destin (one of my fave places!), you are probably living in a softer color palette there on the water, but emerald can be really great with light blue. Up here in Boston, dark green is popular with the older historic homes, on the window shutters and doors, etc.

Jan 07, 2013 11:26 AM
Beverly Carlson
Carlson Properties 325-721-2429 - Abilene, TX
Abilene's Staging Realtor

Any time you predict trends you take a risk.  Great Blog with lots of information and trends.  I love the emerald color.

Jan 07, 2013 12:08 PM