If you are planning to put your home on sale in the near future, chances are that your prospective buyer will be a Millennial. This working-age generation is currently between 23 and 38 years old and ready to choose and settle in a property and this is where your offer steps into the picture.
Therefore, to reach a fair price for your lovely home and to make sure that it goes into the hands of people who will take care of it, you need to learn as much as you can about millennial tastes. With that in mind, here are 4 steps that will help you stage the house in a manner appealing for a typical millennial.
Work on the curb appeal
Most buyers know from the first moment they see a house whether they like it – a great interior may sway them to change their opinion, however, this first impression is essential for their decision-making process. This means that you have to trim the grass and any bushes that you have in front of the house, to make it presentable. Also, make sure that the driveway and everything else is clean since almost every millennial dislike messy views. Another thing to consider is to change your front door because this generation takes pride in being eco-friendly while old doors with their many cracks and holes are not so energy-saving.
Tidy everything up
As mentioned, clutter and uncleanness is not something that millennials can stand. They prefer minimalism and everything having its place in the house so a dusty collection of old memorabilia will not be attractive to them. The first piece of advice is to declutter the rooms so they seem as if they only have essentials when it comes to furniture and decoration. It may seem like an undertaking but it really doesn’t have to be time-consuming and it will also be useful to cut down the number of things you would be transferred to the other home you will be living. The second piece of advice is to scrub everything clean since simple and clean is what millennials look for.
Pay attention to the room layout
Fragile figurines and expensive furniture that is a hassle to clean do not make up a room display approved by millennials. Their love for the visual simplicity and open spaces is no secret so providing them with the feeling of open space could be a perfect idea. If a renovation project is not something your budget can sustain, you can achieve a similar impression by getting rid of chunky furniture and leaving more free space. Another thing which might tip the scale to your advantage is a pet-friendly rug because this generation has taken the love for animals to a whole new level. Besides being beautiful, these rugs are durable and can stand being vacuumed daily, as well as a bit peed and nibbled on by the little groomed angels.
Transform the spare room into an office
If you have a spare room you are using as storage space, you might want to put it to another use. Millennials often work from home or run their own business, so the idea of a house already having a home office would be pleasing. The trickiest thing about turning your storage room into an office space is getting rid of all those things you don’t need. Once you are done with that, all you need to do is set up a table and a chair next to the window and make sure they have enough power sockets for their many gadgets. Then you can place your laptop on the table and gingerly arrange some pens, notes and a coffee mug, to look as though you just left the table. This will certainly leave a strong impression and make them decide on your house.
The perfect starting point with staging your house for a millennial buyer is thinking from the environmentally responsible perspective. A messy driveway with garbage everywhere and rooms filled with unnecessary things are in no manner eco-friendly so decluttering and cleaning everything are the first steps to boosting the appeal of your home.
In line with thinking green, millennials will not find luxurious decorations attractive because they always aim for simplicity. So, it is best to put away your fragile expensive trinkets and leave the bare essentials and a lot of free space because too many things can make the room be stifling. If you sprinkle your house with thoughtful elements such as office space and pet-friendly additions, you will be on your way to winning over their hearts.
When you’re renting and it seems that you want to make your rental apartment decor to look luxurious. Being aware that you’re actually living in somebody else’s apartment, investing in décor is always something you have to think twice about. You might be forced to move sooner than you expect and you don’t want to waste your hard-earned money on something you’ll have to leave behind. However, you still want your living space to have that luxurious appearance. So, what you can invest in are materials and items that you can carry with you or repurpose in another home one day. After all, luxury doesn’t mean crystal chandeliers and another upscale expensive décor anymore, but rather quality materials, smart combinations of different styles and being able to follow the latest trends with the space and the budget at your disposal. Here are some luxurious décor-related investments which can make living in your rental much more comfortable without setting you back financially.
Get some new knobs
Your kitchen cabinets are boring for you? Or the ones in your bathroom? Well, if you want to make a subtle change which will refresh the way they look and make you feel a bit happier, replace your old cabinet knobs with some new, elegant ones. You can save the old ones in a box or in one of your drawers and simply put them back onto your cabinet doors once you decide to move, while you take the new, better-looking ones with you to your new place. Similarly, if your doorknobs are old-fashioned nickel ones, already polished with years of use, you can invest in new ones, made from porcelain or brass. This is also something that’s easy to do, it’s affordable and can instantly add some glamour to an otherwise monotonous space.
Hide your worn-out floors
While getting new flooring in a rental apartment would be an utterly reckless investment, there are still ways to make your floors look beautiful without spending too much. With a few stunning area rugs in exactly the texture you prefer, you’ll add to the appeal of your entire apartment. If you can’t make up your mind about it, you should know that the latest trends are on your side, since you can now layer rugs in different textures, styles, colors and patterns to make your living space as sophisticated as you want. Don’t forget, bright colors and bold geometric prints are all the rage right now. You can even put some rugs where people least expect it, on your kitchen floors. Plus, nowadays you can choose jute rug made of natural materials and add tranquility to your home. And the best thing is that you can move them from one room to another, as well as from one apartment to another.
Add splashes of colors
If your whole living space is dull and depressing with plain white walls, adding some color here and there can make a huge difference and make the place more cheerful. Plus, it can reflect your own vibrant personality. Your landlord may agree to you painting an accent wall, but if they don’t, or if this is not something that you’re ready to do, you can always get some colorful artwork, as well as cushions, towels or even new curtains. As far as your bedroom is concerned, you can simply add color by investing in some new sheets and covers and enjoy the new life you’ve given to your apartment. Plush materials and trendy patterns will add some style to any of your rooms. And did you know you can get removable wallpaper now? Perhaps you should get some and have fun decorating.
Create additional storage space
If you feel that there’s a tad too much clutter in your rental and you want to have more storage space, but your mind is set on keeping it tasteful, pleasing to the eye and modern, there are several good solutions for you. First of all, floating shelves are something that’s ridiculously cheap, but can add some charm to any space if you’re careful with what you place on them. Similarly, if you lack closet space and you don’t know what to do with all those clothes, get a garment rack or two and put them in the corners of your bedroom. They are a fashionable way to store your garments, especially if you also invest in some lovely hangers. Finally, several stylish storage boxes or bins you can place underneath your beds can help you get rid of the mess and find the right place for all those little things which are currently annoying you all around your apartment.
With these guidelines, turning your rental apartment into a luxurious oasis you’ll love can be as simple and as affordable as you only hoped it could be.
Moving into a new home can be exciting, but it also can be stressful in many ways. In addition to the stress associated with physically relocating all of your belongings into a new home, your life may be affected in various other ways by your move. In fact, it may take several weeks or longer to fully get accustomed to life in your new home. These are some of the more significant details of your life that may change when you move, and by learning about them, you may be able to prepare for them ahead of time.
The Cost of Home Insurance
Home insurance is typically required by your lender, and it offers numerous benefits. For example, it may pay to repair or replace your home if it is damaged by severe weather. Home insurance rates vary based on the size and location of your home as well as several other factors. Many homeowners pay approximately $1,000 or more per year on home insurance. While this premium is typically paid in monthly installments, it nonetheless can take time to get accustomed to this extra expense in your budget. Consider looking at companies that will provide a bundle that may include car insurance and other coverage. Getting cheap insurance quotes before you move is a great way to save money on this expense.
The Length of Your Commute
The average commute time workers must deal with varies substantially based on where you live, but most workers commute at least 20 to 30 minutes each way, and some have a commute length that exceeds one hour each way. A smart idea is to travel along your new commute path to your workplace before you move. This will help you to avoid being unpleasantly surprised by a much longer commute length than you planned for.
The Cost of Your Utilities
Utilities expenses can increase when you move into a new home, and you should prepare for this possibility in your budget. Keep in mind that the size of the home is not the only factor that affects utilities costs. New utilities rates for a specific location, how energy efficient the home is and more will also affect your utilities expenses. You can usually obtain historical utilities costs for a specific property from the provider to get a better idea about what your own utilities costs will be.
Repairs and Maintenance Needs for the Property
If you are purchasing a new home, you will assume the condition of the property from the previous owner. Reviewing the property inspection is a great way to learn more about repairs and maintenance tasks that need to be addressed. Some items may require your urgent attention as soon as you move in, and others may be placed on your to-do list to complete within the next few months. You should, however, budget for these expenses as soon as possible.
The Need for Additional Storage Space
When you move into a new home, your storage needs can change dramatically. First, you may have less storage space in closets and attics, and you may need to find an additional area to store some of your belongings. In addition, the size, number and layout of your rooms may change. This means that you may not have a space for all of your furnishings. You could choose to get rid of some unnecessary items by selling or donating them. However, others prefer to hang onto their items. You could consider renting a storage unit to tackle your current storage issue.
As you can see, many of your current life factors can change when you move into a new home. These various factors can affect your budget, your daily routine and your general home life experience. If you are preparing to relocate to a new home, it is important that you review some of these various factors up-front so that you can properly prepare for them. By doing so, you can more easily transition into life in your new home.
If the history of building has been consistent in one thing, it that features once considered a luxury eventually become standard. Once air conditioning was a privilege of the wealthy; today no one would buy a home without it.
Today’s technology is following the same history. Smart homes with intelligent lighting, thermostats, and alarm systems were once science fiction. Now this kind of technology is being built into many new homes, as more and more buyers expect and even demand it. And with the technology more advanced and more affordable than ever, they should expect this convenience for their money.
Smart Products
Billions of dollars are being spent to upgrade older and even new homes with smart products to retro-fit home automation systems. Homes become Wi-Fi networks with wireless audio, motion-activated lighting, surveillance cameras, and HVAC systems, and even internet-connected dishwashers and refrigerators. All of these devices can be controlled through ubiquitous smartphones, so it makes perfect sense to want them in our homes.
Home security companies and even cable communications providers have gotten onboard to offer automated solutions for security and smart entertainment systems. Google and Amazon have both invested heavily in producing their own home automation products. The smart home lifestyle is now being lauded on the internet and national TV commercials, so the interest is only going to grow. U.S. sales of automation systems are expected to surpass $16 billion by 2019.
Slow to Adapt
But these add-on products are not on the same level with a comprehensive, integrated system that can be built into homes. Providers of these smart home solutions have been developing and perfecting their product for years now. The question is why so few builders have partnered with them to provide automation in new construction.
The reason seems to be that so many builders are still following the traditional mindset; they are resistant to change or dismissive of the profit and market potentials. They may feel they lack the expertise or logistics to get the technology integrated in homes without hampering long-established and well-organized building techniques.
But while the delivery of product and expertise to install it can be fulfilled by the smart home technology providers, a resistance to change is only going to hurt construction in the long run – that’s within the next decade, if not now.
Smart Business
Builders are wrong not to take advantage. As demand for integration of home automation rises, so does the price tag of homes with this feature. The opportunity for profit is growing. While the devices used are high-tech, actual installation is well within the skillset of a good electrician, even if a little training may be required, and easily becomes a part of the phase of running wires and installing fixtures.
Most new homes already incorporate elements of the last generation of technology, such as LED lighting, home security systems, and programmable thermostats. More comprehensive, integrated, networked smart homes will be the norm for the next generation. Builders who still doubt the practicality of including high-tech design in home construction are missing out on a lucrative market. It’s only a matter of finding a supplier with the right order fulfillment system and accepting a mutually beneficial arrangement. More technology means more business, not less.
The history of home construction tells us that while retro is often in, the latest conveniences always become mandatory. Once plumbing, electricity, and open floor plans were new. Home automation is the next step. It’s what people are asking for, and businesses are only hurting themselves by ignoring the demand.
When you realize that ignoring technology – and clients – is never the right move, it’s time to explore the world of home automation, and all that it has to offer. A well-built home that also has the latest technical innovations is going to sell faster and make customers happier. That’s always great for business.
If the history of building has been consistent in one thing, it that features once considered a luxury eventually become standard. Once air conditioning was a privilege of the wealthy; today no one would buy a home without it.
Today’s technology is following the same history. Smart homes with intelligent lighting, thermostats, and alarm systems were once science fiction. Now this kind of technology is being built into many new homes, as more and more buyers expect and even demand it. And with the technology more advanced and more affordable than ever, they should expect this convenience for their money.
Smart Products
Billions of dollars are being spent to upgrade older and even new homes with smart products to retro-fit home automation systems. Homes become Wi-Fi networks with wireless audio, motion-activated lighting, surveillance cameras, and HVAC systems, and even internet-connected dishwashers and refrigerators. All of these devices can be controlled through ubiquitous smartphones, so it makes perfect sense to want them in our homes.
Home security companies and even cable communications providers have gotten onboard to offer automated solutions for security and smart entertainment systems. Google and Amazon have both invested heavily in producing their own home automation products. The smart home lifestyle is now being lauded on the internet and national TV commercials, so the interest is only going to grow. U.S. sales of automation systems are expected to surpass $16 billion by 2019.
Slow to Adapt
But these add-on products are not on the same level with a comprehensive, integrated system that can be built into homes. Providers of these smart home solutions have been developing and perfecting their product for years now. The question is why so few builders have partnered with them to provide automation in new construction.
The reason seems to be that so many builders are still following the traditional mindset; they are resistant to change or dismissive of the profit and market potentials. They may feel they lack the expertise or logistics to get the technology integrated in homes without hampering long-established and well-organized building techniques.
But while the delivery of product and expertise to install it can be fulfilled by the smart home technology providers, a resistance to change is only going to hurt construction in the long run – that’s within the next decade, if not now.
Smart Business
Builders are wrong not to take advantage. As demand for integration of home automation rises, so does the price tag of homes with this feature. The opportunity for profit is growing. While the devices used are high-tech, actual installation is well within the skill set of a good electrician, even if a little training may be required, and easily becomes a part of the phase of running wires and installing fixtures.
Most new homes already incorporate elements of the last generation of technology, such as LED lighting, home security systems, and programmable thermostats. More comprehensive, integrated, networked smart homes will be the norm for the next generation. Builders who still doubt the practicality of including high-tech design in home construction are missing out on a lucrative market. It’s only a matter of finding a supplier with the right order fulfillment system and accepting a mutually beneficial arrangement. More technology means more business, not less.
The history of home construction tells us that while retro is often in, the latest conveniences always become mandatory. Once plumbing, electricity, and open floor plans were new. Home automation is the next step. It’s what people are asking for, and businesses are only hurting themselves by ignoring the demand.
When you realize that ignoring technology – and clients – is never the right move, it’s time to explore the world of home automation, and all that it has to offer. A well-built home that also has the latest technical innovations is going to sell faster and make customers happier. That’s always great for business.
