Boston, MA – What do Homebuyers Want?

August is nearly over and before we know it, fall will be here. Along with the fall weather also comes the fall market – one of the busiest time of year in Boston, MA real estate. If you are looking to sell your Boston, MA home this fall, now is the time to start preparation. Just like with fashion, home trends come and go. And though it’s easy to realize in retrospect that features like shag carpet won’t stand the test of time, when you’re looking to sell, it’s harder to know if prospective buyers would rather you put in, say, marble or quartz countertops. So, what do buyers want, Trulia did the research, here’s what they found.

• Quartz vs. Marble Countertops.  The clear winner here was Quartz for its easier care and maintenance.
• Hardwood vs. Carpet Floors. Hardwood wins again! It’s easy to clean and lasts longer too.
• Soaking vs. Clawfoot Tubs. Surprisingly soaking tubs won. For years clawfoot were the “it” thing but soaking tubs have taken over.
• Gas vs. Electric Stove. Year after year, gas wins. Gas is cheaper and offers faster and more uniform cooking.
• Subway vs. Basketweave Style Tiles: Subway tiles are still king when it comes to backsplashes. No contest here.
• White vs. Dark Cabinets: Buyers these days are preferring the light and bright style that a white cabinet brings. Either way, make sure you go with opposite for the countertops.

If you are concerned about entering the market, have no fear – a Boston real estate agent is your best asset to accomplish your real estate goals and more. If you’d like to dramatically increase the chances that your home sells, you should list your home with a Boston expert. As a real estate professional, I am an expert in our area and will know exactly what needs to be done to get your home sold quickly and for top dollar. Make your home selling experience an educated one. Please contact a Boston real estate agent today to start the process.

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Kitchen Remodel Tips for your Boston Home

Have you considered giving your Boston home an update? Even if you aren't considering selling your home now, you do want to ensure that you can hold on to some of that value that you put in when sale time comes. The kitchen may be one of your best bets as it does hold a good portion of investment dollars. The kitchen is also one of the rooms that potential Boston homebuyers are most interested in. An old outdated kitchen may cause them to loose interest and move on to a different Boston home. Here are some things to keep in mind when trying to make a decision on how much to invest and what types of materials to choose.

Amount of Use. Is your kitchen the heart of your home? Do you spend most of your time in it whether feeding your family or entertaining your guests? If so, your kitchen likely gets a lot of use and you will want to consider heavy materials that don’t stain and are easy to maintain. Some of these materials include stainless steel, engineered stone, and granite. Materials that are more fragile like marble, Corian and concrete will probably not be the best choice for your busy kitchen.

Maintenance. Some kitchen counters are gorgeous, but, with that beauty comes a price - not just in investment but in time spent maintaining that beauty. Are you willing to take the time to keep up with counters that are higher maintenance? For instance, stainless steel is durable but, as you may already be aware…fingerprints need to be continually wiped down. Materials such as marble, granite, and concrete need to be sealed regularly. Polishing is necessary for a material like soapstone or Corian to maintain a smooth surface.

Budget. In the end, it all comes down to budget. How much are you willing to spend on your Boston home remodel? 
 
Instead of remodeling, have you considered looking for a home with a kitchen that already suits your taste? When you are ready to purchase your Boston home, look to an experienced Boston real estate agent. I'm committed to providing you with the highest quality buyer service. When making the type of investment that buying a home requires, you deserve to have all the latest market information and the very best advice, both of which I can provide you with. I am always here should you have a question on a Boston, MA neighborhood such as South End, Fenway, Beacon Hill, or any other. I thoroughly enjoy getting prospective residents familiar with new neighborhoods and exposing them to the best of everything Boston has to offer. I hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Luxury Kitchen Remodel for your Boston Home

When doing a home remodel the kitchen is where you will spend the majority of your money. If possible, don't scrimp on the luxury details. As the heart of the home and where friends and family gather, your kitchen deserves your attention. When preparing to spend money on your luxury Boston home kitchen make sure to consider current trends and innovations. Here is a list of some must haves for your luxury kitchen redesign.

Exotic Wood Countertops

One of the hottest kitchen trends this year is exotic wood countertops and cabinet veneers. You can find exotic domestic woods such as zebrawood and teak or African mahogany and lyptus in many luxury homes. It comes with a price but the wow factor of these gorgeous woods are surely worth it.

Wall Ovens

The newest wall ovens not only look beautiful but fuction-wise can save you time and money. With better self clean options and some with wireless control these ovens are the way of the future. Specialized settings will make it easier to whip up a gourmet meal in no time.

Induction Cooktops

Want to boil water in a few minutes? Induction cooktops heat up much quicker than traditional gas or electric cooktops. With precise temperature control and bridge function flexibility you can cook your gourmet meals quicker and efficiently. Looking to add a professional touch to your cooktop? Invest in a pot filler for above the cooktop. Save time and your back, no more hauling water filled pots.

Tiled Backsplashes

A new backsplash can dramatically transform your Boston home's kitchen. Backsplash trends include various ceramic, glass, and even brick. The color splash will breathe new life into your kitchen.

Eco-Friendly Flooring

Bamboo's popularity is growing quickly. A great eco-friendly alternative to hardwood, bamboo floors come in a multitude of prefinished options, both traditional and contemporary. Colors range from light to dark to keep up with the newest design trend, mixing light and dark elements.

I hope you can benefit from some of these design ideas for your Boston home's kitchen. Should you decide that renovating isn't for you and it's time to sell your Boston Home and buy new please look for a professional, someone well-versed in all aspects of the sale process. From strategic marketing, and negotiation, a qualified professional is a home seller's best asset. Your satisfaction is the key to my success. Don't sell your home without the help of an experienced agent. Contact me when you are ready. I look forward to hearing from you!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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