WHAT'S IN ( from a survey of 900 real estate agents across the country for a report by Mike Nash: What's In, What's Out with Homebuyers):

1.  The master bath as a destination and refuge, complete with wine chillers, espresso machines, his and hers TVs.

2.  Fully automated homes, operated remotely, to control lighting, temperature, and electonic draperies or shades.

3.  Bringing the inside out--turning exterior spaces into living spaces with radiant heated stone patios, giant fireplaces and extensive outdoor kitchens.  New weather worthy fabrics are available for patio furniture to create more of an inside comfort feel out of doors.

4.  Concealing kitchen appliances behind cabinet doors to make the kitchen more aesthetically pleasing visually.

WHAT'S OUT:

1.  Living rooms are being replaced with large casual spaces, combining eating, cooking, and living areas into one to embrace today's more informal lifestyles.

2.  Intricate mosaic tile patterns that are specific to one owner's taste.

3.  Soaring ceilings that capture heat in the winter; ceilings between 9 and 11 feet are plenty high and much more energy efficient.

MOST DESIRED HOME FEATURES according to the National Association of Realtors 2007 Profile of Buyer's Home Feature Preferences:
1.  Central Air conditioning
2.  Oversized garage
3.  Walkin closet in master bedroom
4.  Back yard/play area
5.  Cable or satellite TV-ready
6.  High speed internet access
7.  Separate showers (or shower heads) in main bath
8.  Patio
9.  Fencing

PERCENTAGE OF BUYERS PREPARED TO PAY A PREMIUM FOR KEY FEATURES:
Walkin closet in master bedroom    60%     Separate shower/heads in main bath 47%
Hardwood floors                            57%     Whirlpool bath                                 40%
Cable/satellite-ready                       36%
Master bedroom sitting area           39%

EXTERIOR:
Oversized garage              56%
Patio                                54%
Fencing                            51%
Porch                               48%

DESIRED NEIGHBORHOOD FEATURES:
Sidewalks                           26%
Near shopping                    25%
Near schools                      20%
Near park                          14%
Near public transit              10%

NEW COUNTERTOP MATERIALS
According to the CRS magazine:
The latest trend is concrete, glass and stone for use as bath and kitchen countertops.

Concrete is very shapeable and cheaper than other natural materials.  It can be colored, molded with different textures and patterns or embedded with fossils or glass pieces.

Glass comes in myriad colors and thicknesses, shapes and textures.  It is non-porous, hygenic and stainproof and can handle hot pots and pans without cracking.  Under counter lighting can add drama, especially at night.  Decorative tiles or other objects can be placed below the translucent glass for design effect.

Engineered stone, which is usually cheaper than granite, is nearly maintenance free.  It is made from polymer resin and quartz crystals, so it is mildew-free, stain-, heat- and cold-resistant, and is hygenic.  This material is extremely hard, won't scratch and comes in many designer colors.

Turn down your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and use an insulating blanket on the water heater

Use energy saving settings on your various appliances.

Install a programmable thermometer.

Clean or replace furnace filters monthly, even in summer with the air conditioner running.

Waterbeds are energy guzzlers; making your bed with save up to 1/3 of the energy usage.

Replacing incandescent lights with compact flourescent lights can save 3/4 of the electricity used by incandescents.

Turn off lights as you leave rooms.

Seal the seams in your ductwork with silicone sealer; almost 30% of your heat is lost through unsealed ductwork.

Only run full loads of wash or adjust the water level to the load size.

Run the dishwasher once it is full.

Unplug cell phone and other battery chargers when not in use.

Turn off the computer and printer when not in use.

Plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home for shade in the summer; you'll receive passive solar benefits in the winter once the leaves drop off.  Plant evergreens on the north side to shelter from winter's frigid winds.
Let your yard naturalize to prevent air pollution from mowing and ground water pollution from herbicides, fertilizers, and pesticides.
THINK GREEN!

Have your furnace and humidifier, if you have one, serviced by a licensed professional.  Change furnace filters monthly or as needed to insure maximum heating efficiency.  Careful maintenance of your mechanicals can prolong their life.

Install a carbon monoxide detector close to the furnace and hot water heater.

Check and replace smoke detector batteries if needed.

Seal seams in your heating ductwork with silicone sealer to prevent heat loss.  Approximately 30% of your heat is lost through the ductwork if it is not sealed.

Caulk and seal any cracks around window and door trim, as well as in the foundation wall, especially where utilities enter the home, to keep mice and insects out.

Cut tree branches and bushes away from your home's exterior to prevent damage to the structure and vermin infiltration.

Rake leaves away from your home's exterior and from under decks and porches to prevent animals from living there.

Remove garden hoses from the hose bibs to avoid bibs cracking in freezing weather. Turn off exterior hydrants from the inside if possible and drain.

If you have an irrigation system, have the lines blown out and winterized by a landscaping company to prevent broken lines this winter.

Set several lamps on timers to come on as it gets dark to welcome you home and so that it looks like people are there. 

Make sure your home's exterior floodlights are in working order.

If your home's exterior needs painting or maintenance, get it done before fall when the temperatures become too cold to paint.  Paint should be applied above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Check to make sure all gutters and downspouts are clean and that water is directed away from the foundation with downspout extensions or tiling.

JANUARY:  Make a list of upcoming projects needed in your home.  Prioritize and budget for them accordingly.  Check all plumbing fixtures for leaks and repair.  Make sure the toilets are secure to the floor to prevent leakage from the seals.  Add food coloring to the toilet tank bowl at night; if there is colored water in the toilet bowl in the morning, the flapper needs to be replaced.  Locate the water and gas mains and the shut offs for each. Remove the toe kick cover under the dishwasher and check for leaks while the appliance is running.

FEBRUARY:  Organize the closets, garage, basement and shed.  Discard unused or unnecessary items. Properly discard of old paint.  Clean and vacuum lint from dryer trap, duct and vent to prevent fires.  Complete interior paint projects.  Clean or replace furnace filters monthly, quarterly or as needed to maximize furnace efficiency.  Vacuum refrigerator coils to insure maximum efficiency.  Clean baseboards, woodwork and doors throughout the home. 

MARCH:  Clean and repair window screens; check porch screens' condition before the bug season begins. Check garage door operation, be sure the pressure safety feature is working properly on an automatic door. Use owner's manual for reference.  For convenience, add an exterior garage keypad, placed high enough that small children cannot operate it.  Move firewood at least 30' away from the home to prevent infestation from wood destroying pests and rodents.  Check foundation for cracks and seal, or call a certified contractor to inspect to prevent water infiltration from the spring rains.  Prune overgrown bushes and trees before they begin budding.  Build and repair fences and arbors.

APRIL:  Reverse ceiling fans and clean blades.  Check condition of exterior siding and roof shingles to be sure wind hasn't loosened or damaged them.  Hose the winter grime off siding and gutters.  A mild bleach solution can be sprayed on the siding and shingles to remove streaking and mildew; rinse with clean water. Spray from the bottom up to lessen streaking on the siding. 

MAY:  Scrape and repaint exterior once the daytime temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.  Don't paint in direct sunlight, as the paint will dry too quickly. Better quality paint is a much more sound investment than the least expensive one as it will wear and last longer. Check mortar on masonry and chimneys for needed repair. Clean grill and replace broken grill parts.  Check crawl space for debris, which should be removed,  moisture and pest damage.  Clean and repair concrete drives, walkways, and patios.  Clean windows and storms as well as the inside sills.  Dewinterize irrigation system.

JUNE:  Power wash decks with mild bleach solution to remove moss or mildew; once dry, reseal or stain. Prepare an emergency kit for storm season with a working flashlight, extra batteries, and other essentials.  For more information, go to www.homesafeteycouncil.org.  Vacuum coils under the refirigerator and freezer to maximize efficiency.  Don't forget appliances in the basement or garage.  Check the washing machine water supply line; if cracked or soft, replace so it doesn't break while you are gone.  Test the GFCI breakers throughout your home, especially the one the supplies power to the freezer in the garage.

JULY:    Check air conditioner condensation tubing to ensure water is flowing freely; clean with a bleach and water solution and clear with a wet/dry vac.  Hose off dirt and leaves from the air conditioner coils outside to maximize efficiency.  Trim tree and bush branches away from exterior siding and the roof.  Be careful around power lines.  Open and close water cutoff valves to sinks and toilets to keep them from sticking.  Flush water heater bi-annually, or as needed.

AUGUST:  Call to schedule the furnace contractor for a fall checkup.  Call the propane company to fill the propane tank before cool weather.  Add a programmable thermostat to save energy.  Replace light bulbs with the compact flourescents.  Verify that all door and window locks are in good working order.  Add motion sensor floodlights to the exterior of your home.  Set interior lights on timers when departing on vacation.  Leave draperies and blinds in their normal positions in your absence.

SEPTEMBER:  Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries.  Caulk windows and doors; use a paintable caulk if painting afterwards.  Be sure the weep holes in storm windows are clear to eliminate water retention.  Have the chimney cleaned in wood burning fireplaces.  Be sure damper is working properly. Weatherstrip doors and pull down attic stairs if needed.  Add new sweeps to the bottom of doors to prevent air infiltration.

OCTOBER:  Reverse ceiling fans again; they should blow upward to push warm air across the ceiling and down the walls. Clean the fan blades.  Clean gutters and be sure the elbows of the downspouts are clear of leaves and debris so water can flow freely.  Install gutter guard to minimize maintenance in the future.  Check the attic for adequate insulation and verify that the insulation isn't blocking soffit vents for proper air circulation. Drain and winterize irrigation system in the yard.  Seal holes in foundation and around utility holes to prevent pest infestation into your home.  Be sure the garage door fits snuggly to prevent rodents from wintering in your garage.

NOVEMBER:  Be sure the well cover is tightly sealed to prevent pipes from freezing.  Check roof shingles with binocularrs; replace or repair any missing or damaged shingles.  Check fire extinguishers to be sure they are properly charged.  Develop and practice a family fire escape plan.  Check the condition of extension cords for wear and tear; use cords for exterior use only on outdoor holiday decorations.  Don't overload extension cords with too many strands of lights.  Clean and remove dead bugs from light fixtures.  Clean exterior lamps and light fixtures and make sure all bulbs are working.

DECEMBER:  Discard old medications and keep household chemicals away from children.  Have the poison hotline phone number near the phone.  The national hotline number is: 1-800-222-1222, which connects callers to local centers.  Make sure everyone knows the location of the main water shutoff and that access is kept clear.  Be sure a neighbor also knows where it is. Clean the grit and mineral buildup in showerheads and faucet aerators.  Keep walks and driveways clear of ice and snow to prevent injury.

Courtesy of the Cedar Rapids Gazette, January 27, 2008.

KITCHENS AND BATHS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ROOMS IN THE HOME AND BUYERS ARE WILLING TO PAY FOR UPGRADES IN THESE AREAS (according to REALTOR magazine, February 2009)

1.  The kitchen island, designed like fine quality furniture with moldings and decorative trimwork and incorporating additional storage, is in great demand.

2.  With today's open floorplans, buyers want the kitchen and master bathroom cabinetry trim and woodwork to be of the same quality as the rest of the home.  Add cabinet trim to dishwasher and refrigerators doors.  Kitchens and bathrooms are becoming more relaxed living spaces.

3.  Plentiful lighting (manmade and natural) is crucial for kitchens and bathrooms.  Add a chandelier; use dimmer switches to create ambiance and maximize task efficiency.  Illuminate glass cabinets; energy efficient LED lighting works well under cabinets and countertops, and in cabinet shelving.

4.  Refrigerator drawers are appearing in kitchens and bathrooms, as storage for cosmetics, medicines and food.  Warming drawers are being used in bathrooms to warm towels.

5.  Paint the upper cabinets a different color than the base cabinets and vary the choices of the flat surface materials to accentuate a custom design feeling.

6.  Stainless steel appliances are essential in every price range. See below.

7.  Universal design:  no step showers with multiple shower heads and decorative grab bars.  Showers are sealed and vented to the outside to minimize mold buildup.

8.  Green is keen:  install motion sensor faucets (ideal for small children) to save water and light switches with motion sensors to save electricity.  Use sustainable woods and recycled copper in the kitchen and baths.

9.  Updating light fixtures and cabinet hardware, and refacing cabinet doors if necessary, at minimal cost goes a long way in giving your home a fresh and modern look.

10.  Use of color: brighten kitchens with colorful tile backsplashes and metallic finishes.  Paint the laundry and utility rooms happy colors.

FIVE FEATURES BUYERS WANT THE MOST:

36%  Separate shower enclosure in master bath

31%  Eat-in kitchen

24%  High end appliances

23%  Granite countertops

21%  Kitchen island

Color affects us psychologically and physiologically, and homes that are warm and welcoming illicit postive moods, feelings,and responses from buyers.

Rooms painted white or "realtor beige" have an invisible effect, and fail to define the living space.

Warm colors, such as reds, oranges, yellows, increase the heart rate and appetite, and create energy and excitement.  Have you ever noticed that many restaurants have warm color schemes?

Cool colors, such as greens and blues, lower the heart rate and have a calming effect.

You may wish to paint north facing rooms, which tend to be cooler, in warm colors;  conversely, paint south facing rooms in cooler colors.

COLOR BY ROOM:

Living rooms and family rooms:  use the orange family of colors to promote comfort, cheerfulness and warmth.

Kitchens and dining areas:  use the red family of colors to stimulate the appetite, and to increase energy and excitement.

Living rooms, dark hallways and stairwells:  use the yellow family of colors to brighten dark areas of the home, add joy and increase positive thinking.

Bedrooms and libraries:  use greens (the most restful color) and blues to create a mood of serenity, tranquility, and calmness.  These colors lower blood pressure, anxiety, and heart rate, and suppress the appetite. Green also brings nature indoors.

Children's play areas and bedrooms:  use the purple family to increase creativity, boost imagination, and for meditation.  Lighter shades of purple are thought of as more youthful.

Color can harmonize your home visually, creating good flow, if one color of varying shades is used throughout.  This is especially beneficial in smaller homes to make them appear larger.

Use of color is a personal decision, and when used subtly and judiciously, can create warm and welcoming feelings that postively impact buyers' decisions to purchase your home.

(from REALTOR magazine, February 2009)