What is in and out for 2007?

Just as there are trends in new cars, clothing, food, technology and colors, there are some very interesting trends emerging as buyer preferences for 2007, according to a recent survey conducted with agents and brokers by author and Realtor® Mark Nash.

Recently I had the opportunity to talk to some agents in Canada and have compiled a list of 5 definitely in and 5 definitely out trends.

What is in and out for 2007?

Definitely OUT:

1. Smells of any kind everyone knows smoke, pets and cooking are obviously not going to coerce a potential buyer to place an offer and neither will air fresheners, scented candles or plugin oil contraptions. The best smell is clean fresh air.
   
   
2. Unfinished anything if the seller can't be bothered to complete projects then neither can the buyer. Unless you want to seriously discount the asking price.
   
   
3. Agents not knowing about the benefits and nuances of staging a property effectively with a trained professional. More and more savvy homeowners are expecting their agents to provide guidance on and connections to professional staging services.
   
   
4. Polished brass brushed nickel and pewter are still the most sought after hardware finishes while antique brass and oilrubbed bronze are beginning to make a comeback. This will continue through 2007.
   
   
5. "As is" property marketing the influx of TV shows like the world renowned Ann Maurice House Doctor®, and other shows on HGTV and A&E has definitely raised awareness of buyers. The softer market means every resale listing will need to step up a notch or two and really compete with new properties on the market. Fully preparing the property for sale now, more than ever, is crucial.

Definitely IN:

1. Wrought iron fence it's the look of luxury, both practical and attractive.
   
   
2. Upscale garage space a workspace rapidly becoming more of an extension of the home and less the cluttered dumping ground of yesteryear. Today's savvy buyer is looking for storage systems, cabinets, durable attractive flooring, climate control, insulation and wiring for sound, internet, TV, etc...
   
   
3. Heated driveways and patios Baby boomers in cold climates are fed up with shoveling and want the pleasure of an extended living space in the fall.
   
   
4. Spa space People are lured to homes where they can truly "get away from it all" right in their own space. There is an advent of luxurious amenities rainforest and steam showers, saunas are making a come back, a tranquil space for Tai Chi or yoga, waterfalls, etc. . . both inside and out.
   
   
5. Home office you may think "that's not new", but more people than ever are starting home based businesses and they need a place to work. With this trend we are seeing more requests for larger or multiple home office spaces.
   
   
6. Trend to watch: SNORING rooms; a welcome respite from the couch. With all the baby boomers rapidly approaching 60, second bedrooms connected or adjacent to Master are becoming a "want" so everyone can enjoy maximum rest.

Written by Christine Rae
Home Staging Expert, Author, Keynote Speaker
President of Certified Staging Professionals^TM (CSP)