Life @ Home eNewsletter: September 2022 [Sellers]

by Bob Patel



SEPTEMBER 2022 \| WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE? » What do buyers really want? Set the stage with these three essentials » Want a friendlier neighborhood? Consider adding a front yard patio » Which college towns have the best tailgating?



What do buyers really want? Set the stage with these three essentials Getting ready to put your house on the market? You’ll want to make it as appealing as possible for today’s buyer. Here are three must-haves to include in your preparations. 1. Home office space Now that a high percentage of knowledge workers are telecommuting at least a few days a week, many buyers will want a quiet, comfortable room to be their most productive. Tip: Focus your staging energies into the office so people looking at your viewing can picture themselves getting work done in their new place. No office space? It will be well worth the effort to give one of your rooms a pre-showing makeover. 2. Eco-friendly features Buyers love energy-efficient features so much, they’re willing to spend up to 2.7% extra on energy-rated homes, according to research by Freddie Mac. Tip: When making updates, repairs and replacements, always go for the green option. Think triple-pane windows, tankless water heaters, low-energy appliances. You’ll add a selling point to your listing and maybe even make a profit on your investment! 3. Outdoor living Yards, patios and decks add “square footage” of living space to your home, providing a means to relax with friends and family. Tip: If your place lacks outdoor amenities, a backyard fire pit is a great DIY weekend project to tackle before you sell. Add a couple of chairs and the stage is set for prospective buyers!



Want a friendlier neighborhood? Consider adding a front yard patio Taking the party out front is a great way to invite neighbors to stop and chat for a spell. Instead of retreating into the backyard, create outdoor living space out front. Just like a Southern front porch minus the construction costs! Here are the elements to create your sweet space. Comfortable seating: A pair of patio chairs creates an instant conversation corner. Add a side table to hold cold drinks and snacks and you’re set! Lay the foundation: All you need is a small space for a patio, which leaves room in the budget for pretty artisanal blocks to create that Old World look. Lighting: Invest in patio and landscape lighting. As dusk sets in, experiment with placement to find the perfect arrangement. Lanterns, candles and Tiki torches can also set the mood. Flora: Strategic landscaping will make your front yard patio complete. If the yard doesn’t have trees, set up an arbor to make shade. Fragrant flowers and pretty potted containers will also make your space like none other in the neighborhood!



Which college towns have the best tailgating? Which college towns have the best tailgating? LSU — Baton Rouge, Louisiana University of South Carolina — Columbia, South Carolina University of Mississippi — Oxford, Mississippi North Dakota State University — Fargo, North Dakota University of Tennessee — Knoxville, Tennessee Source: Insider.com