Four amenities moving to top of homebuyer lists

Several home features are gaining momentum in residential real estate. Here are four that home shoppers are showing more desire for, according to a recent article at CBSHome.com.

Energy efficiency. Bigger used to be better in real estate, but the cost of maintenance and particularly the heating of bigger homes has prompted some buyers to be less tempted to supersize their digs. Many buyers are being swayed with homes that are more economical to maintain and also have a warmer, cozier vibe.

Modern, up-to-date kitchens. Remodeling a kitchen can be one of the costliest home improvement projects to take on. That’s why many buyers are looking for a kitchen that already has been updated. They’re looking for sleek, modern looking kitchen with stainless steel appliances.

Smart home options. More buyers are looking for homes that they’ll be able to smarten up now, or down the road. For example, home buyers are showing greater desires for thermostats that can be adjusted with their mobile device to being able to unlock doors via Bluetooth. Smart home features can be a huge draw that makes a home more modern.

Color pops. Neutrals can help buyers envision the home as their own, but color has been shown to be a draw for younger buyers in particular. “With bright color making a design comeback, a brilliantly bold sink or appliance can be the type of risk that pays off and has the potential to sway the right kind of homeseeker,” according to CBSHome.com.