Wwii Kabar

Friday, 05 May 2006 11:23 Last Updated on Friday, 05 May 2006 11:23 Written by Hoboken 0 Comments

There is no doubt about it - certain styles of homes and certain types of decor are more popular than others. If you plan to put your house on market, having a basic understanding of the most popular housing trends will help you get a better idea of how well your home is likely to perform on the market as well as the types of decorative changes you should make in order to have the best chance at selling your home

It's All in the Style and the Age

There are three styles and ages of homes that are the most popular among homebuyers. These include Pre-WWII homes, Mid-Century homes and Mediterranean homes.

There are a wide variety of home styles that fall within the Pre-WWII era of homes. Some of these include:

* Arts & Crafts bungalows

* California Missions

* Colonials

* Greek revivals

* Italianates

* Queen Annes

* Tudors

Pretty much any type of architecture featuring Old-World styling and character, such as those with frame and wood exteriors covered in brick and stone or stucco, is likely to draw in more buyers.

Mid-Century homes, which are those that were built between 1945 and 1965, are also popular among buyers. More specifically, those homes that feature the sleek 1950s style, such as those that were built by Frank Lloyd Wright or in the same style, are sure to be a hit among buyers. These homes are typically characterized by having shallow or flat-pitched roofs, triangular windows, open floor plans and other uses of geometric shapes.

Mediterranean homes are also popular with homebuyers. These homes are characterized by their Italian or Spanish detailing, such as tile roofs, stucco exteriors and multiple levels. The entrances of these homes tend to be covered and the homes themselves feature rounded wall corners and archways throughout. The patios also typically have columns and are decorated with terra cotta pottery. Dramatic staircases, which are typically located near the front of the home, and wrought iron accents are also standard features found with these homes.

Kitchens and Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms have long been the most important rooms in any home. Therefore, if you are planning to put your home on the market, you might want to consider making a few upgrades in order to make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Some features homebuyers look for in kitchens include:

* 6-burner ranges

* Convection ovens

* Whisper-quiet range hoods and commercial exhaust fans

* Stainless steel dishwashers

* Sub-zero refrigerators

* Built-in wine coolers

* Granite, exotic stone or poured cement counters

* Kitchen islands featuring an extra sink

* Floor-to-ceiling spice racks

* Towel warmers

* Built in microwaves

* Recessed lighting and hanging-pendant fixtures

Some of the most desirable bathroom features include:

* Lots of glass and stone features

* Vessel sinks of all sizes and shapes mounted into Asian-inspired vanities or antique dressers

* Brushed nickel fixtures

* Double-handle faucets mounted on the walls

* Dual rain showerheads

* Hand-held shower sprayers

* Power-assisted, low-rise toilets

* Motion light sensors

Ryan Lynch is part of the marketing team for an Austin real estate company. They specialize in West Austin Listings and Steiner Ranch Homes, and they help both buyers and sellers of residential properties.