Fripp Island Real Estate News

10 Steps to Homeownership

2008-02-11T16:23:00.000-05:00

10 Steps to Homeownership

1. ARE YOU READY? In addition to a down payment, you also need cash for closing costs. Find out how much you have and how much you will need. Several loan programs help with these costs.

2. HIRE A REALTOR® Be sure you’re working with a true professional. Make sure your agent is a REALTOR®.

3. GET LOAN PRE-APPROVAL The real issue with real estate financing is not getting a loan, but to get the loan that’s right for you. Meet with lenders to find out how much you can afford and find out which programs are available.

4. LOOK AT HOMES Before you look, list the features and benefits you want in a home. Consider pricing, location, size, layout and extras.

5. CHOOSE A HOME Review your notes to narrow down choices. When you find the home of your dreams, your REALTOR® can help you be sure it is a good fit for you and your family.

6. GET FUNDING The mortgage you choose will be determined by how much down payment you can afford., your credit rating, and your income.

7. MAKE AN OFFER An offer is more than the price you’re willing to pay. It also includes the terms and timeline of the agreement.

8. GET INSURANCE Shop around for title insurance, homeowner’s insurance, flood insurance and a home warranty.

9. CLOSING This is the official meeting where the transaction happens. A closing attorney will make sure all of the required paperwork is complete.

10. WHAT’S NEXT? While you’re moving in, transferring utilities to your name, and checking out the neighborhood, be sure to enjoy your new home!

Home Trends to Watch

2008-01-31T11:45:00.000-05:00

What's hot for 2008 and beyond...

Take a cue from high-end homes. Luxury homes showcase the latest in floor plans, appliances and décor. Check out your local tour of homes or visit some open houses in new construction neighborhoods. Living spaces like mudrooms and home offices are all the rage; formal living rooms are not.

Stick with your style. Many experts agree that your remodeling projects should reflect the style of your home. For example, if you live in an ultra-contemporary condo, a quaint country kitchen might seem out of place and turn off potential buyers when you’re ready to sell.

Kitchen updates. The kitchen is the heart of the home for many families and in addition to food preparation it’s also a place to pay bills and do homework. Today’s kitchens tend to be open and often include cabinets for TVs, computers and small appliances.

Go green. Eco-friendly materials like bamboo flooring are gaining in popularity. So are Energy Star® appliances, windows, and lighting products, which increase energy efficiency.

Go outside. Outdoor living spaces are the latest trend in adding a room without adding four walls. At the high end of the market, outdoor living rooms, kitchens and fireplaces are becoming standard.

Technically speaking. As our lives become more dependent on technology, homes will become “smarter”, allowing homeowners to remotely arm a home security system, turn appliances on and off, and control thermostats.

Artisan color trends. The colors of 2007/2008 turn over a new leaf encompassing the natural, the ethereal, the homespun and the restful. These vivid elements inspire sophistication, regality, and simplicity.

New Listings!

2008-01-29T11:20:00.000-05:00

Boy do we have some new listings for you!

Sandy Pannill offers up two lovely homes; 742 Bonito and 710 Silverside. And John Lee has two pre-construction home offerings and a majestic homesite; 27 Fairway Club, 41 Ocean Marsh, and 709 Seahorse.

Contact us today for a personal showing of these glorious properties.

7 Tips to Make Your Home Your Castle

2008-01-07T14:49:00.000-05:00

Decorate on a Dime:

1. Start with a plan, especially if you’re starting from scratch. Do you entertain often? Do you have young children? What’s your style – formal,
casual or contemporary? Define your budget and get a general idea of what you need before you go shopping. Save time and gas by using online resources to do your research.

2. Paint works wonders. Dollar for dollar, paint gives you the greatest bang for your buck. You can totally change the look of a room by painting the walls, trim or ceiling a different color. And when shopping for furniture and accessories, don’t forget to bring along your paint chips.

3. Wallpaper is back! And it’s better and more fashionable than ever. Today’s styles are more varied, with textured vinyls that can simulate stucco and grasscloth. You can get BIG looks without spending a bundle, especially if you do it yourself.

4. Toss it up. Bring life to that old sofa with some fresh new toss pillows in different shapes and complementary colors. Along the same lines, throw rugs can add interest and instantly warm up a room.

5. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! Little things mean a lot. Give your home personality with touches like floral arrangements, plants, candles and artwork. Visit flea markets and yard sales for unique items that can be re-purposed. For example, transform an antique milk can into a functional umbrella stand.

6. Turn on the light. Lighting can set the tone for a room, so it’s important to choose the right lamps and installed lighting. Rooms should have a lighting source about every 10 feet, so consider using both floor lamps and table lamps. To give your dining room a fresh look, try an affordable new ceiling medallion.

7. Treat them right. Custom window treatments can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, so you’ll want to work with off-the-shelf shades, swags and curtains. Drapery panels that are positioned high above the window and flow to the floor are “hot” right now, as are Roman shades and eco-friendly bamboo shades.

Preventing Identity Theft during the Holiday Season

2007-12-17T11:41:00.000-05:00

According to the Federal Trade Commission, almost 10 million Americans are victims of some sort of identity theft, and experts suggest that identify theft increases during the winter holiday season. Here are some tips to help you safeguard your personal information.

- Be careful with your social security number, which is one of the most valuable pieces of information that you have to “prove” who you are. Avoid carrying your social security card in your wallet, and don’t print the number on personal checks.
- Only release your social security number when it’s absolutely necessary, such as when required by a government agency (e.g., the Department of Motor Vehicles or Social Services).
- If a merchant asks for your social security number, ask why it’s necessary, and what safeguards they have in place to protect your information. Although there are instances where it is necessary to have this information (such as, in order to extend credit), you should feel confident with the safeguards that are in place to protect your privacy.
- Minimize the number of credit cards you have, and only carry one or two in your wallet. It’s a good idea to keep a list of all your credit cards, bank accounts, and investments in a safe place.
- Never leave envelopes containing bills and checks in places where there’s a danger of their being stolen. Consider mailing your bills at the post office, rather than leaving them for your letter carrier at your front door or mailbox.
- Think about computer safety-never use obvious or easily guessed passwords or PINs, and always create passwords that combine letters and numbers.
- Be wary of “phishing” schemes. Phishing is a type of fraud that usually starts as an e-mail or pop-up designed to trick you into revealing personal financial details. Never reply to e-mails asking for personal details, or even click on links in e-mails that appear suspicious. Use Firefox, Thunderbird, and Spybot for a more secure online experience.
- Be careful what you throw away! Trash is a prime target for identity thieves, so take the time to shred all paperwork containing sensitive information, including pre-approved credit offers. The most secure shredders are “cross cut” shredders, because they ensure that the documents cannot be reassembled.
- Carefully review financial statements each month for unauthorized use, including your credit cards, bank statements, and phone bills. Alert your creditors immediately, in the event that you notice a discrepancy.
- Do a “check up” on your credit history once every year. Securing this information is easy-simply visit Annual Credit Report. You’ll be able to get one free credit report each year from each of the three major credit bureaus.
- Another important consideration: determine whether you have protection in the event that you are victimized. Many credit card companies offer protection against identity theft, so ask your credit card agent or company representative if yours does. In addition, a few banking institutions now offer the convenience of identity theft resolution services. This assistance can prove invaluable, because it can help guide victims through the arduous process of reclaiming their good names.

Does Remodeling Help?

2007-12-12T08:52:00.000-05:00

Many buyers judge a house by its exterior, or so it seems from the results of the 2007 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report. Three of the four projects with the highest national percentage of costs recouped this year were exterior upgrades.

The most profitable project on the national level was upscale siding replacement, recouping 88% of costs upon resale. Wood deck additions and wood window replacements also returned more than 80% of costs, at 85% and 81%, respectively. On a national average, the only interior project to return more than 80% of remodeling costs this year was a minor kitchen remodel, returning 83% of project costs at resale. (RISMEDIA, Dec. 4, 2007)

Read more of the 2007 Remodeling Survey.

Cool Tips to Sell Your Hot Home this Fall

2007-12-07T09:09:00.000-05:00

1. Make a good first impression.
Your entryway sets the tone, so clean the front door and polish the brass door knocker. If your welcome mat has lost its luster, replace it with a new one from your local hardware store.

2. Wash the windows.
On sunny days, the strong southern light can reveal dirt and grime you might not have noticed. Sparkling clean windows suggest to potential buyers that your home is well maintained.

3. Warm it up.
Give your home that “cozy” feel by keeping the room temperature warm and comfortable during showings. Build a fire or turn on the gas logs – but only if you plan on returning home right after the showing.

4. Add seasonal touches.
Warm throws and fall floral arrangements. Update your planters with fall favorites such as pansies and mums.

5. Give your home a nice aroma
with a cinnamon candle, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies or a faint pine scent. But don’t overdo it, as buyers might wonder what you’re trying to cover up.

6. Turn on the music.
Create a relaxed atmosphere by playing classical music or soft jazz, but keep the volume low.

7. See the light.
Shorter days means less natural light, so make the most of your indoor and outdoor living spaces with accented lighting solutions. Visit this page for helpful tips on decorating with accent lamps and installed lighting.

8. Clean gutters.
After the leaves have fallen, clean your gutters before snow and freezing rain set in. Clogged drains can cause back ups, resulting in visible water damage that could scare buyers away.

9. Keep walkways clear.
When the temperature drops below freezing, make sure your home is easy to show by keeping walkways and driveways free of snow and ice. A treacherous path to your front door can keep potential buyers inside their cars!

10. Paint works wonders.
If your walls need a fresh coat, check out the latest fall color trends here. Remember that neutrals work best when selling a home, but you can use throw pillows and small area rugs to bring the autumn colors to life.

What is a Blog?

2007-12-06T09:24:00.000-05:00

Most people have heard the term, but it is revealing that many people do not actually know what a Blog is. Heck, you're reading one now. Hopefully, the below video will shed some light on the subject.

New Listing - 13 River Club

2007-11-06T15:44:00.000-05:00

This home is on Fripp Inlet facing the ocean and has deep water for a boat. Dock permit is a possibility. There is also a private beach for River Club residents and a shared dock. It has top of the line appliances. An exceptional property.

Contact John Lee for more information.

Top Ten Creepiest Characters

2007-10-31T10:48:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween!

Whether you're planing a goulish night out or just staying in to watch a horror movie marathon, you better hope you don't run into any of these characters.

1. Vampires: Starting with the first vampire from the 1922 silent film Nosferatu, a Symphony of Horror, a character deemed so scary the movie was banned in Sweden for excessive horror, and continuing with Bela Lugosi as Dracula. Vampires are the original creepy characters.

2. The Child Catcher, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”: Seeing this character for the first time as an adult skews his horridness; however, see him through a child’s eyes and it opens up a world of scary possibilities. A stranger snatching children from their parents is not just a creepy character, it’s a horrifying thought.

3. Hannibal Lecter, “The Silence of the Lambs”: Just looking at this man will make your skin crawl. What makes Hannibal so creepy is he could be the guy next to you on an airplane, or in an elevator. He is intelligent, articulate and well-versed; just standing next to him, you would never know about his atrocities.

4. Freddy Kruger, “A Nightmare on Elm Street”: “1, 2, Freddy’s coming for you…” Any character that can jump into your dreams and kill you while sleeping is creepy. Enough said!

5. Norman Bates, “Psycho”: Norman is that one socially awkward person seemingly ready to snap at any moment. We all know at least one person like Norman. He is creepy, because he is real.

6. The Clown, “Poltergeist”: After watching this movie, anyone that was on the fence about clowns is now officially terrified. Whoever thought that clowns were fun and cute will most certainly change their minds and place any clown dolls under lock and key, so they cannot escape. This clown is as creepy as it gets.

7. The Wicked Witch of the West and Flying Monkeys, “The Wizard of Oz”: Do you remember your heart pounding, saying “Run Toto” as the monkeys chased him? For many children, the Wicked Witch and her flying monkeys were the first introduction to the realm of creepy characters.

8. The Shark, “Jaws”: Just admit it, the ocean has never been the same. Who can ever forget that creepy circling fin? Years later, a trip to the beach still conjures up fears of hungry sharks. It’s a movie character that has impacted many lives and recreational fun.

9. Birds, “The Birds”: An entire generation was traumatized by this film. Alfred Hitchcock was a genius at taking seemingly harmless objects, like birds, and turning them into bloodthirsty monsters. Besides, if you’ve ever walked down the boardwalk with French fries in your hand, you know how aggressive birds can really be and that’s creepy!

10. The Spiders, “Arachnophobia”: Arachnophobia created a whole new generation of spider haters. No wonder, the little terrors are tiny, stealth and the definition of creepy crawlers. A feeling of helplessness lingered when many realized that even the best exterminator could not take care of this problem.

List courtesy of Top Ten Reviews.

Autumn Selling Tips

2007-10-26T09:36:00.000-05:00

If you are looking to sell your home this year, don’t let the negative press surrounding the housing market discourage you. With favorable interest rates and a large buyer pool, this fall season can be a great time to put your house up for sale. Maximize this opportunity by pricing accordingly and making simple improvements to ensure your home has the appeal buyers are looking for.

A common mistake for sellers as the market slows is to set an unrealistic price for their home. A house that is priced appropriately for the market will be taken more seriously and will sell more quickly than one that’s overpriced.

One of the easiest ways to properly price your home is to request a comparative market analysis (CMA), or a report telling you how much your house is worth comparable to other homes sold in the area in the past year. A local Realtor not only has experience with these types of reports, but access to the sales records in your area and can complete this analysis upon request. Once you have a proper price for your home, you can spend some time preparing it for sale.

Here are some quick tips:

Keep the lawn tidy. Rake up excess leaves that may distract buyers.
Add some seasonal accents to your home. Hang a fall wreath on the door or place pumpkins on your front porch.
Consider baking a pie before your open house. Or burn a candle to fill the home with the scent of cinnamon or apples.
Open blinds and turn on the lights to brighten the home.
Emphasize your fireplace if you have one. Light a fire if the weather is cool to create a sense of warmth.
Trim any bushes or trees that might obstruct the view of your home.
Move pets to another location before showings.

Fripp Island Audubon Nature Trail

2007-10-22T15:40:00.000-05:00

Join the Fripp Island Audubon Club on the Dixie Winter Nature Trail for a guided tour of the newly upgraded Audubon trail on Thursday, November 1st at 9:30a.m. Jackie Eckert, Fripp Island's Naturalist will lead the tour and will highlight the trail habitats and improvements. Coffee, donuts and bagels will be served by the Audubon Club mid-trail.

The trail is well marked and located across from the entrance to Porpoise Circle on Porpoise Drive.

Making Your Garage Sale Work

2007-10-22T08:54:00.000-05:00

(MarketWatch) -- Is your home overrun with unwanted knickknacks, unplayed games and unworn clothes? Before you start chucking things, why not throw a garage sale? Garage sales are a fun, economical way to cut down on clutter. They can even net you some cash when they're organized effectively.
Here are 10 tips for throwing a low-hassle, high-profit garage sale:

1. Ask neighbors to join in. When it comes to garage sales, the axiom "the more the merrier" holds true. So before going it alone, see if your neighbors are willing to participate. The more browse-worthy stuff on display at the sale, the easier it is to draw in buyers.
2. Timing is everything. Your sale will suffer if you hold it on the weekend of the "Big Game" or during a holiday when people tend to go out of town. Try scheduling your garage sale around the first and the fifteenth of the month when people generally get paid.
3. Select sales items carefully. It's a good idea to choose seasonal items, like sunglasses and bathing suit wraps in the summer and wool sweaters and scarves in the fall. Whatever you're trying to hawk, you have a much better chance of selling it if it's clean, particularly when it comes to clothes.
4. Compare prices. Before setting prices, tour garage sales in the surrounding area to make sure your prices are competitive.
5. Group objects by type. To make your products appealing to the buyer, try organizing them according to type and displaying them on clean, sturdy surfaces. If you're selling smaller items, like hair clips or costume jewelry, consider grouping them in plastic bags.
6. Play to your audience. Put children's toys in boxes on the ground where they will be easily within reach; clothes will be most appealing when hung up according to size and style, as they are in stores; and items geared towards adults are likely to be noticed when placed on tables.
7. Tag everything. Garage-sale bargain hunters are hagglers by nature, but you don't want to spend the entire sale arguing over a few bucks. To minimize confusion and discourage prolonged negotiations, put a suggested price on everything.
8. Stock up on change. Many things sold at garage sales hover in the $1 to $5 dollar range, so you'll need to be equipped with plenty of small bills and change.
9. Have a plug at the ready. If you're selling electronics like televisions, gaming systems or space heaters, be sure to provide potential buyers with a plug. They'll want to test out products work before they buy.
10. Advertise. To drum up business, post eye-catching signs around the neighborhood and list your sale on free web sites, such as Craigslist.org, Garagesalehunter.com, and Garagesalesource.com.

Locals get a discount at SpringTide Market

2007-10-17T09:30:00.000-05:00

That's right, just show your local, Fripp Island addressed driver's license at the counter and you'll receive 10% off all purchases at SpringTide Market. Do they love their locals or what?!

4 Way to give you home selling style

2007-10-15T14:59:00.000-05:00

Home and Garden Television (HGTV)* offers these ideas to stage your home to enhance its marketability:

1. What an entrance
The outside of your home is the all-important first impression. And like it or not, it speaks volumes about what’s inside. Glossy paint in a bold, cheerful color for the front door, new hardware, a doormat and seasonal potted plants on the porch will dramatically brighten and refresh your home’s entry.

2. Create spaces
Part of what those that stage homes do is create fantasy spaces: an exercise room, a meditation space, an art studio or a family game room. If a room currently only gathers junk, repurpose it into something that will add to the value — and enjoyment — of the home

3. Brilliant natural light
Take off old, heavy drapery and put up something light and airy. This allows natural light and makes a previously closed-in space seem larger. For window treatments in a bedroom or bath, Pella Designer Series(R) windows and doors feature top-down or bottom-up shade options tucked neatly between panes of glass for added cleanliness and privacy, without the clutter of traditional room-side blinds.

4. Brand names open doors
In today’s competitive market, buyers look for brand names everywhere in a home. While a name brand range or countertop are influencers in the kitchen, so are quality name brand windows and entry doors throughout the home.

* Source: HGTV “Secrets of Stagers; 13 ways to make your home look like A million bucks”

DOJ - Real Estate page

2007-10-12T11:06:00.000-05:00

The U.S. Justice Department's Antitrust Division recently launched a new web site focused on competition in the real estate industry. The site is intended "to educate consumers and policymakers about the potential benefits that competition can bring to consumers of real estate brokerage services and the barriers that inhibit that competition".

Latest Newsletter

2007-09-12T14:47:00.000-05:00

If you haven't been lucky enough to receive it in the mail yet, Fripp Island Real Estate's most recent newsletter is online and available. Jam packed with the latest island news and real estate information.

Download your copy here!

New Store Hours

2007-09-11T15:41:00.000-05:00

SpringTide Market has updated its store hours for the Fall/Winter season. New hours are:

Sunday - Thursday: 8am - 6pm
Friday & Saturday: 8am - 7pm

July New-Home Sales Rebound Slightly

2007-09-03T11:12:00.000-05:00

RISMEDIA, August 28, 2007-Sales of new single-family homes were up 2.8% in July to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 870,000 units as new-home sales rebounded from weak sales figures in June, the U.S. Commerce Department reported. The July sales pace was 10.2% below a year earlier.

“Despite their normal volatility, these numbers are promising,” said Brian Catalde, president of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder from El Segundo, Calif. “Today’s headlines would make you think that no one is buying, or can buy, new homes. That is far from the case. Financing is still available, builders are offering plenty of choices in a variety of price ranges and people are still buying the homes of their dreams.”

(...)

Regionally, new-home sales in July were up by 22.4% in the West and 0.6% in the South. Sales were down by 24.3% in the Northeast and 0.9% in the Midwest.

Read the rest of the article here.

New Listing - 142 Ocean Creek Blvd.

2007-08-31T08:57:00.000-05:00

Our very own Charles Patty brings this lovely 4 bedroom, 4 bath, golf course home to the table. Great views, conveniently located near the Cabana Club, Camp Fripp and Ocean Creek Golf Club. Short golf cart ride to the beach and Beach Club area. Windows galore, hardwood floors, eat-in kitchen with gas cooking. Immaculately maintained. Investment potential for strong rental/second home!

Using the iPhone for Real Estate

2007-08-31T08:44:00.000-05:00

Bruce Wolf, NAR’s current treasurer, has a personal review of the amazing, new iPhone on his blog.

"First:
I believe the iPhone is sort of a hybrid PDA as it isn’t a Blackberry for the “crack berries” and it isn’t a pure “cell phones” that the Realtor’s love but in-between all of those features but with many more new ones! Maybe a “tweener”

So what isn’t it?

1. It is not a Blackberry! But it gets multiple POP accounts and reads MS suite seamlessly. However deleting lots of Emails is a challenge so one must adjust!? However the emails in color I might add, the e-mails are very readable for us you need reading glasses and we can expand them!
2. Well it’s is not a Treo either- No cut and paste, no funny faces in text messaging no third party applications and no stylus to lose, however as you got to get use to it or do need all that on a PDA? Maybe not, we don’t need to try to make it a lab top per-se! I will miss the funny faces though!
3. It isn’t just an Ipod with a pretty face and cool photos, nice that those features are thrown in, but it isn’t another pretty little iPod but really a much more complex cool toy! May not just a camera phone but it takes great pictures of listings that can be Email on the spot to your customers, cool huh?

So what is it?

1. Syncing
It a very well thought out “tweener” that’s syncs with your 2 most important business tools, Ical and address book and very quickly not like those blackberries and treos. So then comes I tunes and photos which are lightening quickly to sync. So to set up it is very smart and easy for the all the non-Mac people!
2. Phone
Nice to have all your contacts in one place. Unlimited as well, so we Realtors need all those at our finger tips to do a “deal”. Cool beans!!! ATT may not be Verizon as too coverage but close. Hope they will enhance coverage as time goes on but I seem to be able carry on a civil conversion in most spots.
3. E-mail
As I mentioned it is better than the treos but not as good as the blackies but it will work. We need to have EDGE to be enhanced but it gets by. What’s up with the WIFI??? It is sure is a hit miss problem even in my own house. Mentioned deleting all those emails, ugh! That’s got to go!
4. Photos
Boy the 2 MP camera is better than any PDA I have seen and great for Real Estate as I am carry all my listings on my “gizmo” and they look great to show all my zillion customers! Great ease of downloads and “upload” as it goes both ways. They are very REALTOR friendly and a winner there!
5. Maps
That is groovy! That will be handy to show property or find something you can’t find! That works!!!!
6. Stock Market Widget
It is neat if your client is rolling in stocks, mine aren’t, they own Real Estate but you can tell how much you know about the market.
7. Weather Widget
I love it as we “tors’ (short for Real a tors) need to know what’s out there weather-wise. That is real groovy also, like anywhere anytime, wow!
8. In reality the true blue window users will not like the exchange server issues and lack of storage, but it does perform much easier for the Mac users rather than using 3 party applications. However it needs “tweaking” in lot of areas but that will come smoother and quickly from Apple.
9. The phone is much easier to see because of its adjustable light system and once you get rid of your stylus and use you will let your fingers do the walking and the better you will like it.
10. Youtube- Boy the jury is out there for me and it works really well, so I am not sure how I can use it but I will figure out a something. Hummmmm, maybe a video tour of one many zillion listings?

All in all it is a real new toy and I love it brightness, size and large screen and the coolness of its being “seen” with it.

Get one before they run out!"

New Listing - K105 Cedar Reef villa!

2007-08-20T13:36:00.000-05:00

Thanks to John Lee, we have this quaint, 1 bedroom, 1.5 bath, ocean front villa! It is just steps to Harbor Island's beaches and swimming pool. Newly remodeled and ready to for the rental market. Excellent rental potential!

Click for more info in this lovely villa.

New Listing - 115 Cardinal Crest!

2007-08-14T10:27:00.000-05:00

Sandy Pannill offers up this spacious, 2 bedroom, 2 bath marsh-front home. This home offers great marsh views and ocean views of Fripp Inlet. Two decks with panoramic water views. Loft could be used as 3rd bedroom. Also offers vaulted ceilings in the family room.

Generation Y

2007-07-26T10:12:00.000-05:00

What does Y want?

Last year, one in four people younger than 25 were homeowners, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

These are some of the features that members of Generation Y seek in a home:

• Urban location
• Energy efficiency
• Simplification: 20-somethings often want smaller homes and lots.
• Low maintenance: They don’t want homes that need renovations.
• Convenience: A home with a single bathroom might be OK, but Gen Y-ers won’t go without a dishwasher and laundry facilities.
• High-tech: Homes that are wired for surround sound and include space for more than one computer appeal to younger buyers.

Sources: The Urban Land Institute and San Antonio real estate agents
Copyright © 2007, San Antonio Express-News

Fathers Home Wishes

2007-07-12T15:54:00.000-05:00

A recent survey by homesandland.com shows some interesting trends involving what Father's want in their homes:

While 87% of the final decisions about purchasing a home are made by women, a new study released by Homes & Land shows most men are claiming - or wanting — their own “space” in their house.

The survey revealed that Dad also has very specific ideas on how to decorate his corner of the castle even though 65% of the time, women are the sole decision makers for decorating. The survey was conducted by the Homes & Land Relocation Service Center among those fathers around the country requesting complimentary real estate magazines. This Father’s Day, Homes & Land wishes the happiest of occasions and offers some insight that perhaps the best gift is right at home.

Twenty-eight percent of fathers desired a room dedicated for their own purposes. Of this group, the most popular room requests were, in order:

- an Office/Study
- a media room (or just a place for all of his TV & music equipment)
- a garage/workshop
- an exercise room

The study also showed that 72% of dad’s claimed their own space within the home. The use of these rooms were: office/library, garage/workshop, game room and lastly, media room. Of this group, the men still dreamt of their own decorating style.

If they had their way they would decorate the room with:

- Personal memorabilia (including college memories)
- Sports/Golf
- Vintage items (cars, tools, photos)
- Animal or nature motif.