Four Features Women Buyers Want When Buying a House

With a worldwide increase in the number of women homeowners, it is not surprising that architects, designers, and investors around the world are realizing that they are an important demographic worth catering to. That is why things to look when buying a house checklist features that attract women are now beginning to be constructed, albeit at a slow rate. Their presence can increase the resale value of the property such as an apartment or a house by 7- to 18%.

Following are four main features which women buyers want when buying a property:

1. Safety. This is a major concern for women, especially if they live alone, therefore, safety features such as CCTV cameras and security alarm systems attract women buyers when buying a property. Other safety-related elements such as anti-skid floors and fire-alarm systems with sprinklers are also in demand.

2. Space. Homes which appear to be airy are believed to attract women buyers when buying a property. This can be achieved via open layout plans, large glass windows, skylights and walls made with glass bricks which can be used to separate spaces within a home.

3. Storage. Ample storage space is something most women covert. These can be implemented in the form of niches under staircases, wall-to-ceiling cabinets, and purpose-built storage rooms.

4. Well designed kitchens and bathrooms. When it comes to the kitchen, in addition to ample storage space (in the form of pull-out and revolving shelves, drawer organizers and walk-in pantries) women favor island stoves and center-aisle working counters. Separate grease kitchens are also worth considering. Similarly, bathrooms should be aesthetically pleasing.

Other features that attract women buyers when buying a property include basements, powder rooms, purpose-built office/study areas, patios, roof gardens, and utility rooms.

Five Reasons How Smart Home Features Increase Property Value

A smart home is one with automatic electric, plumbing or security systems. Although the initial cost of these may seem high, they can help reduce your utility bills by 12 to 15%. Furthermore, home automation can increase home value by 15 to 20%.

Here are five smart home features that increase home value.

1. Garden sprinkler systems. A smart sprinkler can be programmed via a device that adjusts the amount of water that is used for your garden according to the weather conditions. It ensures your garden stays well-watered and the water is not wasted.

Price: $ 2,437 for ¼ acre residential lawn.

2. Lighting. Smart lighting dimmer and sensor systems allow lights to be turned on and off via a smartphone and can be customized to perform certain actions, such as turning off automatically when no one is around by using motion sensors. They can be used outside your home as well and can help increase security.

Price: $ 40 to $ 60 per bulb.

 3. Locks. A smart lock receives signals from an authorized device which instructs it to lock or unlock an entrance. Third part users can be granted entry via a ‘virtual key’ which can be sent to them through e-mail or SMS during a specified time.

Price: $ 229 to $ 278 per smart lock home kit.

4. Smoke detectors. When smoke is detected, these gadgets set off an alarm; some of them are equipped with automatic sprinkler systems to douse fires. What makes smoke detectors smart is that they can send a notification to your device(s) when it detects smoke no matter where you are.

Price: $ 30 to $ 80

5. Thermostats. These are synchronized with your air-conditioners or central air-conditioning systems to control the interior temperature of your home. They come with WiFi connectivity (which allows you to adjust temperatures via your device) as well as sensors to maintain the desired temperature. You can also schedule the times you want you air-conditioning to start or stop.

Price: $ 150 to $ 200.

Four Outdoor Features to Increase Home Value

According to experts, introducing outdoor features and elements to your home can increase the home value by 8- 10%. Most of these enhancements are one-time investments which can yield a return on investment (ROI) ranging between 18 to 20%.

Here are four proven ways to increase home value and these are best home improvements to increase value:

1. Entrances. Main gates should be sturdy and secure yet inviting; wooden gates or those made with wrought iron are trending, especially if flanked by contemporary lighting fixtures can increase home value (such as those made of chrome or silver). Their presence can increase home value by 12 to 18%.

Price: $ 1200 to $ 1800

2. Landscaping. Houses with large lawns should be landscaped with flowers and foliage (opt for plants that do not require much water). Lighting options include spotlights, lanterns, and fairy lights to give your lawn added appeal. Furthermore, you can introduce features such as stone planters, pebbled corners and walkways, and sunken Zen garden niches. Doing so will increase home value by at least 10%.

Average landscaping cost: $ 10 - $ 15 per square foot.

3. Hardscaping. This refers to features such as decks, gazebos, and patios, which can serve as entertainment spaces all year round. Their presence can increase home value by 15 to 20%.

Prices: Decks and gazebos: $ 12 to $ 15 per square foot.; Patios: $ 15 to $ 18 per square foot.

4. Backyard sanctuaries. If you have a backyard, you can install a small shed to provide storage space. Features such as a pond, water fountain or a fire pit surrounded by garden chairs are worth considering; they work well as spaces to relax or entertain. Their presence can increase home value by 12 to 14%.

Prices: Pond: $ 8 to $ 10 per square yard, shed: $ 1.5 to $ 2 per square foot; water fountain: $ 800 to $ 1000.