These Trends Will Help You Sell Your Montecito Home For More Money
As spring rolls on, homeowners in Montecito begin to think about selling their homes. In a dynamic market, home trends come and go. What was once a great selling point even one year ago can now seem dated and undesirable. Of course, there are certain features that never go out of style, and we will discuss some of those as well. But first, let's take a look at the 2024 home trends that will help you sell your Montecito home for more money this year.
Focus On Sustainability When Updating Your Montecito Home
The story in 2024 is sustainability. Luxury homebuyers are looking for environmentally friendly homes that leave a smaller footprint, while still having the square footage they desire. There are several different updates you can make to you Montecito home that will help you attract buyers this year. Let's explore some of the most sought-after updates buyers are asking about.
Solar Panels
As the LA Times reported earlier this year, the electric grid in California is still experiencing issues. This being the case, it is imperative to be able to still keep your lights on. Solar panels, aside from not adding to the environmental problems caused by traditional power sources, enable a home to be comfortable no matter what is happening with the power grid. According to a study conducted by The Berkely Lab, solar photovoltaic panels are viewed as upgrades, just like a renovated kitchen or a finished basement, and home buyers across the country have been willing to pay a premium for a home with an average-sized solar array.
In other words, when looking at ways to sell your home for more money, investing in going solar is one way to ensure your asking price can go up.
EV Charging Stations
As more people ditch their gas guzzling SUV's for electric vehicles, having an EV charging station in your home's garage can be a major selling point. As more EV's hit the road, it would be helpful for potential buyers to be able to charge their cars at home instead of having to drive looking for a charging station elsewhere. So much so, buyers are now putting this on their "must have" lists when shopping for a new Montecito home. In fact, many of California's state utility providers are offering credits and rebates to install the systems in homes, making installing an EV charger in your home much more affordable in 2024.
Montecito Homebuyers Are Still Looking For Luxury
While sustainability is a major focus of those looking to buy a home in Montecito, luxury features are still in high demand. Some of the amenities Montecito homebuyers are looking for include:
Infrared Saunas
While once mainly a feature in gyms and spas, saunas have become in demand for home buyers as well. More specifically, buyers are looking for infrared saunas as a way to relax and promote wellness in the home. An infrared sauna can be a relatively inexpensive way to entice buyers that are seeking the latest in wellness trends in their homes. Think of infrared saunas as 2024's version of the infinity pool; an attractive looking home upgrade that is also highly functional. The beauty is you can now get either an indoor or outdoor model in different sizes from ecommerce and retail outlets. No need to travel or even make a spa appointment.
Plunge Pools
On the opposite side of the temperature spectrum, a cold plunge is a recent wellness trend that homebuyers are actively seeking. We discussed this some time ago, which you can see by clicking here, but it is worth reiterating that these plunge pools or tubs are a fantastic way to attract wellness-focused home buyers.
Updates That Are Always Sought-After
As mentioned above, while trendy updates will help you sell your home, there are other, ever-present features homebuyers are looking for when it comes to buying a home in Montecito. Investing in these tried-and-true updates will help net you more money at the closing table.
Updating Your Kitchen
Keeping in mind the focus of sustainability and wellness, we can look at some of the usual kitchen updates with a different lens. Trendy kitchen updates will help you attract buyers in any market, Montecito is no different.
Energy Efficient Appliances
Energy efficient appliances have become the rule rather the exception in Montecito kitchens for some time. While some Montecito homebuyers are looking for ways to cut down on energy use and save money, a growing number are looking at the production process of their appliances to understand the environmental impact of that as well. They even look at the impact the manufacturer is having; does the company invest in climate-friendly technology? Do they have at least a modicum of solar or geothermal power being used? Companies like Thermador are great on both counts.
Utilize Smart Technology When Updating Your Kitchen
With the advancement of AI, and its subsequent incorporation into platforms and tools like Amazon's Alexa and Google Home, there are endless possibilities, and homebuyers are looking for these integrations. Being able to control your thermostat from anywhere in the world is one thing, but having an automated assistant that can adjust temperatures to maximize energy efficiency and reduce impact.
One thing to bear in mind is that not every home is the same. You'll want to consult with an experienced real estate agent to understand which updates are going to maximize your home's value. Contact a top-selling Montecito Realtor, Maureen McDermut, today!
