What Are People Looking for in Their Next Home?

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I recently read the report called "The Housing Satisfaction Gap." What's interesting about this report is that it shows what features people have in their current homes, and what they would look for if they decided to buy a new home. It's a good indicator of what buyers are looking for in the market. In the report, there were 7 things that stood out as the features people are craving the most in a new home. Here they are:

1. Energy efficiency - Is your home green? Having energy-efficient appliances and utilities is one of the main things home buyers are looking for.

2. Renovations - People are looking for updated homes, with newly built add-ons and features that add value to the home.

3. Updated kitchens - everybody wants that beautiful upgraded kitchen with modern new appliances

4. Age-friendly design - Many people are looking for a forever home where their family can grow together and a home accommodates them as they grow older.

5. Privacy - Privacy comes in many forms, whether it is a secluded backyard, a balcony, or simply a greater distance between neighbors.

6. Safe neighborhood - This is kind of a no-brainer. Safer neighborhoods help to put more value in your real estate purchase as well.

7. Storage space - It is a fact that Americans love to shop. What they want is enough space to store their acquisitions in a safe and organized place

If you are thinking of renovating or selling your home, keep these things in mind. If you have any questions about what you should be doing to prepare your home, give me a call and I'd be happy to meet with you. Hope to hear from you soon!

Is Your Tax Assessment too High?

Selling your home? Get a free home value report

Buying a home? Search all homes for sale  
  

Spring is right around the corner, and you know what that means: Tax Season. If you haven't gotten it already, the county will be sending out a property tax assessment for the property you own. They will tell you how much they think the property is worth, so they can tax you accordingly.

Is this the same thing as an appraisal? No. An appraisal is done by the bank, and is a detailed single property valuation. Assessments are based on large numbers of sales that are analyzed to determine values for large groups of similar properties. With an appraisal, you want to get the highest figure possible to increase the sale price of your home.

For a property tax assessment, you want the number to be as low as possible, so you don't have to pay as much in taxes. The reality is that these assessments could be inaccurate, and you might be getting taxed more than you should be.

If you think your property tax assessment is wrong, whether it's too high or too low, give us a call. We can help you go through your options, which can include filing an appeal against the county's assessment. Any appeal has to be done in a timely manner.  We look forward to hearing from you soon!

*Check Out These Related Links! 

- https://nvar.com/real-estate-tax-rates/nvar-law-ethics-portal/legal-knowledgebase/real-estate-laws/real-estate-property-tax-rates

- http://otr.cfo.dc.gov/page/real-property-tax-rates

- https://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/realpropertytax/default.aspx