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Two Home Features Buyers May Regret

Contrary to what we may think, there are two popular home features buyers may come to regret having in their homes, a recent article in REALTOR magazine suggests. The first is an open concept layout; the second is hardwood floors.

As a Realtor, I see a lot of homes, and some of the ones I find myself liking best are those where rooms are actually separated by walls. This certainly goes for that kitchen open to the dining room open to the family room. I’m not a big fan. One of the nicest homes I ever owned had a lovely eat-in kitchen that was totally separated from the great room by walls and an open doorway. I could prepare meals unseen, set the dining room table, which was in another separate room, and get ready for my guests. When they arrived, we’d go into the great room where I had laid out hors d’oeuvres, snacks and drinks. We’d sit and chat until it was time for dinner, when we’d go into the dining room to eat – again, out of site of the kitchen where I might have pots and pans on the stove, and dishes and utensils I’d used in preparing the dinner in the sink.

I truly liked this layout. When I wanted respite from the TV, which was in the family room, and just wanted to sit quietly or work on my computer, I had both the kitchen and dining room in which to do so.

Laura Mineff, an interior designer in Cleveland, and also quoted in the piece, reminds us: “Sounds are multiplied in an open floor plan. You’ll need rugs and window panels to help absorb the sound, as well as tall dimensional artwork and plants to help fill in the space. Creating a warm, cozy atmosphere in a vast, open living space can be costly.”

In addition, it’s difficult to carve out a space of your own in an open concept home.

The second feature buyers may come to regret, according to the article, are hardwood floors. “There are some rooms in the home that weren’t meant to have hardwood,” states Daniel Meyer, co-founder and CEO of Pocketdoor, a home renovation company in San Francisco. Two prime areas that aren’t hardwood friendly are kitchens and bathrooms, he continues.

“Many finishes look great but cannot handle everyday life for buyers, especially those with young children,” he concludes. Often, spills of water can become permanent stains or warp the wood, which may require replacement.

Despite the drawbacks of open concept homes and hardwood floors, the article maintains they are still among the most commonly asked for home features.

What do you think? Please let me know at cstarks@talktotucker.com.

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