The Washington-area real estate market can be fickle, as design trends and desirable features constantly change according to evolving lifestyles and homeowner preferences. This spring, the buying season is well underway and agents I talk to are seeing robust activity across the metro area.
An open floor plan is by far the most requested feature in kitchens, with 89 percent of agents saying that their buyers ask for it. Agents say that granite countertops and stainless steel appliances remain popular amenities in the kitchen. Other popular features include double-island kitchens (12 percent) and niche appliances such as steam ovens and warming drawers (11 percent). Eat-in kitchens, wine refrigerators and quartz countertops are gaining momentum.
Features throughout the rest of the home finding favor this spring include first-floor master bedrooms. According to our survey, 38 percent of agents say that the demand for first-floor master bedrooms is higher than for second-floor masters. Other amenities gaining momentum include high-end kitchens (74 percent) and bathrooms (56 percent), followed by parking (39 percent), outdoor dining and entertaining spaces (46 percent), fireplace(s) (21 percent) and smart home technology (18 percent).
A few features have significantly lost popularity and may lower a seller’s home value in the competitive market this spring. Seventy-four percent of agents say an outdated floor plan tops the list. A traditional floor plan that divides a home’s space into many rooms can be a big disappointment. Other buyer turnoffs include laminate countertops (71 percent), popcorn ceilings (69 percent) and carpeting (53 percent). Once popular, these features now seem dated and serve as obstacles to buyers looking for turnkey, move-in ready properties.
Motivated sellers should try to remove these features, which can make an otherwise desirable property seem like a fixer-upper. Replace laminate with a granite, natural or engineered stone countertop. Replace popcorn ceilings with a simple, non-textured surface in a neutral color. Remove as much carpeting as possible, especially in high traffic areas, and put down hardwood flooring if you can.
On the flip side, buyers should be prepared to pay for these updates and the convenience of a move-in-ready home. Or they can save money on the purchase price and take on the upgrades themselves after purchase, with the added benefit of selecting the flooring and granite of their dreams.
Either way, it is important for buyers and sellers to keep up with the latest home design trends so that they can better navigate Washington’s ever-changing real estate market. An experienced real estate agent who knows the local area can help advise you on what’s hot — and what’s not.
Jon Coile, chairman of Rockville-based multiple-listing service Bright MLS (formerly MRIS), writes occasional commentary on the Washington area housing market.
