When selling a home, you need to understand the current consumer expectations and lifestyles. Appliance companies have tracked these for a while, and while some trends come and go, others remain popular for years. Recent consumer demands for energy efficiency and for connectivity via a smart phone are shaping the future of home amenities these days.
Demand for Energy Efficiency
Consumers are keenly aware of the need to reduce energy consumption in order to contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment. In addition, homeowners are spending a growing percentage of their incomes on utility bills, and to resolve this problem, they are increasingly looking to equip their homes with more energy-efficient and cost-effective appliances.
To accommodate this demand, appliance companies are producing more Energy Star–qualified appliances, which use 10 to 50 percent less energy than their older counterparts. They not only help homeowners save money, but they also reduce greenhouse emissions.
Energy Star refrigerators have high-efficiency compressors, superior insulation, and more accurate temperature and defrost systems. Efficient dishwashers use smart features like sensors that can determine the appropriate cycle length and water temperature. Washers with the Energy Star qualification extract more water from the laundry during the spin cycle so that the dryer has less work to do.
Alternatives to Stainless Steel
For decades now, homeowners seeking the epitome of style and sophistication have chosen stainless steel appliances. You may find, though, that some consumers will look for more unique items. Two new trends in appliance finishes that are becoming more popular are white ice and slate.
“White ice” is a sophisticated and stylish finish that features white, mirrored glass with silver accents. Don’t confuse this finish with standard white appliances, however. White ice is sleek and modern, and its glossy finish has a high-end, elegant look.
You may also find new lines of appliances in a muted gray called “slate.” This finish is designed to blend well with other black, white or stainless steel finishes, or it can make a statement on its own. It resists fingerprints, washes easily, wears well and holds magnets.
Keep these alternatives and options in mind when working with a new property and a new client.
A Smarter Home
Appliance companies are also releasing products that grant remote access to home functions such as the alarm systems or lights, and even heating and cooling systems.
Other innovative products, like smart refrigerators, have built-in apps that make grocery shopping and cooking easier. There are even smart ovens that can be remotely controlled and come with apps that connect to a smart phone, allowing homeowners to cook dinner from work or check the status of a casserole while lounging by the pool.
Learn more about what consumers want in a home in our latest Clean Slate post.
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