Consumer Trends Shaping the Future of Home Amenities
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.
LED Light Illumination
The
modern consumer is increasingly interested in Light Emitting Diode
(LED) light illumination for appliances because of its benefits over
incandescent lighting. Energy-efficient LED bulbs produce little or no
heat, and they consume only a fraction of the energy of incandescent
bulbs. They also last much longer and require far fewer changes than
incandescent bulbs. Since buyers prefer lighting that not only saves
them money but also helps the environment, check to see if appliance
manufacturers have fitted the refrigerators, microwaves and other
household appliances with LED lighting.
Today’s
homeowners are more concerned than ever with energy efficiency, home
connectivity and the new alternatives in appliance materials. You can
apply this knowledge to your advantage in setting up and selling a
property today.
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