3 Ways to Improve Life at Home for Today’s Buyers
Let’s face it: home buyers have a lot on their plates. Whether it’s making dinner, doing the dishes, or throwing in a load of laundry, there’s a lot that needs to be managed – and that doesn’t even scratch the surface of household chores.
These seemingly small tasks can add up, taking time that would otherwise be spent with family, friends, or relaxing, and that means a lot to today’s buyers. In fact, homes with amenities that make it easier to unwind can sell for more1 than expected according to Zillow.
Here are three ways you can not only lessen the stress of everyday responsibilities but also enhance and improve the lives of your buyers at home:
Function First
Buyers aren’t willing to sacrifice functionality for aesthetics – they want it all! They have high expectations that their appliances are as beautiful as they are intuitive, offering features that prioritize access and usability. Storage also remains an essential feature, and according to the Green Builder COGNITION Smart Data 2022 Forecast, it continues to be a priority for buyers.
In the kitchen, this means including versatile cabinetry with functional hardware to put the days of a cluttered kitchen behind you. Heavy-duty hardware like hinges and drawer slides that support heavier weights makes tucking away countertop appliances easier than ever. From small appliances to cups and plates, buyers will appreciate extra storage space to keep countertops clean and clutter-free.
Other features that help buyers balance beauty and function include:
- Touchless faucets1 for ease of use
- Hidden hinges that are heavy duty but still offer a seamless aesthetic
- Under cabinet lighting2 brightens workspaces without a bulky light sticking out
When it comes to appliances, buyers want all the innovative features available without sacrificing capacity. In fact, there’s been increased demand3 specifically for refrigerators that provide extra space. The spacious KitchenAid® 30 Cu. Ft. 48" Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator with PrintShield™ Finish is not only beautiful and sleek on the outside, the inside is designed with aesthetics and function top of mind as well. It features an Under-Shelf Prep Zone that utilizes unused space within the refrigerator to help with prep work, and a Wood-Look Pull Out Tray, which is moisture- and stain-resistant, and keeps ingredients organized beautifully. Plus, the simple-to-use touchscreen control panel features a smooth design for intuitive operation.
Multi-Functional Appliances
The last few years reignited a love of home cooking for many home buyers. Trendy recipes like whipped coffee or feta pasta had everyone dusting off their aprons and diving right back into the world of cooking for entertainment. And 70%4 plan to continue cooking at home, which means they’ll need the right appliances to help them keep up with today’s trending dishes.
The 5.3 Cu. Ft. Whirlpool® Electric 5-in-1 Air Fry Oven gives consumers the ability to cook the way they want with all the traditional cooking modes, plus specialty capabilities such as Air Fry and Frozen Bake™. Sales of air fryers in particular shot up by 20%5 in the last year, demonstrating how in-demand this feature is. For home buyers who would rather have the capability to air fry without taking up extra space, the over-the-range Whirlpool® Microwave with Air Fry Mode delivers crispy results and also comes with a grill mode to sear meat and vegetables.
Customization is Key
Providing customizable spaces and features gives the power back to the buyer, allowing them to enjoy their home the way they want.
A central kitchen island is one of the top 56 most wanted kitchen features, and buyers will pay more7 for homes with one. It adds lots of versatility to one of the busiest areas of the home: it can be used for extra seating, an additional prep area or for more storage space. Buyers can use it for whatever suits their lifestyle – whether they need it for homework or for entertaining.
When it comes to the laundry room, consider integrating appliances that address and anticipate buyers’ needs. The Whirlpool® 5.2 – 5.3 cu. ft. Top Load Washer with 2 in 1 Removable Agitator, for example, gives control back to the buyer, letting them choose whether to wash with an impeller or agitator. It’s also equipped with smart features to streamline their routine, allowing buyers to manage laundry remotely. They can also skip adding detergent to every load with the Load & Go Dispenser™, and pretreat stains with a built-in, dual-temperature faucet and brush.
For additional details about our appliance offerings, contact a sales rep today. Keep up with other trends and news in your industry by visiting The Trade Channel page.
1https://www.zillow.com/research/home-features-that-sell-2022-30822/
2Green Builder COGNITION Smart Data 2022 Forecast
3https://www.build.com/kitchen-under-cabinet-lighting/a21711#
4https://www.thekitchn.com/upgraded-entertainment-kitchen-design-trends-23432543
5https://www.fona.com/articles/2022/02/cooking-at-home---2022-trend-bite
6https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/25/dining/air-fryer.html
7https://stuccco.com/blog/what-buyers-want
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PRODUCTS FEATURED IN THIS ARTICLE
KitchenAid® 30 Cu. Ft. 48" Built-In Side-by-Side Black Refrigerator with PrintShield™ Finish
Whirlpool® 5.3 Cu. Ft. Whirlpool® Electric 5-in-1 Air Fry Oven
Whirlpool® 1.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Air Fry Mode
Whirlpool® 5.2 – 5.3 cu. ft. Top Load Washer with 2 in 1 Removable Agitator