By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR Magazine
It’s not quite spring yet, but it’s not too early to start thinking about your listings’ outdoors–your buyers certainly will, even if they can only visualize it during the cold, wintery months.
The American Society of Landscape Architects conducts an annual Residential Trends Survey. Here are some of the findings from its 2011 survey, based on what landscape architects say are very to somewhat popular outdoor living feature trends:
- 96.2% rated exterior lighting as somewhat or very popular;
- 94.2% fire pits and fireplaces;
- 94.1% seating/dining areas;
- 93.8% grills;
- 89.5% installed seating, such as benches, seat walls, or ledges;
- 83.5% weatherized outdoor furniture;
- 74.2% counter space;
- 61.3% utility storage;
- 58.3% stereo systems;
- 54.7% sinks;
- 50.2% refrigerators
The survey also showed more interest in technology featured on the outside too, such as stereo systems, Internet access, and televisions. Also, low-maintenance landscaping and sustainability is also getting more popular, such as water-efficient irrigation systems and rainwater harvesting.
Thinking Spring ? Many consider home outdoor space a vital component of their living space. Is outdoor space important to you….how do you utilize your outdoor living space? I enjoy the outdoors….having a comfortable setting outside gives you a particular area for enjoyment of gardens, fresh air and relaxation….
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