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Many of the open floor plans and spacious kitchens require only minor adjustments to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Although ADA considerations might not be on a contractor’s or architect’s radar when drafting state-of-the-art blueprints, there are persuasive reasons to build accessible new construction homes.

1: ADA-Compliant Kitchens Can Increase Listing Prices

Open floor plans that include spacious kitchens with center islands have been hot-trending for at least a decade. Sources such as This Old House report that kitchen remodels top the list of home improvements. The return on investment is reportedly 87% for a minor upgrade and 80% for a complete overhaul. By meeting the simple U-shaped dimensions set by the ADA and ergonomic countertops and amenities, new construction kitchens deliver a highly sought after layout that everyday people know comes at a premium.

2: Archways Instead of Doorways Create Balanced Living Spaces

Not every prospective homeowner gravitates to the purely open floor plan. The experience of seeing everything and everyone throughout the common area is not always appealing. There are times family members want a little privacy. With that in mind, new homeowners tend to think that in terms of an either-or scenario. Either you get an open floor plan or include doors that can make the living space feel smaller, even cramped.

One of the solutions that also lends itself to increased accessibility is to incorporate archways instead of doorways. These wider openings typically create a sense of balance between wide-open space and reasonable privacy. Someone can curl up with a good book in the family room or work in a home office while another resident enjoys a beverage in the eat-in kitchen. By that same token, people who use wheelchairs or walkers won’t have to negotiate tight doorways. A new construction project that leverages archways instead of doors offers a balanced quality of life environment suitable for everyone.

3: Smart Technologies Deliver State-of-the-Art Convenience

New construction home builders are increasingly tasked with integrating hot-trending technologies into residential structures. Millennials comprise the largest home-buying demographic at approximately 38%, and this generation grew up in the technology age. Many expect the conveniences of the internet, Bluetooth and smart technologies to be part of their living spaces. These same innovations are perfect for improving accessibility for aging community members and those with disabilities. These are prime examples of smart technology that make sense for wide-sweeping demographics.

• Smart Thermostats: These devices allow homeowners to warm or cool homes from cell phones and other devices before arriving.
• Smart Lighting: Exterior or interior lights can be controlled remotely. This means people with physical limitations won’t have to fumble around in the dark.
• Smart Blinds & Curtains: Privacy is increasingly easy when blinds and curtains can be managed electronically from a wheelchair or remote device.

The bottom line is that new construction may be driven by “starter home” thinking at times. But many of the accessible layout, design and amenities provide proven benefits for community members at large. Including these and other accessibility options only improves the peaceful enjoyment of a home and its resale value.

The modern farmhouse trend continues to grow in popularity. For both interior and exterior home design, the name of this style is everywhere, from inspiration blogs to retailers. Real estate professionals have even begun featuring modern farmhouse properties in their respective markets because of the continued demand for the style. However, with architecture and design styles constantly evolving, it might be difficult to pinpoint what makes the style unique.

So what is modern farmhouse style exactly? Below are some key aspects of this design trend.

Modern Farmhouse at a Glance

Modern farmhouse is a contemporary and updated interpretation of the classic American farmhouse style. A modern farmhouse home expertly blends sleek modern efficiency with a comfortable rustic aesthetic. Overall, many consider it an approachable and flexible style that is easy to personalize while still creating a perfect compromise between the new and the old.

Key External Features

The modern farmhouse style is just as much an external architectural design style as an internal one. Once you know the key elements of a modern farmhouse, you’ll be able to spot them right away — incorporate these elements into your own home search or remodel. Most houses in this style feature steeply pitched roofs and large windows. Open floor plans are common and usually include vaulted main rooms. The modern farmhouse style also includes a wrap-around porch or a rear porch depending on the space available. Many opt for traditional rectangular windows on the facade, but it is also common to include sleek triangular windows to accent the steepled roof shapes.

Color Palette and Materials

The modern farmhouse trend uses neutral color palettes for the interior and exterior. White is the most common paint choice for the outside of the home, but with bold contrasting elements in black or other dark colors. The contrast not only adds modern appeal, but emphasizes the shapes used in the home’s construction. The exterior walls often include board and batten cladding reminiscent of traditional farm homes. Fixtures are often rustic or industrial, focusing on rustic finishes. On the inside, a modern farmhouse will feature exposed wooden beams and trim and rough-hewn plank flooring. Natural materials with lots of texture are prevalent in modern farmhouse interior design and the more mixing materials, the better. Paint, trim, fixtures and furniture will keep the same color trend as the exterior: light and neutral with dark accents. A combination of leather, metal, stone, jute, linen and other natural materials come together to make the modern farmhouse style cohesive yet comfortably eclectic.

People are spending more time at home in order to work, learn and be among family. Therefore, the demand for comfort and practicality is likely a driving force behind the popularity of this trend. With modern farmhouse style homes, you can have the cozy, inviting feel of a traditional farmhouse style but with a sleek and modern update. The style honors nostalgia and classic American design elements while still including all the efficiency and demands of the present.

Common sense is powerful, particularly for those who plan to sell a house in the near future. If you use common sense as you consider myriad home selling decisions, you may be better equipped than ever before to make the best-possible choices.

Now, let's look at three tips to help you take a common sense-oriented approach to selling your house.

1. Analyze Your Home

You believe you have a great home that will attract plenty of interest from potential buyers. Yet the housing market offers no guarantees. But if you analyze your residence, you can identify its strengths and weaknesses and proceed accordingly.

It may be beneficial to conduct an inspection before you list your residence. During an inspection, a property expert will review all areas of your house. You then will receive an inspection report that you can use to evaluate various home problems.

2. Perform Home Improvements

Home improvements are key, as they can help you transform property weaknesses into strengths. If you allocate time and resources to upgrade your house, you could boost the likelihood of enjoying a fast, profitable home selling experience.

Oftentimes, it helps to mow the lawn, trim the hedges and perform other home exterior upgrades to enhance your residence's curb appeal. Because if your home boasts amazing curb appeal, your residence may stand out to dozens of prospective buyers.

You should clean each room in your home, too. If your home's interior dazzles, buyers are sure to be impressed with it as soon as they walk through the front door. Perhaps most important, buyers will have no trouble envisioning what life may be like if they purchase your house.

3. Collaborate with a Real Estate Agent

As you explore ways to streamline the house selling journey, collaborating with a real estate agent may prove to be an excellent decision. A real estate agent can take the guesswork out of selling a house, and as such, help you achieve your desired results.

Generally, a real estate agent will make it simple for you to list your house. He or she also will promote your residence to potential buyers and set up home showings and open house events. Plus, a real estate agent will help you assess any offers to purchase your house and ensure you can get the best price for your residence.

Let's not forget about the guidance that a real estate agent provides as you navigate the home selling journey, either. If you are unsure about how to proceed during the home selling journey, a real estate agent can provide recommendations and suggestions. He or she can respond to your home selling concerns and queries as well.

For those who want to reap the benefits of a successful home selling journey, using common sense is ideal. Thanks to the aforementioned tips, you can navigate the house selling journey like a real estate market expert and accomplish your home selling goals.