What’s in

 : Homes that are priced right.

 : Caving - personal dedicated space ( caves ) where one person in a household can go to work on projects or ” chill ” without being disturbed.

 : Upscale garages.

 : Two home offices - two-work-at-home families are on the rise.

 : Snoring rooms - alternative to the couch, blessing for millions of relationships.

 : Modular housing - quick conception to foundation times.

 : Mixing finishes on kitchen base and wall cabinets. Matchy - matchy is out.

What’s out

 : ” as is ” in home sale marketing..two letter -  two word kiss of death.

 : endless open houses

 : Bedrooms not large enough for a bed.

 : Bowl- shaped above counter bathroom sinks.

 : Stainless steel refrigerators and dishwashers are a fading trend.

 : Spiral staircases.

On the way out

Home sellers who smoke in their home. Buyers hate second-hand smoke and stale smoke odours. If you have to smoke, go outside.

This is reprinted with the permission of Real Estate Magazine. The article was written in January,2007, by Mark Nash,a real estate author and broker. You can visit Mark’s website at www.marknashrealtor.com.