Would you be happier if your outdoor space was remodeled with a fireplace, a swimming pool, or a new wood deck? In the 2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, the National Association of REALTORS® found that nearly all homeowners reported increased happiness with their completed outdoor projects – 9.7 out of a possible “Joy Score” of 10.

Using Census data for the average-sized U.S. home – 2,500 sq. ft., built after 1978, and situated on a 14,000 sq. ft. lot – NAR collaborated with the National Association of Landscape Professionals to learn the results of 11 landscaping projects, plus their costs, estimated return on investment for homeowners, and homeowner happiness.

Among the outdoor projects included were: fire feature ($9,000), in-ground pool addition ($90,000), irrigation system installation ($6,000), landscape lighting ($6,800), landscape maintenance ($4,800), new patio ($10,500), new wood deck ($16,900), outdoor kitchen ($15,000), overall landscape upgrade ($9,000), tree care ($2,875) and standard lawn care service ($415).

Interestingly, homeowner happiness was not tied to the highest cost recovery. Homeowners reported the highest Joy Scores for in-ground pool additions (10), landscape lighting (10), and new patios (9.9). Standard lawn care service, the least expensive of the 11 projects, had the highest cost recovery (217%), followed by landscape maintenance (104%), an overall landscape upgrade (100%) and an outdoor kitchen (100%).

Consumers remodel to add features, improve livability, upgrade worn-out materials, or simply to make a change. Another benefit to outdoor remodeling is curb appeal, which is important to homebuyers, says 97% of NAR members.

The pandemic that began in 2020 was life-changing in all aspects, including home design. As workers stayed home to work remotely, they began to appreciate what a difference more space could make. Before long, the hottest housing market ever emerged as households sought larger homes with more creature comforts.

What many found were homes that had been designed and built for busy dual-income families featuring a large bright “open kitchen.” Instead of separating the cook from the action in the den or living room, open floor plans allow cooking, eating, TV watching, working and socializing to take place in one large contiguous space. This was embraced as a liberating innovation that promoted connectivity for overscheduled families to see more of each other, but the result was more noise, more messes to look at, and a more chaotic environment. 

For luxury homeowners who value privacy, relaxation, and comfort, the open kitchen plan has had its day. Room differentiation makes a huge difference in creating an elevated lifestyle. One way to do that is to be more intentional with interior design, wall placement, and traffic flow. Good wall placement helps establish the desired ambiance for each space. The den is a family retreat again, the living room welcomes visitors and clients, and the kitchen is no longer party central. Explains MansionGlobal.com, separating rooms makes each one feel properly proportioned and easier to furnish. An open plan must be more cohesive, while defined rooms can have their own personalities and colorways.

From rooftop gardens to planned community developments, neighborhood farming is having a moment. Agrihoods, or urban farms, have growing appeal, pardon the pun, for foodies who want farm-fresh produce no matter where they live. The beauty of the concept is that it combines the best of urban and rural lifestyles.

The benefits for individuals, communities and city planners are numerous. By coming together, residents of an apartment building, a neighborhood, or a town can grow free or low-cost food in containers, raised backyard beds, or in designated community gardens. Agrihoods promote healthy outdoor activity, improved health and sustainable land use. They help foster new friendships and a stronger sense of community. Community gardens teach both children and adults skills they can use for a lifetime.

While many agrihoods are started by local non-profit organizations and community volunteers, you can organize your own co-op by contacting neighbors, family and friends and choosing the best gardening opportunity for all. Once the food is harvested, it’s easy to split evenly among the participants.

Architects, builders and developers are paying attention to the trend and they report that existing single-family homes in agrihoods have a resale value as much as 28 percent higher than comparable houses in traditional suburban neighborhoods. For many developers, golf courses are expensive to design and maintain while agrihoods can be developed at one fifth of the cost. Some are large enough to employ farm managers who do the actual farming and manage livestock, in case you don’t have a green thumb.

Credit scores from FICO and VantageScore, the two most prominent U.S. credit scoring companies, rely on calculations based on a range of data, including payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), new credit (10%) and credit mix (10%).

The total amount you owe, the number and types of accounts you have, and the amount of money owed compared to how much credit you have available compose the “amounts owed” ratio. One of the ways this figure is calculated is through credit utilization, a measure of how much available credit you’re using as it applies to revolving credit accounts, including credit cards, personal lines of credit and home equity lines of credit. These accounts are separate from mortgages or car loans which have fixed terms for repayment.

Most sources say that no revolving line of credit should be utilized more than 30% at a time, so if you have a credit line limit on a bank card of $5,000, having a balance due above $1,500 on that card will lower your credit scores. New loans that don’t have a payment history can also lower your scores, while small balances or balances that were paid off over time can raise your scores.

To calculate your credit utilization ratio, add up all the balances and then the credit limits you have on all your accounts. Then divide the total of the balances by the total of your credit limits. Multiply the result by 100 to see your percentage.

Completely updated & it is sure to please even the pickiest buyers. Hugh kitchen with pro appliances, 10' island, custom cabinetry, quartz countertops with waterfall edge & matching backsplash is an entertainer's dream.  The family room features fireplace with custom built-ins, wet bar and French doors leading to large 4 season room.  2 primary ensuites and 2 secondary bedrooms with a J&J bath.  Finished basement expands your entertaining or family enjoyment. A must see home that's ready to create so many fabulous memories!  Don't delay. 

Don't Miss Out on the Ultimate Multigenerational Home in Oak Grove School District where your children will have access to an exceptional education in a top-rated school system, setting them on the path to a bright future.  Step into a world of unparalleled comfort & harmony in this 4+ BR, 4 full and 2 half baths, multiple kitchens, 2 laundry rooms and a 4 car garage situated on beautifully landscaped homesite.  The perfect blend of togetherness & independence. Reach out to learn more or make an appointment for a private showing.