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Office from page 2 Go back in time: Perhaps the easiest thing to do with a home office that is no longer needed is to return the room to its pre- pandemic state. Because the shift to remote work was so sudden, many homeowners were forced to turn wash- rooms, breakfast nooks or areas of their base- ments into home offices. Returning those spaces to their initial functions can make a home feel less cluttered and add more room for residents to relax and get around. Create a new enter- tainment area: Many homeowners converted a spare bedroom into a home office during the pandemic. In such in- stances, guest beds and other furniture might have been moved into storage or even sold or discarded. Either way, that means the office was cleared of bedroom furniture. Now that the room no longer needs to be an office and now that homeowners have made due without the extra bedroom, the room can be converted into an en- tertainment area. Swap out the desk for a foldout couch that can still ac- commodate overnight guests when necessary. Then mount a flat-screen television on the wall and utilize the room as a gaming room for kids or a film room/man cave for Mom or Dad. Create an in-law suite: The pandemic separated families, as people living in differ- ent households were advised to avoid gather- ings to stop the spread of the virus. Individuals with aging parents may have felt particularly heartbroken by this forced separation, es- pecially if their elderly parents were living in nursing homes that were stretched thin by staff shortages and other challenges. In the aftermath of the pandemic phase, fami- lies may want to invite aging relatives to live with them. Home offices can be repurposed into in-law suites so aging parents don't have to confront the isolation and loneliness many felt during the height of the pandemic. As professionals re- turn to their offices with greater frequency, they can transform their of- fices into spaces they're likely to use more often. BY METRO Home trends come and go. Today's must- have items tend to become tomorrow's outdated features in the blink of an eye. Homeowners who plan to stay in their cur- rent homes for years to come needn't prioritize modern trends over personal preferences. However, homeown- ers looking to sell their homes can consider these favored features to increase their proper- ties' appeal to modern buyers. Separate laundry room: According to the National Association of Home Builders' 2021 What Home Buyers Really Want report, a separate room dedicated to laundry was the most desired feature among prospective homebuy- ers. Though it might not inspire the awe of an outdoor living room or floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a wooded backyard, a laundry room fills a direct and universal need. Perhaps that is why 87 percent of buyers want a room dedicated to laun- dry in a home. Exterior lighting: Drive through a modern suburban neighborhood at night and it won't take long before you realize the popularity of exterior lighting. And that's no coincidence, as home- owners everywhere ap- pear to embrace exterior lighting. The NAHB report indicates that ex- terior lighting is the most sought-after outdoor feature. The good news for prospective sellers is that exterior lighting is an inexpensive and in- stant way to transform a property at night. Some solar-powered lighting along walkways and out- side the front door can make a home feel more safe, while some uplight- ing of large trees in the backyard can produce a sight to behold once the sun goes down. Energy-efficient upgrades: Inflation has driven up the cost of just about everything for more than a year, and energy is no exception. So it should come as no sur- prise that 83 percent of prospective homebuyers are looking for energy- efficient windows and ap- pliances in a home. These features save money and benefit the planet, making them a win-win among buyers. Patio: Patio spaces have long been popu- lar, but that popularity reached new heights dur- ing the pandemic. When forced to stay at home for long periods of time, millions of people longed for ways to spend more time outdoors without breaking lockdown rules. Patios provide outdoor living spaces, and 82 per- cent of buyers indicated they wanted a patio with their next property. Side-by-side sink: A double or side-by-side sink is among the more affordable features buy- ers are looking for. At less than $1,000 on average, a side-by-side sink is an affordable way to make a home more appealing to modern buyers. Modern buyers want a lot out of their homes, and sellers can do their best to meet those de- sires while getting the most money for their properties. Affordable ways to make homes more appealing to modern buyers Findahomeyou'lllove 49activecommunitiesinGreaterSacramento For all Heritage communities: Pursuant to the Fair Housing Act, housing is intended for occupancy by at least one person 55 years of age or older per unit. Please see your New Home Consultant and home purchase agreement for actual features designated as an Everything's Included feature. Plans to build out these neighborhoods as proposed are subject to change without notice. Features, amenities, floor plans, elevations, and designs vary and are subject to changes or substitution without notice. Items shown may contain options that are not standard on all models or not included in the purchase price. Availability may vary. Prices do not include closing costs and other fees to be paid by buyer (including a builder fee as described in the purchase agreement) and are subject to change without notice. This is not an offer in states where prior registration is required. Void where prohibited by law. Copyright © 2022 Lennar Corporation. Lennar, the Lennar logo, Next Gen - The Home Within A Home, the Next Gen logo, Thoughtful Design, Everything's Included, and the Everything's Included logo are U.S. registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. Lennar Sales Corp., CA DRE Broker #01252753 (Responsible Broker: Joanna Duke). BMR Construction, Inc., CA CSLB #830955. CalAtlantic Group, Inc., CA CSLB #1037780. Lennar Homes of California, Inc., CA CSLB #728102. Date 08/22 916-304-9711 | Lennar.com/Sacramento Webuildnewhomesforeverystageoflife,withavarietyofoptionsallacrossGreaterSacramento. Withhomesstartingfromthe$500s,discoveroptionsforeverylifestylefromfirst-timehomebuyersto growingfamilies,luxurydesignsandresort-stylecommunitiesexclusivelyforactiveadults55+. OurNextGen ® plan provides spacious options with a variety of uses, while our Everything's Included ® and Thoughtful Design programs provide value through upgrades in each home at no additional cost. Discover where your best life lives, with new homes now selling, everywhere you want to be. OfferingLennarhomesin: Roseville Lincoln Rancho Cordova Folsom El Dorado Hills Elk Grove Sacramento Antelope Plumas Lake Woodland Stockton Homes | Advertising Supplement 001 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP H3

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