Falls Church News-Press Summer Real Estate

R EA L E STATE

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Real Estate Special

JULY 21 - 27, 2022 | PAGE 11

Summer 2022

(Photo: Sue Johnson)

(Photo: Sue Johnson)

INSIDE: Realtors Tips & Tricks Page 12, Downsizing Page 14, Design Trends Page 18, Your Real Estate Experts page 16-17

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R EA L E STATE

PAGE 12 | JULY 21 - 27, 2022

Tips and Tricks: Advice from Local Realtors

by Kylee Toland

Falls Church News-Press

Looking to buy or sell your home? These local realtors have the answers to your questions about the current marketplace and how you can succeed in buying or selling your home!

Ken Trotter is the CEO and principal realtor with the Silver Line Group. Going on his 10th year as a real estate agent, Trotter mainly focuses on buying and selling homes in the Falls Church and Arlington areas. For Trotter, he said he doesn’t focus on the volume of homes he helps buy and sell, but rather the “quality of service” for each individual family that he’s worked with.

Trotter said he views himself as a “fiduciary” by empowering his clients to make the “right decisions for themselves,” which includes “arming them with the information they need to find the right home for them and make a move when they’re ready.” As for helping buyers with a specific price range, Trotter first starts by trying to identify what their “goals and objectives” are because “every individual family’s situa-

tion is unique and one home does not meet everybody’s needs.”

His tip for helping a buyer find their “dream home” is to begin with a personalized property search, which “maps” their hopes and dreams to the active available market inventory, followed by making sure the buyer has their “financing in place.”

Finally, Trotter said he helps buyers understand the market conditions, whether it be an “aggressive seller’s market” or a “buyers market.” For helping sellers, Trotter and his team “really work with them to strategically prepare their home for a market,” which includes a “comprehensive review of the home” from the outside to the inside and then working to “optimally position the house for the market with an excellent online marketing package.”

Kathy Pippin is the owner/ CEO of Kathy Pippin Properties, as well as an agent for “close to 12 years.” Mainly focusing on the buying and selling of homes “pretty much everywhere in Fairfax County,” Pippin said helping buyers find homes in the Falls Church area is “super easy” due to it being “walkable to res-

taurants and shops, great schools and fantastic neighborhoods.”

When Pippin is helping buyers find a home, she stated that the first meeting she has with a buyer is “really a discovery meeting” and understanding what their vision is based on their likes/dislikes and budget can “help guide them and stay on track.” For buyers to “win in this market,” the first meeting between a buyer and realtor is “essential” as it “really lays out the foundation of how successful they are going to be.” As for sellers, Pippin said sellers must make sure “their pricing is correct” and work with “somebody who’s knowledgeable.”

Sellers should also ask realtors an important question: “What are they doing to market?”

Due to her “love of education,” Pippin said she wants to make sure the first meeting with a buyer or seller is a session that “will answer a lot of questions” and to educate potential clients about “possible strategies and the pros/cons of those different strategies.” Kathy Pippin Properties also hosts homebuyer and seller seminars to “educate”

KELLY MILLSPAUGH THOMPSON

REALTOR, DE SIGNE R + S HOPKEEPER FA LLS CHURCH CITY NATIV E

from House to Home

@stylishpatinarealestate

www.stylishpatina.com realestate@stylishpatina.com

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

KEN TROTTER, CEO and principal realtor of Silver Line Group, speaks with a client. (Photos: Courtesy of Ken Trotter) and go through the “A to Z of homebuying,” which allows them to talk to experienced realtors “three to six months” before the time they want to sell their home.

Casey Margenau is the owner of Casey Margenau Fine Homes & Estates and specializes in single family homes. Having been an agent for 33 years, Margenau said “when you’ve been in the business as long as [he] has been, you kind of get experience” with helping buyers “save money and escape pitfalls.”

Margenau not only “helps buyers negotiate the transaction”

from selling to buying, but also advises them “to think beyond just the transaction” and to help people “make decisions that are good for the long term, not justfor their immediate needs.”

For his tips and tricks for buyers and sellers alike, Margenau said it’s “very important” to select a real estate agent that has had experience for over “seven years.” He also stated buyers and sellers need to make sure that when listing a home, “your agent isn’t going on vacation [that] week.”

Continued on Page 22

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PAGE 13 | JULY 21 - 27, 2022

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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R EA L E STATE

PAGE 14 | JULY 21 - 27, 2022

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Downsizing Presents a Chance to Declutter When Moving to a Smaller Space

BY ALEX RUSSELL

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

When people move from a single-family home to a smaller space, like an apartment, downsizing is often an integral part of the process and can become a project in itself.

Gale Morgan, Senior Vice President of Sales at Mather, spoke about the reasons to downsize and why doing it right and early on makes the overall move a lot easier.

The primary type of resident at Mather living communities — with one opening up in McLean next year — are people “in their early 70s” who have “become empty nesters” and who are now realizing that “there’s a lot of rooms they don’t even use.”

As their children go on to have their own families, lifestyles change too.

Morgan continues, “they look around and go, ‘wow, there’s a lot of this space I don’t use.’” Admittedly, “it can be an arduous task sorting through those possessions they’ve had forever…it becomes a real per-

sonal check of ‘do I need this?

Yes or no?’”

This dynamic applies to a much broader extent, essentially with anyone in the same position — a transition from a larger home to a smaller space, with the change necessitating a reassessment of one’s household items, furniture, kitchen items, clothes, books and so forth.

Camille Prunka of Refreshingly Candid Coaching & Organizing — a business operating in the northern Virginia area — shared that many people, whether they are her customers or not, at times “overestimate what space can handle.”

“They see the [new] apartment empty” and in their minds try to “recreate how they’re comfortable in their new space,” imagining “their current couch” in the new apartment — without paying close attention to the actual new spatial limitations.

Prunka suggests bringing a “measuring tape and a piece of paper” to ascertain if the “furniture is actually going to fit.”

Claudia Taskier, of the

DOWNSIZING helps people moving out of a house into an apartment make better use of their new space. (P���� ��������: Kayla Johnson at Founders Row) Organizer DC, concurs, saying that getting a sense of where one is moving into, “even if it’s an estimate of the place,” is very important. She suggests taking photographs of the new place and maybe doing a quick “mock-up of what you want your living space to be.”

She underscores that it is

very beneficial to “start early… give yourself a month or two while you’re thinking about buying a place.”

Aside from the rough planning, with downsizing — whether the person is a senior with a home full of heirlooms and other objects of sentimental value or a younger person with

a lot of collectibles and general “stuff” — “keeping a list of all of these things is vital,” continues Taskier.

Prunka stresses “you really need to know what you have” and keep in mind questions like “is the item properly cared for?

Continued on Page 20

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PAGE 15 | JULY 21 - 27, 2022

R EA L E STATE

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Best of Falls Church 2022 is here ~ There are so many Little City favorites!

While nominating, we’d a nod …

Tori McKinney ~ Best Real Estate Agent ROCK STAR Realty Group, KW Metro Center ~ Best Real Estate Group

703.867.8674

Tori@ROCKSTARRealtyGroup.com ROCKSTARRealtyGroup.com

2111 Wilson Blvd #1050 Arlington, VA 22201

© 2022 Tori McKinney, LLC

PAGE 16 | JULY 21 - 27, 2022

R EA L E STATE

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

A Falls Church News-Press Advertorial

M e e t Yo u r H o m e E x p e r t s

Bethany Ellis – Long and Foster

Kelly Millspaugh Thompson

Bethany Ellis owns and operates a highly successful real estate business in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. She is an experienced Realtor® whose goal is to exceed your expectations. Her knowledge of the local market, attention to detail, excellent negotiating ability, and effective communication ensures that your real estate transaction will go smoothly from start to finish. Bethany has direct access to local lenders, home inspectors, new home developers, settlement groups, and local service providers (painters, plumbers, carpet suppliers, handymen, electricians, plumbers, and more). Bethany Ellis is your real estate resource.

Call Bethany when you are ready to buy, sell or invest in real estate.

Kelly Millspaugh Thompson is a Falls Church City native and small business owner. Kelly opened Stylish Patina, Home + Gift Boutique in Falls Church in 2013. A few years ago she expanded her service offering to include Real Estate. She now melds her love of Real Estate and Interior Design into a one of a kind full service offering for her clients. This has proven to be a unique and highly sought after combination of skills. Her extensive experience in home decor, interior design and home renovation provides a broad area of expertise that she can bring to her clients both on the buying and selling side of the equation. If you are looking for a Realtor with a designer’s eye contact Kelly for your no obligation consult!

Kelly Millspaugh Thompson • Realtor ® • Designer • Owner Stylish Patina 450 W. Broad St. Suite 120 A Falls Church VA 22046 703.303.3700 • stylishpatina.com

Bethany Ellis, Long and Foster 1355 Beverly Rd., #109 McLean, VA 22101 703.307.7003 • buyandsellwithBethany.com

Tori McKinney - ROCK STAR Realty Group, KW Metro Center As you embark on your journey to buy and sell your home, it is ever so important to have the right real estate agent on your side. My goal is to educate and guide my clients in these unprecedented times. While the market remains competitive with minimal inventory, let us help you navigate the way into your new home.

My ROCK STAR Realty Group strives to be the most trusted and connected Realtors® in Falls Church City and beyond. My respected and experienced team and I are passionate about helping buyers find the homes they love, and providing sellers with a seamless sale transaction from start to finish. Given the challenges buyers are currently facing, my #1 aspiration is to bring my clients joy, calm, and confidence with one of life’s biggest decisions. Your housing dreams are our utmost priority and we look forward to guiding you through the process.

Each Wednesday morning, I camp out at Northside Social Falls Church from 10:00-11:00 AM for my ROCK the House Coffee Hour. Please join me to discuss your housing needs and questions about the market over a cup of coffee or tea. I look forward to seeing you there!

Tori McKinney | CEO & Realtor® | ROCK STAR Realty Group, KW Metro Center 2111 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201 703.867.8674 • RockStarRealtyGroup.com

Ken Trotter, Silver Line Group at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Ken Trotter is the founder and principal agent of the Silver Line Group and regularly recognized as one of Washington, DC’s top producing Realtors®.

While the heart of the Silver Line Group’s practice is in Falls Church, the team also regularly represents buyers and sellers along the Silver Line corridor from DC to Dulles.

Ken was a successful litigation attorney prior to becoming a Realtor®, and he drew upon that experience when establishing the guiding principals behind the Silver Line Group’s professional service: “We focus on making our clients’ interests our sole priority and zealously strive to achieve the best results for our clients in every transaction.”

The Silver Line Group’s talented team of professionals strongly believes in delivering the highest level of integrity, professionalism, and expertise at all price points. From urban condos with high walkability scores to estate homes, the team is passionate about helping you find the perfect home, or the right buyer for your home.

For more detailed information about the Silver Line Group’s real estate practice, please visit SilverLineHouses.com and reach out directly to Ken.

Ken Trotter, J.D., Realtor, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty 703.606.1122 • SilverLineHouses.com

DuBro Architects + Builders DuBro Architects + Builders have been transforming our clients’ homes for 20 years. We care deeply for our clients and the community within which we work. We are driven by the integration of insightful design and expert craftsmanship infused with a spirit of integrity and innovation. LOVE YOUR HOME.

DUBRO Architects + Builders | Jeff DuBro, Owner 429 S Maple Ave. Falls Church, VA 22046 703.533.7464 • www.dubro.net

Kathy Pippin, Samson Properties Kathy Pippin grew up in Northern Virginia, attended Wakefield HS and received an engineering degree in Maryland. Her methodical approach and local knowledge, coupled with her negotiation skills and top-notch marketing, have well equipped her to serve her clients, whether first-time home buyers, repeat buyers, sellers, or investors. She is pragmatic and has a consultative approach when helping clients buy or sell. She has a dedicated team to produce successful outcomes for each sale. Kathy believes in giving back to the community and supporting local and national charities in the areas of children’s cancer research, survivors of abuse, and worldwide medical assistance. Her trusted loan officer, Jimmy Boone, with Cardinal Finance, provides great loan programs and always exceeds clients’ expectations.

Kathy Pippin, Samson Properties 6707 Old Dominion Drive #315 McLean, VA 22101 703.408.0838 • KathyPippinProperties.com

Peake Management Lindsey Peake was raised with a passion for real estate that has extended through 3 generations.

An avid investor herself, she works hard to find good investment properties and homes for clients. Not all houses make good rental property, that’s where experience helps.

With a 40-year history in Northern Virginia, the company is strong and wellestablished. The focus is always on the client, whether listing a home for sale, buying the perfect home, or managing property.

A strong believer that long term property ownership creates wealth and treating clients as good friends helping them on their path to creating wealth. .

Peake Management, Inc. 450 N Washington St. Ste M Falls Church, VA 22046 703.408.2153 • www.peakeinc.com

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

R EA L E STATE A Falls Church News-Press Advertorial

JULY 21 - 27, 2022 | PAGE 17

M e e t Yo u r H o m e E x p e r t s

FOXCRAFT Design Group

Pam Micciche - HBC Group - KW

Foxcraft Design Group is entering their 33rd year as an award-winning design/ build firm and general contractor. What is the secret to longevity in such a competitive marketplace? “We understand adapting homes for growing families and the importance that a neighborhood plays in family life,” explains Foxcraft president and co-owner Chandler Fox. Foxcraft is among the most creative, experienced design/build firms in the region, specializing in meeting clients’ budget expectations and overcoming ever changing national and county codes, regulations and guidelines. “We’ve done it all,” Fox says. “Clients come back to us many times for additional projects. We are problem solvers and trusted advisors.” www.foxcraft.com

Pam Micciche of the HBC Group KW works hard for her clients by focusing on the essentials: strong relationships, honesty, and an unflagging commitment to the client’s best interest. As a native Washingtonian and a resident of Falls Church for almost 20 years, Pam knows this market inside and out. She lives in town with her husband, two kids and one very spoiled dog. Reach out to Pam when you are considering selling, buying, renting or investing so that she can put her strengths in negotiating to work for your real estate needs.

The HBC Group consistently sells over 100 residential properties annually ranging from multimillion dollar luxury estates to $300,000 condominiums and townhomes. Led by Karen Briscoe and Lizzy Conroy, the HBC group has over 100 years of combined experience in real estate related fields and contract negotiations.

FOXCRAFT Design Group 110 Great Falls St, Falls Church, VA 22046 703.536.1888 • foxcraft.com

Zimmermann Homes My family and I live in Falls Church, where we take pride in building leading-edge custom homes that increase energy efficiency, require minimal service, and are very durable. All Zimmermann Homes come standard with upgraded products and building techniques designed to add value and make the home more comfortable to live in. We are passionate about working together with our clients to build these innovative homes that combine a level of performance and beauty that is tough to find elsewhere.

Zimmermann Homes 203.331.9697 • zimmermannhomes.com

Alison Miller - Keller Williams Realty Falls Church I have been in the DC and Virginia residential real estate market as a full-time professional since 2008 as a buyer, rehabber, seller, commercial property owner, and Keller Williams Falls Church agent helping others buy and sell. Prior to going into real estate full-time I earned an MBA degree with dual concentration in information technology and real estate finance. I worked for 25 years in the information technology industry as a Senior Manager and Director for organizations including Marriott International and Fannie Mae. Put my 360-degree real estate experience and technology skills to work for you!

Alison Miller - Keller Williams Realty Falls Church 105 W. Broad Street #200, Falls Church, VA 22046 703.298.9495 • alisonmiller.kw.com

Louise Molton, Falls Church, VA Real Estate Covid and Housing.Two topics that are bound to come up in your conversation with friends! So what’s new? As we are learning how to adapt our lifestyles, we are learning how to navigate this current real estate market. Our needs have changed, maybe we need office space at home — how do we sell and then buy when there is so little inventory? What about interest rates? Should we add-on or down size? Should we leave the area?

Why are our kids paying rent to a landlord, could we become the landlord and invest? Are the kids ever moving out!

Maybe you are not ready to sell but if you want to discuss a plan, with almost 20 years of experience, I would love to offer a no obligation consultation!.

Louise Molton, Falls Church, VA Real Estate 710 W Broad St., Falls Church, VA 22046-3219 703.244.1992 • agentlouise@gmail.com

Pam Micciche - HBC Group - KW 6820 Elm Street, McLean, VA, 22101 703.734.0192 • Pam@HBCGroupKW.com ­

Buchanan & Groom Real Estate and Investment Bruce Buchanan and Bill Groom graduated from Yorktown High School in 1978. Forty years later, at a chance encounter at Arlington’s famed Bob & Edith’s Diner, they discussed their long experience in real estate and something clicked. Bill had been an award-winning agent for Long & Foster. While Bruce, an expert handyman, was helping owners find rental tenants and manage maintenance. Together, they combine over 80 years of expertise to provide you a “soup to nuts” approach to all your property needs. From selling and buying to expert property management, we are here for you!

Buchanan & Groom Real Estate and Investment 571.766.6108 • Buchananandgroomrealestate.com

MODERA FOUNDERS ROW & VERSO FOUNDERS ROW Welcome to Founders Row - Falls Church’s newest retail destination, managed

by Mill Creek Residential. Founders Row is home to two residential communities — Modera Founders Row, a luxury apartment community, and VERSO Founders Row, a collection of designer 55+ apartment homes. There are many restaurants and retailers on board (Chasin’ Tails, Ellie Bird and Club Pilates to name a few!), creating a one-stop shop for its residents. “Founders Row was always envisioned to elevate the dining and entertainment experience in the City of Falls Church,” said Joe Muffler, managing director of development. Enjoy shopping, dining and luxury amenities right outside your door!

Buchanan & Groom Real Estate and Investment 110 Founders Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22046 571-370-3201 • foundersrow.com

Merelyn Kaye & Karin Morrison - McEnearney You’ve seen us in The News-Press for years! Falls Church’s most seasoned, knowledgeable, and successful mom and daughter real estate team provides the expertise and service you need — satisfaction guaranteed! Whether Buying, Selling, Renting, or Property Management, we’re your full-service team!

When you need a repair, information on refinancing, or sales anywhere in the USA, we can help. When you want a no-hassle estimate of your home’s value or need to get it sold fast for top dollar, we are ready to help. When you need to find a new home in this fast-paced seller’s market, we will get it done, there is no substitute for experience.

703.626.3257 • merelynkaye.com

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PAGE 18 | JULY 21 - 27, 2022

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Home Design Trends Impacted by Covid, Technology and Weather

BY ALEX RUSSELL

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, with people having to spend a lot more time in their homes than before, saw many looking at their living spaces and finding a variety of potential changes to be made, both inside and outside.

Frank Kenney, a realtor and contractor in the Northern Virginia region, explained that “you’re still seeing some of the modern grays and blacks” in home building, but now many people are “leaning toward all white,” reminiscent of the “Nordic style” of building.

There is also an emphasis on “off-white walls;” “white oak instead of red oak” for cabinets and railings, for example; and a rising popularity in “white cabinets and white backsplashes” in kitchens and bathrooms.

The outsides of homes are starting to see more “black frame windows,” adding to the stark nature of the more modern, Nordic-esque look.

When asked about this aes-

thetic shift, Kenney said he did not know for sure where this came from, but did say this trend has been “popularized by some shows and social media,” especially on websites like Pinterest.

Speaking more about the specific building materials used, Kenney said that “white oak has become more popular,” partly due to “the airiness of it.”

It has become a draw for many who are working with an “open concept” space.

In general, customers are “looking more on the lighter side” visually, looking at “lighter woods” but also emphasizing “sharper edges, straight balusters” and “straight edge door handles.”

Jim Patton, of The Enclave at Aylors Overlook, adds that, in terms of design material, “granite and marble are out,” with quartz becoming a highly popular material for kitchen islands, for example.

“White and gray cabinets dominate” contemporary kitchen design, while hardwood floors “with wide planks

A BRIGHT, OPEN EXTERIOR with black framed windows and an overall angular, rigid aesthetic has become a rising trend in house design. (P���� ��������: M������ H����) throughout the house” have maintained both their usage and popularity.

In terms of the specific areas of a house, Patton shared that “expanded front porches, larger…home offices” and larger

“bedrooms for children,” that “include their own baths,” appear to be the most in-demand sections customers want to change, add to or extend.

Kenney says essentially people are desiring “more living

space” as well as an increase in their general “recreational space” — no doubt as a result of Covid lockdowns.

“People usually want to

Continued on Page 21

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Homeowners Need to Ask Themselves Questions Before a Move Continued from Page 14

Who is the buyer?” She also recommends knowing “the model of the item,” or at least being able to identify if it is a vintage item or not.

For older people who are embarking on a move, Morgan reminds them that “you can’t keep all the artwork.”

Some couples have a sizable amount of “collectibles or china,” which can also be difficult to part with.

Prunka warns that there is “not a huge, everyday market” for formal china. She says that people with expensive, formal china would do well finding “aficionados or collectors,” with Etsy.com now having established itself as a place for “people who specialize in vintage items.” Decluttering is key to downsizing.

Prunka adds that “locally, food kitchens will absolutely take unexpired food and personal items” such as shampoo,

unused toothbrushes, “even toilet paper.”

“Some places will take adult incontinence items, too.” She lists Greater DC Diaper Bank as “a good resource in the region for families in need.”

“People don’t think to donate” along these kinds of avenues, but an organization like the Diaper Bank “will take a pack of open diapers in good, clean condition.”

Places like Goodwill and the Salvation Army will take furniture; Greendrop, a non-profit that has “trailers set up in the Northern Virginia area in supermarket parking lots” makes donating in bulk “easy and convenient.”

Taskier says that “whether you’re willing to make an investment and hire an organizer or get a friend to help,” making sure that the decluttering, downsizing and donating goes thoroughly and well-planned pays off in the end.

Morgan, speaking specifically from her perspective working for

AN INTERIOR RENDERING (subject to change) of an open �loor plan to be used at the Mather next year. The emphasis is on a decluttered living space. (P���� ��������: L��� K����� �� M�����) Mather, shared that many people “express this huge relief when they’re done. It’s like ‘these possessions were sort of managing our lifestyle.’ They’re always excited that they did downsize.”

You Deserve an Agent Who Can Get You Everything You Deserve When Selling Your Home

But this is something that extends to anyone who is about to move to a smaller place or is in the process of doing so.

Morgan adds that even an item that seems to be irreplace-

able can sometimes provide a good opportunity for downsizing. Many people come to realize that “every joy, every moment came with me. It didn’t go with that piece of furniture.”

Helping Our Clients Buy, Sell and Invest!

Kathy Pippin, Realtor FOR RENT

Updated 4 BR/2BA Single Family Home 517 25th St S., Arlington $3700/mo.

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We know how to maximize your net return with: Strategic home preparation Optimal market positioning Skilled negotiations Leveraging multiple-offer scenarios First-rate marketing Thinking about selling a home? Please reach out to us to maximize your net return.

Ken Trotter, J.D., Realtor® Falls Church Expert Silver Line Group, CEO 703 606 1122 Info@silverlinehouses.com SilverLineHouses.com

Website: Kathypippinproperties.com

6707 Old Dominion Dr. #315 McLean, VA 22101

Email: Kathy@Kathypippinproperties.com Licensed in VA

Call/Text: 703-386-7896

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

R EA L E STATE

Homeowners Tend to Prioritize Kitchens, Additions

JULY 21 - 27, 2022 | PAGE 21

FOLLOWING THE PANDEMIC, builders have noticed that owners tend to focus on expanding the space in their kitchens as well as creating additions to their existing homes.

Jim Patton remarked that quartz is very much in demand right now when it comes to kitchen counters. (P����� ��������: J�� P����� �� A����� O������� ��� S�� J������) Continued from Page 18

bump out their living room or their kitchen, or do something with the bedroom upstairs,” says Kenney.

Changes are typically made “on the main level” or at the basement level.

He continued, touching on the projects people have been seeking

to make a reality on the outside of their house — outlining how when it comes to porches and decks — he has seen more of them built in the back of a house. With summers getting longer and hotter, homeowners are looking for new spaces “like decks and four season-type rooms.”

“Solar panels have picked up

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some” in their demand, but “there are a lot of restrictions” that are attached to them, too. They don’t “add a lot of value at the moment.”

With the recent advent in electric cars, homeowners have been increasingly electrifying their garages to maintain 240 volts. Kenney expressed a definite “uptick” for

this kind of work. Patton’s experiences confirm this trend.

He also adds that customers have been looking to include “USB charging ports in [their] electrical outlets” as well as applying “extensive…LED lighting” virtually everywhere. “Evolving technologies,” like smart house inte-

gration, “are being used, too.” As reflected on by both professionals, and as influenced by two years of lockdowns, record temperatures and new tech, many homeowners are prioritizing more room and a wider variety of ways to enhance and enjoy their living and recreational spaces.