Get connected to sell faster
Just a few years ago, a great garden play area for children was an important selling point for family homes, but times have changed.
"Today's youngsters are far more likely to play games on the Internet than to swing around on a jungle gym - just as they are more likely to research homework projects on the web rather than go to the local library," says Berry Everitt, MD of the Chas Everitt International property group.
"Indeed, many children's rooms now look like media centres, fitted with computers with broadband access, television sets, video game systems and DVD players.
"And while parents may have their own views about children's use of and access to all this technology, there is no doubt that connectivity, and especially broadband that allows Internet access around the clock, is becoming a new selling point for homeowners who are targeting buyers with young families."
Writing in the Property Signposts newsletter, he says sellers and developers in this market should thus consider rearranging or redesigning children's rooms to accommodate a range of gadgets, "or perhaps transforming an existing study or workstation into a high-tech 'hub' of connectivity".
Which is not to say, Everitt hastens to add, that the backyard can or should be given over to weeds.
"Parents concerned at the rising rate of obesity among techno-potato children
are bound to appreciate a healthy combination of connectivity indoors and space
for more strenuous activities outdoors."
Issued by Chas Everitt International
For further information call Brenda Smith at
Chas Everitt International Bryanston on 011 463 2033
or visit www.chaseveritt.com