Air conditioning very important to home buyers
What’s more comforting on a hot, humid summer day?
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2013 Profile of Buyers’ Home Feature Preferences air conditioning is the most important item buyers look for in a new home.
The NAR survey showed that among all 33 home features in the survey, 65 percent of buyers considered air conditioning the most important feature.
The next most important feature was a walk-in closet in the master bedroom; 39 percent of buyers considered this feature very important.
The third most popular feature was having a home that was cable-, satellite TV-, and/or Internet ready, as well as having an en-suite master bathroom.
But when it came down to the top feature, air conditioning hit the mark.
“Air conditioning is a big investment in your home. Learning what maintenance steps you can take on your own and what questions to ask your air conditioning contractor, can save you time, money and keep you comfortable this season,” said Frank Landwehr, vice president of a major provider of equipment used in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
However, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that more than 3 million HVAC systems fail each year. So what are some things homeowners can do to keep their air conditioning functioning?
n A general rule is to change indoor ductwork filters every three months or at the beginning of every heating and cooling season. Ensure the filter is sized correctly and fits snuggly.
n Keep the outside coils free of debris by hosing off with light pressure. Any bushes or shrubs should be trimmed away from the unit.
n Maintain a reliable airflow to reduce moisture buildup which can lead to mold. Also, open all internal doors to maintain air flow.
n Clean the vents and grills annually at the opening of each duct in every room by lifting the grill out of the floor, wiping with a rag or vacuuming it to remove dust and debris.
n Keep the condensation drain line clean and the drain tube open and clear to prevent backup and possible water damage.
However, in addition to air conditioning, the NAR profile showed other features and information on home buying.
“The typical home recently purchased was 1,860 square feet and was built in 1996, according to the national survey. The typical buyer bought a house with three bedrooms and two full bathrooms,” said Scott Detweiler, vice president of the Fayette Board of Realtors. “While all real estate is local, these national trends do show us how preferences are changing, particularly by age, family composition, household income and region.”
The NAR profile examined the features buyers prefer when it comes to purchasing a home, as well as the differences in preferences when it comes to factors such as region, demographics and household composition.
According to the survey, among buyers who considered central air conditioning and cable-, satellite TV-, and/or Internet very or somewhat important, 94 percent bought a home with these features.
Next on the list was an eat-in kitchen. Some 89 percent of buyers purchased a home with this feature.
“Buyers value some features so much that they are willing to spend more money to have them,” according to the profile.
Sixty-nine percent of buyers who did not purchase a home with central air conditioning would be willing to pay $2,520 more for a home with this feature. Another 69 percent of buyers who did not purchase a home with new kitchen appliances would be willing to pay $1,840 more for a home with this feature.
“A walk-in closet in the master bedroom was the third most common feature on which buyers would spend more.
“Fifty-five percent of buyers thought it was very important to have a living room but here in the Northeast, consumers placed more importance on a home with a dining room,” Detweiler said. Other rooms buyers were willing to spend more for were a laundry room and a den/study/home office/library.
Information about the NAR profile is available at www.realtor.org.