Now more than ever condo management professionals are working hard to make their developments more desirable by including details that make their units stand out. One major aspect many buyers consider is the laundry area. More and more consumers are selecting laundry rooms closer to their bedrooms or other living quarters. Making the laundry area more accessible and attractive increases the condo’s value from a buyer’s perspective. Admittedly, this is easier to do in new developments, but even in developments not undergoing major remodeling, moving the laundry room to a more livable area can provide the extra edge needed in this tough market.
Shake the place up without vibrating the floors
As the laundry room migrates from the basement to the first or second floor, there are concerns of noise and vibrations. Research by Whirlpool Corporation shows that low vibration in laundry machines is important to 60 percent of consumers. To accommodate demand, many front-loading washers now have suspension systems that work like shock absorbers to help reduce noise and vibrations, making them ideal for second-floor areas. And for design and space flexibility, front-loading washer and dryer pairs can be stacked in a closet.
Another option to consider is top-loading laundry pairs, as the inherent vibration control exhibited in top-load washers makes them ideal for anywhere in a home. Plus they are much more energy-efficient than most people realize. In fact, there are Energy Star qualified top-load washers that use up to 67 percent less energy and 70 percent less water than conventional top-loaders. In addition to low vibration and energy and water savings, there are top-load washer and dryer pairs that provide something for every style of décor, lifestyle and budget, while maintaining performance.
Make it vibrant
Wherever the laundry area is located, the floor must have a hard surface rather than carpet. Additionally, moving the laundry area to a main floor requires some personalization, and this can be achieved through creative design, configuration and color.
Washers and dryers are available in a wide variety of colors designed specifically to meet consumer desires for stylish and functional appliances that make a bold statement. Current color trends, including greens and browns, have been inspired by nature, and they mark the start of a fresh new palette for the laundry area. Real-world blues and vibrant reds also continue to resonate with consumers.
Accessories are now available to help transform the laundry room into a more functional, efficient, organized area. This includes accessories built specifically to hold and hide laundry supplies within reach, provide extra space, lift washers and dryers to a more comfortable height, and convert the tops of front loaders into a convenient surface for sorting, treating and folding clothes.
Help them save
Helping your buyers save on their utilities is essential for selling condos. In today’s market and beyond, those who have sustainable, eco-friendly homes and condos are the only ones who are selling.
With laundry playing such a major role in the amount of water and electricity used in the home, energy- and water-efficient laundry appliances are a must. Compared to a model manufactured before 1994, an Energy Star qualified washing machine can save up to $110 per year on utility bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Some Energy Star qualified front-loading washers can save up to 73 percent on water and 77 percent on energy, compared to conventional washers manufactured before 2004.
Another money-saving trend in laundry is steam technology. Washers and dryers with a steam option allow consumers to naturally steam out wrinkles and odors in the dryer – and tough stains in the washer – without pre-treating. Steam is noted for its water and energy efficiency, as well as its versatility – it’s a natural and effective way to clean and freshen. Washers and dryers that employ steam, for instance, can save unnecessary trips to the dry cleaner.
The laundry area of today plays a huge role in condo buyers’ lives and can help determine where they choose to live. By providing condos with strategically located laundry areas and current energy- and water-efficient laundry appliances, condo management professionals are definitely increasing their chances of selling more units.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Author: Tracy Frye
Tracy Frye is senior contract marketing manager at Whirlpool Corporation.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
