As of last year, there were more than 86 million owner-occupied homes in the United States.

“Owning a home is one of life’s most satisfying achievements,” says Sarah Cole, board chair for the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS^® (GMAR). “According to new research from Home Bay, 80% of survey respondents said owning a home was the best decision they ever made.”

Two key features – lighting and green space – increase a home’s value, its appeal and livability while enhancing the overall homeownership experience.

Natural Lighting Makes a Difference

On average, people spend about 90% of their time indoors, making exposure to natural light a major feature of a home. In addition to providing energy cost savings and increasing home value, natural light makes people feel better. Natural light promotes better sleep, boosts vitamin D production and stimulates the release of serotonin, the hormone of happiness.

“The amount of natural light absolutely makes a difference in the buying decision,” says Beth Jaworski, a REALTOR with Shorewest Realtors. “A lot of buyers won’t even consider a house if it looks too dark either from too much shading outside or not enough windows to let light in. There’s great demand for homes with ample natural light.”

Where Light Matters

According to Jaworski, natural light is especially appreciated in kitchens, which are the heart of the home.

A window at the sink that provides a view of the yard enhances a kitchen’s attractiveness. Other rooms that benefit from natural light include living rooms and great rooms where people regularly gather, as well as bathrooms that feature windows or skylights to brighten the room and provide a boost when getting ready in the morning.

“With more people working from home, natural light in a home office is increasingly desirable,” says Jaworski. “People are tired of working in dark basements and converted closets that feel like a dungeon. In some cases, it’s enough to motivate people to move to a new home.”

A few popular and affordable techniques can easily enhance a home’s natural lighting.

• Window treatments: Uncovered windows allow light to flow in naturally and unrestricted However, if privacy is a concern, sheer curtains evenly diffuse and soften sunlight while providing a layer of visual protection.
• Mirrors: A mirror placed near or opposite a window reflects and disperses light coming in to improve and even double a room’s brightness. This technique works especially well in dark hallways and small rooms.
• Solar: A solar tube, sometimes called a sun tunnel, brings natural light from a clear dome on the roof, through a reflective tube, and into interior spaces through a ceiling lens. The soft natural light that comes from a solar tube easily brightens areas that don’t have windows or have limited sunlight.
• Wall colors: Lighter colors act like a mirror and bounce light around the room. Painting walls that get direct sunlight with lighter colors makes a room feel bigger and brighter.

Outdoors, Jaworski says landscape lighting that accents trees, shrubbery, gardens, patios and decks improves property value while also enhancing opportunities to entertain and relax.

Lighting Technology

Artificial lighting plays a major role in supplementing natural light. New “human-centric” or circadian lighting uses programmable LED lighting to mimic varying shades of daylight throughout the day and evening. LED discs, under-cabinet task lights and wall scones are just a few of the many options that offer the benefits of natural lighting.

Homeowners can improve indoor lighting by paying attention to a seemingly minor detail.

“It’s important to use the same type of lightbulbs throughout the home,” says Jaworski. “Whether blue, white or warm, lights in foyers, hallways and stairs in particular need to emit the same tone. When bulbs are inconsistent, the look is jarring and the lighting less effective.”

The Green Advantage
Access to green space is another home feature that increases property value and the quality of day-to-day living.

“Surveys show that being near a park, bike path or other outdoor recreational area is a highly desirable element of owning a home,” says Tom McCormick, broker/owner of EXIT Realty Horizons. “Like living with plenty of natural lighting, living near green space translates into better physical and mental health.”

A study from Houselogic, a resource for REALTORS^® and homeowners, found home values jumped between 8-20%, depending on the type of green space nearby:

• Natural areas: $10,000+

• Golf courses: $8,000+
• Specialty parks: $5,000+
• Urban parks: $1000+

McCormick says homeowners living in a neighborhood that lacks a park or open space can tap into resources like the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS^® (GMAR).

“Through the National Association of REALTORS’ Placemaking Micro-grant, homeowners can work with a GMAR member to transform unused sites into welcoming areas that everyone in a community can enjoy,” says McCormick.

Homes offering access to plenty of green space and plenty of light inside and out bring value to owners and benefits to enjoy year-long.

The REALTOR^® Advantage

A REALTOR^® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS^®, is committed to a Code of Ethics and has the expertise to find the right home for everyone. Look for the “R” to determine if your agent is a REALTOR^®.

Locally, the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS^® is a 5,500-member strong professional organization dedicated to providing information, services and products to help REALTOR^® help their clients buy and sell real estate. Visit gmar.com for more information.