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Feeling connected to nature has myriad physical and mental health benefits, from improved air quality to reduced stress levels. In our busy lives, however, it can be a bit challenging to cut down the screen time and immerse ourselves in the natural world. If youre looking to feel more in touch with the great outdoors, here are five ways you can bring it into your home and improve your living space.

Potted Plants and Trees
Theres really no such thing as having too many plants in the house. Studies have suggested that they can boost your immune system, decrease blood pressure and even improve your sleep cycle. Plus, they just look nice around the home.

Natural Materials
Using an abundance of organic materials, such as wood and stone, throughout the house can allow it to feel at one with the outside world. There are plenty of other ways to introduce earthy textures when decorating, like a Jute rug made from natural fibers or bamboo furniture.

Oversized Windows and Doors
Floor-to-ceiling windows and large glass doors are an excellent way to capture the sensation of having nature in your home. Theres a calming effect that comes about when natural light floods your living room, and you can enjoy a view that showcases your surroundings.

Outdoor-Inspired Decor
So you dont have a wide-open view of rolling hills and towering trees? Try decorating your home with a nature-inspired motif, like floral-patterned upholstery or wallpaper depicting a landscape. Surrounding yourself with scenes and colors from the outdoors can be the next best thing when youre feeling stuck inside.

Natural Aromas
Filling your home with the fresh scents of the outdoors is a surefire way to feel more connected to Mother Nature. That can mean keeping flowers around the house or using essential oils that are relaxing and have a positive impact on your mood, like lemongrass, eucalyptus or lavender.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

These days, amenities for the kids arent limited to a playroom and a swing set. Luxury homebuyers are willing to shell out top dollar for exciting features that make their childrens wildest dreams come true. Here are a few exciting amenities that will have you ready to re-live your childhood!

Waterslides
Taking the backyard swimming pool to the next level, some homeowners are equipping their properties with waterslides and lazy rivers that rival the local water park. Often times, these slides are designed as part of a grotto and waterfall that allows for a natural look and creates a true backyard oasis.

Bowling Alleys
Bowling alleys are a favorite luxury amenity because they provide fun for the whole family. Whether youre hosting bowling night or looking for the perfect rainy-day activity, having a bowling lane at home has a wow-factor that everyone can enjoy.

Treehouses
Treehouses dont exactly mean roughing it anymore. For parents who want a place where kids can immerse themselves in nature and have sleepovers with friends, backyard forts are seeing a higher level in craftsmanship and attention to detail than ever before. If youre looking for inspiration or want to hire one of the best treehouse builders in the business, check out Nelson Treehouse.

Game Rooms
Game rooms have gotten a bit more elaborate in recent years, to the point that they can be tough to distinguish from an actual arcade. Parents are outfitting these kid-friendly spaces with foosball, air hockey, Skee-Ball and more to give the children the perfect hangout spot when friends and family are visiting.

In-Ground Trampolines
Whether you put it in the backyard or the rec room, an in-ground trampoline provides a way for the kids to burn some energy while bouncing to their hearts content. If youre looking for an amenity that will light up the little ones eyes, the in-ground trampoline is a growing trend that you should jump on board with.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

As millennials continue to have an ever-increasing impact on the luxury property market, its important to consider how this can affect your homes value. Over the past few years, millennials have established that their tastes and preferences significantly differ from those of their parents. If youre hoping that your house will appeal to this new group of luxury homebuyers, here are five features that millennials look for in real estate.

Privacy
With the rise of technology and the amount of personal information that gets put into the public sphere, millennials have placed a premium on their privacy. They want to be able to enjoy their living space without having to worry about prying eyes, whether that means being in a gated community, living in a building with a doorman and security, or simply having a backyard thats enveloped by trees and vegetation.

Eco-friendly
Millennials are more mindful of their carbon footprint than past generations, and for good reason. Because of this, they have demonstrated a willingness to pay extra for energy-efficient appliances that have a lower impact on the environment. By investing in sustainability, youre increasing the value of your home.

Smart Tech
Being able to control your thermostat or make sure you remembered to lock the door using your mobile phone are luxuries that emerged as this group came of age in the real estate market. Millennials see smart home technology as a way to save time while also delivering extra peace of mind.

Proximity to Nature
Whether theyre in the city or the suburbs, having access to nature is essential for todays young and affluent demographic. Younger consumers today are more active and health-conscious than ever before, meaning that communities with walking, hiking and biking trails will speak to millennials. Additionally, lush outdoor living areas where they can unplug from technology have major appeal.

Home Office
Millennials are a generation of entrepreneurs and remote workers. Because of this, theyre more likely to work from home. Having an office or designated workspace is conducive to their lifestyle, which mixes work and play more freely than past generations.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Before you put your home on the market, its important to make sure everythings in tip-top shape in order to maximize value. One of the challenges, however, is knowing which improvements are going to make a difference. Here are five updates that buyers are willing to shell out a little extra cash for.

Updated Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it can often make or break how buyers feel about a residence. You dont have to undergo a top-to-bottom remodel before listing your house, but upgrading your appliances and replacing dated countertops can transform your cooking space.

Outdoor Living
High-end buyers are looking for homes with outdoor spaces where they can both enjoy family time and entertain. If your patio or deck is looking a bit tired, you can make it more appealing by adding a fire pit or barbecue area where people can envision themselves hanging out.

Eco-Friendly Features
Spend a little more money to make your home eco-friendly and youll surely see a return on your investment. Energy-efficient windows and appliances have major appeal to buyers who are looking to lower their impact on the environment while also lowering their utility bills.

Well-Appointed Bathrooms
If you want your home to fetch top dollar, you better have luxurious bathrooms. High-quality fixtures for the sinks, showers and baths are a must. It doesnt have to be a total overhaul, but refreshing the bathrooms with new tiles and countertops can go a long way in the eyes of potential buyers.

Curb Appeal
You only have one chance to make a first impression. When buyers arrive at your home, theyre going to have formed an opinion before they even step inside. A new front porch or walkway can pay off when its time to sell your home.

If youd like more insight into how to get your home ready to sell, Id be happy to discuss further and provide you with personalized advice for your property.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

It seems like theres a revolutionary new tech gadget coming out every other day, making it difficult to keep up with the latest and greatest. The home, in particular, has seen its fair share of advancements that promise to improve virtually every aspect of your daily life, from robot vacuums to smart trash cans. While many of these are considered luxuries, there are, in fact, a few that high-end homebuyers have come to deem essential.

Heres a selection of smart devices that many luxury homebuyers cannot live without:

Security
A smart home security system is never going to be considered excessive. These days there are tons of options to keep your family safe with motion sensors, cameras and locks that can be monitored and controlled via your smartphone. A home thats equipped with a state-of-the-art system like this will certainly be appreciated.

Lighting
Sure, smart lights are often touted for setting the mood when youre entertaining or having family movie night, but there are actually many more benefits, like setting motion sensors to illuminate the hallway when the kids go to the bathroom at night. Plus, you can forget about coming home to a dark house, thanks to smart lights that turn on upon your arrival.

Smoke Detectors
Do you ever wonder if your smoke detectors are even working? Upgrading your house with smart smoke alarms will deliver peace of mind thats sure to catch the attention of any potential buyers, especially those with children or pets. It may not be glamorous, but its one of those small details that make a difference.

Thermostat
Smart thermostats provide an element of convenience with their ability to automatically adapt to your schedule and keep the house just the way you like it at all hours. Hate coming home to a hot or cold house? Well, you can say goodbye to that! The biggest benefit, though, just might be the energy that you save, which could significantly cut your heating and cooling bills.

Published with permission from RISMedia.