BUSINESS BUZZ
Re-finding home By Deborah Allard Dion
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Every Realtor knows that kitchens sell houses, but since COVID-19 burst upon the scene, homebuyers are favoring outdoor spaces like yards, patios, and decks even more than granite countertops and luxury appliances.
n April, Realtor.com – a consumer web site of the National Association of Realtors – asked a sample of 1,300 house hunters how sheltering in place had changed their preferences in what they wanted in their next home. At the top of consumers’ pandemic wishlist was a peaceful neighborhood, attractive outdoor space, and proximity to grocery stores and shopping. Even those who are not ready to purchase a new home are living differently in their spaces and moving things outdoors. Homeowners this summer have given their backyards, decks, and gardens an update so they have a comfortable space to soak up the sun – and more importantly these days, space to just breathe freely. Devin Frizado of Fall River savors her morning coffee on her wraparound porch where she can watch the neighborhood goings-on and marvel at her own handiwork in transforming the space into a colorful – and useful – retreat. She said sprucing up her porch was her “favorite” project during two months of making improvements inside her circa-1925 home.
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August 2020 | The South Coast Insider
“I refreshed the space and now I am there throughout the day,” Frizado said. A dark brown bench with a floral pattern was painted teal and the green and beige rattan chairs were given a coat of crisp white. She added a couple of vibrant throw pillows in red and navy, and a wooden block that reads “sun seeker” to finish her space. Now, it’s a spot to read and relax alone or grill with the family. She also admitted to the joys of watching a good rainstorm from her new perch. “During the pandemic, it’s like we lost a sense of control in our own lives,” Frizado said. “Being able to redo this space and have that control brings a little normal back into our lives. My kids and husband enjoy sitting out there too; it’s nice having us all out here together.” While some like to garden and dine outdoors, Patti Linhares of Fall River enjoys open-air crafting in her new hideaway on the back deck. She wanted to be able to sit outside and work on her projects, but the area was exposed to nearby neighbors. It was time for a
