#home features

Building your dream home is the perfect opportunity to add those special touches that make your space truly yours. From smart home technology to luxurious design elements, the possibilities are endless!

When searching for a home in Monticello, it’s important to prioritize the features that best align with your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for modern amenities, eco-friendly upgrades, or spacious living areas, Monticello’s real estate market has something for every buyer. Here’s a breakdown of the top features to consider for a new home in this beautiful community.

Spacious and Open Floor Plans

Homes with open, flexible layouts offer greater versatility, allowing you to adapt the space to suit your lifestyle needs. Whether you want room for entertaining, a growing family, or a home office, spacious homes with open floor plans create a welcoming atmosphere.

Large living areas perfect for gatherings or quiet time.

Flexible room layouts for multifunctional spaces.

High ceilings for an airy, open feel.

Energy-Efficient Features

With the growing demand for eco-friendly homes, Monticello offers several properties that feature energy-efficient upgrades. These can help save on utility bills while also reducing your carbon footprint.

Energy-efficient windows to reduce heating and cooling costs.

Smart thermostats that can be controlled remotely.

Solar panels for long-term energy savings.

Modern Kitchens and Baths

Kitchens and bathrooms are often the focal points of a home. Whether you enjoy cooking or simply appreciate a stylish space, modern finishes and top-of-the-line appliances will elevate your home’s appeal.

Quartz or granite countertops for a sleek, durable surface.

Energy-efficient appliances for better sustainability.

Updated bathroom fixtures for a more luxurious experience.

Smart Home Technology

As homes continue to evolve, smart technology has become a key feature for many buyers. Monticello homes equipped with smart home devices offer convenience, security, and efficiency.

Smart lighting systems to adjust ambiance remotely.

Voice-controlled assistants to manage your home’s functions.

Smart security systems for enhanced protection.

When buying a home, having a well-thought-out wish list can help streamline your search and focus on properties that best meet your needs. From layout and functionality to future-proofing for lifestyle changes, certain features can make your new home more comfortable, enjoyable, and valuable over time. This guide covers must-have features to consider when creating your home wish list to make the process easier and more fulfilling.

Open Floor Plan

Why It’s Essential

An open floor plan offers flexibility in how you use and arrange your space, creating an airy feel and optimizing natural light flow throughout the home. This layout is perfect for entertaining, making it easy to transition between spaces.

Look for Spacious Kitchens

An open kitchen that flows into the living and dining areas can enhance the functionality of your space and make hosting family gatherings or get-togethers a breeze.

Ample Storage Solutions

Closet Space

Large closets are a must-have for staying organized. Walk-in closets in bedrooms and sufficient closet space in entryways and hallways can keep clutter to a minimum.

Additional Storage

Consider spaces like a walk-in pantry, built-in shelving, or a garage with storage options for keeping items neatly organized.

Energy Efficiency

Windows and Insulation

Energy-efficient windows and proper insulation are key for reducing heating and cooling costs, creating a comfortable indoor environment, and minimizing your environmental footprint.

Energy-Saving Appliances

Homes with energy-efficient appliances such as HVAC systems, water heaters, and kitchen appliances can significantly lower utility bills and add value to your home.

Outdoor Living Space

Patio or Deck

A patio or deck provides a comfortable outdoor living space that can serve as an extension of your home. This area is perfect for enjoying meals outside, hosting gatherings, or simply relaxing in the fresh air.

Yard Space for Pets or Gardening

For pet owners or gardening enthusiasts, a spacious yard can be a dealbreaker. Look for fenced areas for pets or enough outdoor space to create a personal garden.

Functional Home Office Space

Dedicated Work Area

With the rise of remote work, having a dedicated home office has become a priority. A quiet, separate space where you can focus on tasks or attend virtual meetings is essential for productivity.

Flex Space

If a full office isn’t feasible, consider a flex space that can serve multiple purposes—like a guest room or hobby area—that can be adapted as needs change.

Updated Kitchen and Bathrooms

Modern Kitchen Features

Look for features like updated countertops, ample cabinet space, and energy-efficient appliances. A well-designed kitchen with plenty of prep space can enhance daily living and add long-term value.

Luxury Bathroom Amenities

Bathrooms with features like a soaking tub, double sinks, or walk-in showers provide a spa-like experience and

This week I am on-site at one of my properties. I've just finish a renovation here, and I have to share something very important: the building industry, home design industry, renovation/remodel industry—they're all changing! And it is dramatic.

That's why I have scheduled an online workshop covering the hottest trends later this summer to go over some of those changes. I'm going to go over architectural trends, color and paint trends, cabinet trends, and more.

Just to give you a preview in this new kitchen, one of the biggest trends in kitchens is adding shelves. You may notice that the cabinets are not white, but linen, which is one of the hottest color trends right now especially when combined with a pop of black in the handle. Another major trend we're seeing are these clean rectangular glass tiles.

"But Denise, why should I care about trends? They're just going to change anyway," I can hear you say.

You should care because your clients are going to ask you questions about this. Whether they are thinking about renovating before a sale, after a sale, or just touching up their home for listing photos, they trust your opinion and they want to know what's really going on. Personal style aside, it's always good to keep tabs on what is currently popular, because that can affect your clients' bottom line.

Another subject I cover in the class is how to save money. Your clients will be eager to hear how to do a renovation on a shoestring budget. Fixer-uppers are also going to be more financially attractive. Your clients want to know what is a good idea and what is a money-sink.

We are also going to be taking a look at all the new products coming on the market. Specifically new counter-top products and flooring products. If I had to take two things to a desert island for a renovation, give me a few gallons of paint and some new flooring. The way flooring is engineered today is mind-boggling. You can save money and make impactful transformations that wouldn't be possible unless you knew it was available.

We've just gone through a very modern-minimalist phase, and now we're swinging back to a modern-traditional phase. That means warmer colors, richer textures, and more color and textures. My goal is to help you navigate this shift, even if it isn't your personal style.

Now, I'm a black-and-white kind of gal. I love high-contrast black and white, but on this remodel, I chose linen (not pure white) because that's what people want. Knowing little things like that can save you money, make you money, and give you the edge.

I invite and welcome you to the 50 Hottest Trends online workshop this August. Hope to see you there!

Interested in learning more about open houses and presentations? Need more sellers in your pipeline? Want to learn how to manage conflict, speak your truth, and make more money?

We are very excited to announce our summer and fall class lineup! Most classes are LIVE and in-person.