People always tell Los Angeles–based real-estate agent Jenna Cooper that they can clock her properties solely from the photos. It’s not just the way they’re decorated (although Cooper does specialize in special houses—think: ones designed by Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent and Tiffany Howell of Night Palm). “I think it’s my vernacular for telling that story,” explains Cooper. “It’s the way I line up the shots and edit them down. I might have 20 amazingly beautiful pictures, but I don’t need to show them all.” Cooper, who worked in the movie business before launching her real-estate firm and home accessories shop +COOP, starts every potential sale by coming up with a marketing angle. “With movies, a studio executive would hear a pitch from the writer and say, ‘What’s the one sheet? How are we getting people to the theater?’ I think about houses in the same way,” she says. 

While the common advice for staging a house and getting it listing-ready is to depersonalize it, Cooper’s approach is quite the opposite. “I’m selling the life that is lived within those four walls, which might include how the people before did it,” she shares. Yes, some family photos can stay on the walls. No, you don’t have to stick a batch of cookies in the oven before a showing to ensure a welcoming scent. Ahead, the real-estate pro shares her top tips for staging, styling, and photographing an eye-catching listing. 

The Best Story to Tell Might Be Your Own

Because Cooper’s job is to get 20 potential buyers to fall in love with a place (not just one), she starts by imagining who that audience is. Are they a young family? Is it a couple who loves to entertain? Are they artists? Often, the answer stems from how the house is already being used. “Maybe the sellers are writers with an amazing book collection and it’s a cluttered mess, but it’s a beautiful mess. That’s my way in,” shares Cooper.

Declutter While Giving Small Treasures Room to Shine

A resin salad bowl or leather woven vase alone won’t sell a home, but it’s items like these that help complete a necessary layer of lived-in-ness. “I’m always looking for unique pieces to complement a storied home and objects with meaning,” notes Cooper. It’s why she ultimately launched +COOP, a place for her to share the chic finds she uses to style the listings she represents. In cases where she needs to source larger pieces of furniture, Cooper will peruse the aisles of CB2 and Lulu and Georgia (specifically recent collaborations from the brands) and fill in the gaps with vintage items. 

You Can Leave Some Pics Out

Before you box up your framed family photos because someone told you it makes it easier for buyers to picture themselves in your home with you out of the picture, think again. While personal framed photos on counters are a definite no for Cooper, ones that are displayed in a gallery wall format can stay. The only other major personal belongings that she prefers to hide are plastic kids’ toys. “Consider putting them in big neutral baskets for storage, or just pack them up and get them out of the house,” she says. 

Don’t Try to Capture Everything in a Room at Once

The secret to attractive listing photos: “Good lighting. Period,” attests Cooper. If the sun isn’t shining, she’ll often reschedule the shoot for a different day. She also relies on interior and architectural photographers as opposed to traditional real-estate photographers, because they steer clear of wide angle shots that distort the actual space. 

As for showing off curb appeal, when capturing a home’s exterior, Cooper always has a leaf blower and broom on hand to make sure dried-up leaves and disheveled mulch beds don’t ruin the shot. 

Set the Mood Without Candles

On showing days, Cooper keeps the story going by making the house feel like whoever lives there (even if they aren’t actually living there) has recently left to do something fabulous—but not before they have just cut fresh flowers from the garden. “Judging from the kitchen countertops, one could assume that they will cook an amazing meal when they come home, as evidenced by bowls of fresh produce and citrus,” she says. 

If there are built-in speakers, Cooper and her team will put on a mellow playlist. Lighting a million candles isn’t necessary, she points out: It can make things feel overly planned or like you might even be trying to cover something up. “The vibe should be on point but not overly contrived,” she says.

The post Family Photos Can Stay—And Other Styling Secrets From a Top Real-Estate Agent appeared first on domino.

When interior designers in Southern California want to sell their own homes, they call Jenna Cooper. The L.A.-based real-estate agent and owner of the shop +COOP specializes in super-special properties, not necessarily super-expensive ones. She has even been known to turn down big listings because they aren’t quite the right fit. “It all comes from a design-centric place, because that affects how people feel,” shares Cooper.

Not only has she represented properties designed by Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, Tiffany Howell, Claire Thomas, and Ruthie Sommers, but she often plays a role giving spaces serious TLC when they need it, whether that’s swathing a living room in limewash or streamlining the plants in a front yard. “Does the house need love? Does it need a different point of view that hasn’t already been presented? If the answer is yes, and it’s something I can influence, I’m happy to do the job,” she says.

Most of the time, in her first few meetings with new clients, their instincts are to offer up a blank canvas to prospective buyers. Cooper notes that isn’t always the answer. “I don’t want them to take everything out,” she says. Ahead, she shares with us the updates that are actually worth tackling before you list (and the one that isn’t). 

Do: Embrace the Green Cabinet Movement

“I can never get enough of a green cabinet,” admits Cooper. Card Room Green and Studio Green by Farrow & Ball have proved her top picks for kitchens, although she recently redid a client’s bedroom in Green Smoke. “And if you have the budget, nobody will be mad at a limewash from Portola,” she adds.

Don’t: Shove Everything in the Closet

Because Cooper sees each house as its own individual story, she doesn’t have a set list of rules when it comes to changes that’ll automatically attract buyers. But she is always sure to play up the innate feeling of a home and its surroundings, which often calls for decluttering. “The insides of closets need to have enough room to breathe. And I like bookshelves to look clean and orderly with some negative space.” 

Do: Customize Your White Paint

Much like interior designers, Cooper has a handy list of white paints to use when a home’s walls need a refresh. She likes Droplets by Dunn-Edwards, but “sometimes I mix it with Swiss Coffee if we need the room to read a bit warmer,” she says.

Don’t: Replace Appliances in an Already Dated Kitchen

Think you need to trade in your fridge for a newer model before you put your home on the market? Cooper says it’s an expense you probably won’t recoup. As long as your kitchen’s appliances are consistent with the rest of the space, she suggests leaving them as is. “If the kitchen is from the 1970s, a brand-new refrigerator isn’t going to make that much of a difference and it could actually work against you,” she says. Hey, you never know—leaning into your space’s current vibe could attract people who appreciate a little nostalgia.

Embarking on a big kitchen remodel with future resale value on your mind? Consider warm wood butcher block counters over colder-feeling stones, open shelving (Cooper says it’s a crowd-pleaser), and double islands with separate sinks. 

Do: Fill the Front Yard With Fruit

Cooper has been known to completely re-landscape projects, because it’s true, curb appeal is everything. “Nobody focuses on landscaping, but they should. It communicates care and attention from a seller, and allows buyers to imagine using the outdoor space for many different purposes,” she says. 

When she has to act fast to get an outdoor space in good shape, Cooper pulls from her giant collection of potted lemon, kumquat, and orange trees to punctuate the front entrance. A nicely clipped boxwood ball can help streamline a facade, while olives and feather grasses provide a dash of whimsy. “If I could spend my whole day doing this part of the job,” she says, “I’d probably be the happiest.”

The post The White Paint Hack This L.A. Realtor Swears by for Warming Up a Room appeared first on domino.

Affordability, location, and square footage are no longer the only factors apartment dwellers weigh when searching for a new place. In today’s economy, renters are looking for a space they profit from. And Airbnb is feeding the demand with Airbnb-friendly Apartments, a platform that matches renters with landlords who are actually cool with residents being hosts. With the continued rise of rents, the option to earn up to $4,500 annually (the average yearly earning for hosts) is pretty appealing. Since the microsite launched in November 2022, the program has grown from 175 buildings in 25 markets to more than 250 buildings across 37 metro areas. If your city isn’t listed, you can add yourself to the wait list to be notified (or give your landlord a nudge to join so you don’t have to move).  

According to Airbnb, hosts have used the extra income to fund their vacations or simply help pay their bills. Barbara Silva, a host in Brooklyn who rents out one of the two bedrooms in her apartment, says her entire lease is typically covered six months out of the year. She has also used the opportunity to make new friends and professional connections around the world. A word of advice: To maximize your earnings, brush up on the essential dos and don’ts of creating a retreatlike space before you begin your hosting journey. Bobby Berk, interior designer and current Airbnb host, says something as little as the wrong fragrance can completely tank a guest’s experience. 

If you’re planning on a move in the near future, it’s worth considering adding Airbnb-friendly to your list of apartment criteria. Whether you’re looking to offset rising costs of living or eyeing flights for that summer trip to Mykonos, it never hurts to have some extra funds flowing.

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Signing a lease is the reality TV equivalent of receiving the final rose: It’s a big commitment even though it’s probably only temporary. Not unlike speed dating, apartment hunting requires thinking on your toes, or in The Bachelor terms, being vulnerable. To get to know a home on the fly, you’ll have to do a little extra digging on the spot.

To help you navigate your next move, we asked the pros about the inquiries people should make before they put a ring on it—er, sign on the dotted line. Here are 10 questions to ask your real-state agent when renting.

1. What utilities are included in the rent?

By now, you already know that you love the original hardwood floors and can learn to like the monthly cost, but don’t overlook the day-to-day luxuries of having hot water and a working stovetop. “The cost of utilities is often an unseen expense that is not noted while touring a potential rental,” says Sophie Harris, an agent at Warburg Realty.

“While it’s standard in Manhattan for landlords to include heat and hot water (and the tenant to pay electric and gas), many buildings still have unique policies,” says Mike Jeneralczuk, a real–estate salesperson for REAL New York. “Some buildings wholesale their electric and have a flat fee, while others may indeed not include water.”

2. Will any repairs be made to the space prior to move-in?

So you notice that the handle on the bathroom door is a little finicky and one of the cabinets in the kitchen looks crooked. Ask the agent if those things can (or will) be changed, Angel Kou of the Agency notes. The answer might be no, but at least you’ll be prepared to live with the cosmetic woes or DIY down the road.

Tip: If there are updates you’re willing to make on your own, go to your landlord with a plan (read: mood board, material swatches, timeline, and estimated cost). If they see the value in your ideas, they might just give you the green light and, better yet, cover some of the expenses. Take it from rental renovator Keyanna Bowen: When she presents a design plan to her landlord, and he agrees to a budget, he either deducts the money from the rent or covers the majority of it up front.

3. What is the ideal lease duration?

“Oftentimes, life takes us in new directions, and it’s smart to ask how long you are bound in your contract,” says Harris. When you’re in the final stages of reading the fine print, keep an eye out for information regarding an early cancellation policy. Are you logistically prepared for what it takes to break the lease, even before the moving van arrives? Likewise, Kou suggests inquiring about your ability to extend a lease a month or two after the agreed-upon term if needed.

4. Will I need a guarantor?

A safe and cautious renter is also one who’s financially realistic. “Many landlords will require you to have an annual income that is a multiple of the monthly rent,” says Harris. Being matter-of-fact about whether or not you’ll need a lending hand is no different than being realistic about whether or not you can fit a sectional or love seat in your living room.

Tip: Keep in mind that not everyone can serve as a guarantor. In most cases, this cosigner needs to make 80 times the rent. But not to worry. As Street Easy points out, it’s fairly common practice to have two guarantors

5. What extra fees am I not seeing?

In addition to utility costs, it’s likely that your agent won’t spell out all the other included fees that come with the process of searching and securing a place until the second you’re ready to write the check. “Broker fees, application fees, condo board package fees; in NYC or any metropolitan area, you can never assume,” says Jeneralczuk.

Luckily, you’ll often find this information laid out in the contract if you didn’t happen to ask. “One thing I look for to protect my customers is refundable and nonrefundable fees,” says Harris. “These can often make or break a contract. Security deposits can be costly, and it’s important that my customers feel comfortable with what they are paying from the start.”

6. How long has this apartment been on the market?

The telltale sign of a hidden gem (or a big mistake). While most real-estate search sites will list this information in the description online, if you’re viewing the apartment without having done your background research, ask your agent how long it has been vacant for. “This is truly the only way to know if the unit is priced right for the neighborhood,” says Jeneralczuk.

7. Is the building rent stabilized?

If there’s one lesson to take away from this, it’s that thinking long term will benefit you in the long run. If you’re serious about settling down in one place and don’t feel like moving every other year because you can’t afford the monthly rent anymore, Rosalie Klein of the Agency suggests looking into rent-stabilized units.

Tip: In New York City, a rent-stabilized unit usually exists in a building that was built before 1794 that has at least six units. In these cases, a tenant’s rent can only go up at a certain percentage each year, preventing landlords from drastically increasing your rent. It is much rarer to come across a rent-controlled apartment, which is a unit that a tenant rented before 1971.

8. Does the landlord live in the building?

“This is a good indicator of whether or not there’s someone on hand for possible repairs and day-to-day needs, but also, if it’s a building that the landlord feels comfortable and happy living in,” explains Harris.

According to Klein, the first thing a tenant should feel confident about before signing a lease is repair protocol (think: leaky pipes or a broken toilet handle). “What’s the turnaround time to be expected?” she asks. “Is there a management company or owner who will be there right away to attend to tenants’ needs?”

9. Would you take this apartment?

If there’s one thing Jeneralczuk wishes his clients asked more often, it’s this. “Needless to say, I’ve seen thousands of apartments and see hundreds of options each month. You hire an agent because they know the market better than you,” he explains. “By acting as your agent, I have your best interest in mind, and with access to every apartment on the market, I should be able to guide you to the option that truly best fits your needs, given what apartments are available.”

10. How will I feel a year from now?

Your agent won’t be able to answer this for you, but it’s an important question to ask nonetheless. While it’s easy to get caught up in the moment (especially if you’ve found a true treasure and have to act fast), consider what your life—and bank account—will look like 12 months from now. “You should feel confident that it’s not just the right decision today, but the right choice for the next year. Moving is expensive and, ideally, you’ll be living in this apartment for more than one lease term,” says Jeneralczuk.

The most important thing is to feel confident about your day-to-day life. Spend some time in the building’s common spaces and neighborhood to ensure that this is indeed a place you could call home.

The post 10 Questions to Ask Your Realtor When Renting—<em>Before</em> You Sign on the Dotted Line appeared first on domino.

Joelle Kutner and Jesse Rudolph, the principals behind Los Angeles design-build firm Ome Dezin, don’t think about the masses when they’re renovating a home in order to sell it—oftentimes they imagine what they would want if they lived there. “We tend to take a lot of time and a lot of care (probably too much in terms of financial and effort),” says Rudolph. To date, Kutner and Rudolph, who have been in business together for four years and also work on residential projects for clients, have restored 15 properties with resale in mind, but the term flipping need not apply—they’re more restorers than anything else. “The house itself should always be the North Star,” Kutner chimes in. “We don’t want to completely go away from the area or the structure.” 

Of course, ROI comes into play when they start making decisions about what to tweak, what to keep, and what to add. Updating the kitchen and primary bedroom—the two places people spend the majority of their time—is always a top priority. Still, the designers are wary of slapping on a subway tile backsplash or turning all the walls white. In their latest project, a four-bedroom, four-bathroom Tudor located in the Bronson Canyon neighborhood of L.A., Rudolph and Kutner installed Scandinavian and Italian lighting, painted the original textured bedroom walls a soothing shade of green, and put floral wallpaper on the den’s ceiling. With the property now in escrow, the designers look back on the updates that made all the difference and share how they continue to find a balance between resale value and refurbishment.

Don’t: Avoid the Obvious Investments

While Rudolph and Kutner don’t always have the opportunity to add square footage to a house, when they do, an ADU (either in the form of a new backyard structure or a garage conversion) is “a sure bet,” notes Kutner. 

They’ll also look to allocate a solid chunk of their budget to the kitchen and bathrooms, where, according to the latest Cost Vs. Value report, you can recoup 85 and 66 percent of your expenses, respectively. In this canyon home’s kitchen, the pair focused on expanding the then small, galley space to encompass a wood island that looks more like a piece of furniture than your typical block of stone.

Do: Use the Mirror Illusion to Your Advantage

Rudolph and Kutner not only kept the original antique mirrored closet doors in the primary bedroom, they replicated the same detail in the en suite bathroom behind the tub. “Mirrors are always a great way to expand a space,” explains Kutner. The patinated glass is also a nod to the home’s history: It was once occupied by 1940s burlesque star Lili St. Cyr. The touch of Hollywood glamour offers a unique angle for the listing description. It’s not just a compilation of numbers and facts—it’s got a story to tell.

Don’t: Get Too Funky With Stains

When the designers splurge on natural materials like marble and oak wood, they make sure to keep them in their truest form. In other words, when they lay down fresh planks, you won’t see them follow it up with a gray stain. Better yet, when a home’s wood floors are in good condition but are masked by an orangey varnish or are a thinner width than they’d ideally like, they will have them sanded down and finished with a clear sealant—the result is drastic. “It’s about looking at what you have and not always ripping everything up,” says Kutner. 

The same thing is true for front doors. “If we have the option, we’ll do a solid wood door,” says Rudolph. “That’s the safest go-to.” If painting turns out to be the most practical option, they’ll opt for a dark shade of green or blue, adds Kutner. 

Do: Map Out Your Outlets Thoughtfully

A good-looking home is nothing if it’s not functional, and that comes down to the little things like making sure you have the correct amount of outlets in a room. Usually, your permits will indicate the minimum you need to have in a particular space, but it’s also important to think about where they are so no one has to stock up on extension cords in the future. “We always think about where someone will put a TV, and then we’ll put an outlet on that wall so they don’t have to think about wiring,” says Kutner.  

Don’t: Let Go of Doors and Windows So Easily 

When it comes to century-old doors and windows, see what can be fixed and repainted. Even if you’re completely switching up a room’s layout and ditching a threshold entirely, ask yourself if you can insert it elsewhere. “The windows and doors today are just not the same quality as the ones they made 100 years ago,” says Rudolph. They designers saved nearly all the ones in this canyon house, and it cost them significantly less than starting new, even with the extra cost of having a specialist come in and refurbish them. When they do need to source fresh ones, they stick to local mom-and-pop shops (to their surprise, they’re better quality and oftentimes a lot cheaper than the big manufacturers).

Do: Follow the 80/20 Rule

Rudolph and Kutner follow a specific formula when it comes to picking finishes: 80 percent classic, 20 percent trendy. As for introducing the latter, they focus on items that could easily be replaced in the future, like light fixtures and mirrors. “The mirror in the powder room is sort of futuristic,” notes Kutner. ”We could have gone with something more timeless, but we wanted it to be a little more funky and modern.” There’s nothing builder-grade here.

The post 6 Resale Dos and Don’ts From a L.A. Design Duo Who Has Restored (and Sold!) Dozens of Homes appeared first on domino.

Somewhere between tossing your graduation cap and officially making your way into the workforce, your first major life choice will be deciding where to live. In the not too distant past, eager entry-levelers would flock to media capitals like New York City or tech hubs like San Francisco, but a recent report from Zillow has revealed the best areas for people fresh out of college, and neither metro made the cut. When considering the average starting salary, price of rent, presence of other young people, and potential job growth, the best city for recent grads is Colorado Springs. Spokane, Washington; Des Moines, Iowa; Phoenix; and Buffalo, New York (where rent is a full $2,000 cheaper than the Big Apple’s average) round out the top five. 

With more control, more money, and more square footage to flex than in your college days, the next big move will be snagging your first apartment and making it your own. Here are some of our best tips for getting a grown-up space right. 

Shop Elevated (But Budget-Friendly) Big-Box Brands

Say goodbye to flimsy futons and wobbly desks and get familiar with the best affordable furniture that’s made to last longer than a semester. We stan Target, Amazon, and IKEA at any age, but a few pieces from Hay, Burrow, and CB2 will add a touch more polish without breaking the bank.

Don’t Make Rushed Decisions 

When we previously asked seasoned design celebs like Nate Berkus, Justina Blakeney, and Sarah Sherman Samuel what mistakes they made in their very first apartments, it became clear that patience is key. Samuel’s sage advice? Test-drive paints before taking the plunge (our style editor recently went through 20 swatches before settling on the perfect hue for her studio). 

Learn How to DIY 

Nothing makes a space your own like putting a little hands-on work into it. (Not to mention, it’s are a lot easier on the wallet.) Unsure where to start? Create your own custom curtains with this no-sew IKEA hack, upgrade a basic headboard with a few yards of fabric and an iron, and turn a $6 plate from Target into a chic wall sconce in three steps. Graduating to power tools should be your next endeavor.

The post Here’s Where All the Recent College Grads Are Moving appeared first on domino.

Taking several deep dives into how one successfully transforms a property into a vacation rental—Darrel Maxam, for instance, was able to pay off his mortgage by listing a couple of tiny homes on Airbnb—pushed us to the realization that we had only scratched the surface. More specifically, we still knew little about the less enticing (but arguably even more important!) side of how homeowners can actually protect the hard work and money that goes into running a destination stay. Because with all the glittering promise of rental rewards inevitably comes a whole heap of harrowing risks. The answer we were looking for begins with something called landlord insurance.

After dialing up Datha Santomieri, a former flipper and insurance expert who has worked in the industry for more than a decade, we were able to gain the following insider intel: If you ever envision opening up your doors to long- or short-term guests, seriously consider finding coverage. The act of getting insured, however, can be easier said than done. It was the primary catalyst behind Santomieri’s decision to cofound Steadily, an online policy provider offering coverage across all 50 states. We had her walk us through the ABC’s of landlord insurance, from what it is to who it’s for to why it might be a good idea for you. Let’s dig in.

What is landlord insurance, anyway? 

Landlord insurance offers financial protection against all sorts of risks (natural disasters, burglaries, electrical fires) that come with rental properties that provide income. And this isn’t limited to apartment buildings and condos; it also includes single- and multi-family homes. Santomieri actually prefers to call it real-estate investor’s insurance. That’s because not everyone is a traditional landlord (i.e., an owner of multiple rental properties for long-term leases). 

“Fix-and-flippers” and “fix-and-renters” are also great candidates, Santomieri points out. These types of owners are likely to invest a lot of funds in furniture and decor, and the right policy will cover the entire cost of that personal property loss. 

What is the difference between homeowner’s insurance and landlord insurance? 

Both kinds are all about protection against risk to the building and property within it, but the former is only available if you personally live in the home. A homeowner’s insurance policy also likely won’t cover damages to items you bought specifically to run your rental—think: a security system—especially if caused by a guest who is staying for more than 30 days. 

What does landlord insurance actually cover? 

A common misconception is that landlord insurance covers normal wear and tear at a property. “It’s not a maintenance policy. It’s for large losses that are unexpected,” Santomieri stresses, and there are often caveats. Some policies have exclusions for tenant-caused damages. “It’s important to know what you’re buying and to ensure it’s going to include any damage caused.” 

Typically, though, a policy protects you financially in the event of a freak accident—think: flooding, lightning strikes (which are more common than you’d think), fire, hail, wind, or a busted pipe—as well as lawsuits, vandalism, theft, and tenant injuries. If something were to happen, you’d receive the monetary equivalent of the cost of repairs and renovations. So marble countertops and hardwood floors will warrant a far greater payout than, say, laminate.

“You also have exposure to loss of rent,” Santomieri adds, explaining if a tenant isn’t able to occupy your place, insurance can cover that, too. “If you depend on those dollars for your livelihood, that can make a pretty big dent.” 

How much does landlord insurance cost? 

According to the Insurance Information Institute, landlord insurance tends to cost 15% to 20% more than a homeowner’s policy. An average premium annually, Santomieri shares, is around $1,500. But installing safety devices, like a fire sprinkler system, Steadily’s site notes, can help drive down the overall price.

When should I get landlord insurance?

As early as the renovation period for a rental, Santomieri says, although “it tends to be more expensive because the risk is higher—you’ve got contractors coming and going, you’ve got tools, it’s vacant.” But once construction is completed, you should be able to contact your provider to switch it over to a standard (read: less expensive) landlord policy.

Give it to me straight: Do I really need landlord insurance? 

From a purely legal perspective, no. However, without it, you’ll have to pay out of pocket if things go south. If you’re regularly renting out your space, even if it is your primary residence, insurance carriers will consider your property as a business more akin to a hotel or B&B as opposed to a standard home. If you’re still on the fence, Steadily’s licensed agents are on standby with answers to any and all questions (you can use the chat feature on the website for immediate assistance) and can help get you set up with the right policy.

Pros and Cons of Landlord Insurance

The post So You Want to List Your Home on Airbnb—This Is an Essential First Step appeared first on domino.

The “15-minute city” started as a dream for urbanist Carlos Moreno back in 2016—now it is steadily gaining traction for renters and homeowners across the U.S. The idea is centered around the concept of neighborhoods where residents can access all their daily needs—grocery stores, health care, schools, parks, and jobs—within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. According to a recent report by ebikes.org, online searches for the term have increased 6,773 percent over the past year. On top of that, people are willing to pay 30 percent more in rent or mortgages to live in one of these urban oases—and these destinations aren’t limited to metropolises like New York City and San Francisco. Some of the most searched places that fit the bill include Cleveland; Dallas; Portland, Oregon; and Charlotte, North Carolina. If you live in a 15-minute city or plan to make a move to one soon, here are three sleek bike storage ideas to help grease the wheels.

If You Want to Keep It Horizontal

Bike Wall Rack, Onefortythree ($165)

Shop

This made-to-order rack is crafted from molded plywood that you can customize with four stain options. Two padded notches come wrapped in your choice of leather or Pendleton wool to keep your frame looking fresh. 

If You Need to Go Vertical

Black Oak Bike Rack, Artifox ($290)

Shop

For an upright mount, one sleek strip of solid hardwood to suspend wheels can be easily installed thanks to this self-leveling system that features hidden hardware. Reviewers say this piece feels more like an art installation than a storage solution. 

If You’ve Got a Garage 

Swivel Mount Bike Storage Rack, 4 pack, Store Your Board ($130)

Shop

For a family full of cycling enthusiasts, this four-pack of swiveling hooks is a smart setup for storing bikes alongside vehicles. This space-efficient arrangement folds flat to the wall, making room for all the wheels in your parking space. 

The post People Are Willing to Pay 30% More in Rent in These 15-Minute Cities appeared first on domino.

Just because the real-estate industry is experiencing a booming seller’s market doesn’t mean you can’t still try and get the most bang for your buck. According to Zillow’s latest report, home buyers continue to demand a lot from their spaces in this new WFH world, like high-speed broadband connections and dedicated areas for an office. So much so, they’re willing to pay almost 4 percent more than the asking price of a place if it comes with certain updated features. Sellers who really want to take advantage of the low inventory and skyrocketing prices will want to make some key swaps in the kitchen.

For the second year in a row, a steam oven tops the list as the most desirable feature (people are willing to pay 3.7 percent more for a house with one). The high-tech appliance retains up to 25 percent more vitamin content in food than conventional versions, resulting in healthier and all-around tastier meals (gone are the days of dried-out chicken). When mentioned in a property’s listing description, the fancy tool signals your space is thoughtfully designed and likely has other high-end upgrades, so don’t stop there.

Buyers aren’t only looking for top-of-the-line appliances and gadgets.  Easy-to-clean, durable quartz countertops can boost your space’s value by 2.3 percent, while heated floors have a price premium of 2.4 percent. Style is also a big draw: Apparently listings that spotlight modern farmhouse elements can go for 3 percent more than expected, so now is the time to install an apron-front sink and add a shiplap accent wall to your breakfast nook. Once your reno is complete, sit back, relax, and watch those offers roll in. 

The post Listings That Call Out This Feature Can Sell for $17,400 (!) More Than Expected appeared first on domino.