{"id":19726,"date":"2024-11-14T09:01:38","date_gmt":"2024-11-14T09:01:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/junehomes.com\/blog\/?p=19726"},"modified":"2024-11-25T11:12:22","modified_gmt":"2024-11-25T11:12:22","slug":"how-remodeling-trends-impact-rental-prices-in-maryland-what-renters-should-look-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/junehomes.com\/blog\/2024\/11\/14\/how-remodeling-trends-impact-rental-prices-in-maryland-what-renters-should-look-for\/","title":{"rendered":"How Remodeling Trends Impact Rental Prices in Maryland \u2013 What Renters Should Look For"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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As remodeling trends evolve, they don\u2019t just change the physical landscape of rental properties<\/a> – they change the financial one, too. In Maryland, where rental demand is steady and prices aren\u2019t exactly heading south, these trends are worth paying attention to if you\u2019re a prospective renter. And if you\u2019re a landlord<\/a>, brace yourself: the upgrades you\u2019re considering might mean asking your tenants to dig a little deeper into their pockets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Open Floor Plans and Expanding Rent Checks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Photo by Don Kaveen<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once a hallmark of the ultra-modern, open floor plans have gone mainstream. Walls? Who needs them! Maryland rentals are embracing this trend across the market. Still, while open layouts provide a seamless flow and make spaces feel bigger than they are (handy for smaller apartments), they don\u2019t come cheap. Construction costs go up when you start knocking walls down and restructuring load-bearing elements. And guess who\u2019s footing the bill? You guessed it – the renters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Renters looking for open floor plans should consider if the extra breathing room is worth the extra dollars. There\u2019s something undeniably attractive about being able to keep an eye on the TV while whipping up pasta in the kitchen, but those wide-open spaces might leave a little less room in your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Artificial Grass: A Low-Maintenance Luxury<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

More rental properties in Maryland are adding artificial grass<\/a> to outdoor areas to offer tenants a low-maintenance, always-green space for recreation and relaxation. Artificial grass requires no mowing, watering, or regular upkeep, which makes it an attractive feature for tenants who want an aesthetically pleasing outdoor space without the hassle. However, this convenience may come with a rental increase as landlords factor in the installation costs of fake grass.<\/a> Renters should consider whether the convenience and year-round greenery are worth the potential uptick in rent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smart Homes: Clever Gadgets, Higher Rates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Say hello to the era of the smart home<\/a>! Maryland\u2019s rental scene has started to jump on this bandwagon, and who can blame them? Smart thermostats, automated lighting, and keyless entry offer up a convenience that\u2019s hard to ignore ; but here\u2019s the thing about all that \u201csmart\u201d technology – it\u2019s also \u201csmartly\u201d factored into your rent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As cool as it is to unlock your door with a phone app, it\u2019s wise to think about whether you\u2019ll get much use out of these additions or if they\u2019re more of a novelty. Those living in Maryland\u2019s chillier areas may find that smart thermostats save money on heating bills in winter – but renters who don\u2019t need or want the tech could be paying extra for gadgets they never use. Bottom line? Check the tech before you sign the lease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitchens: A Recipe for Rising Prices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a phrase that\u2019s sure to make many-a-renters\u2019 hearts sink: \u201cnewly remodeled kitchen.\u201d Landlords know that kitchens can make or break a rental, so they\u2019re increasingly calling in the home remodelers in Maryland<\/a> to upgrade these spaces and lure in tenants. Granite countertops, chef-grade appliances, and subway tiles are appearing left, right and center, and typically served with a hefty price tag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While a renovated kitchen is tempting, renters should weigh the benefits against the costs. If you love cooking, those high-end appliances might be worth the splurge; if your idea of dinner is ordering takeout, you might end up paying extra for a feature you barely use. Don\u2019t let your budget burn; take a hard look at how much you\u2019ll actually use that shiny new stove.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor Spaces: How Much Do You Need that Fire Pit?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Photo by Cameron Smith<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These days, even apartments are getting in on the outdoor action. Maryland landlords have realized that a touch of green can justify a rent increase – private balconies, shared courtyards, and rooftop gardens are trending hard. If a cozy outdoor space<\/a> with string lights and fire pits is your dream, you\u2019ll find plenty of rentals to tickle your fancy, but be prepared for the added expense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor space comes at a premium – especially in city apartments<\/a> where real estate is at a premium, period. While it might be nice to have somewhere for a potted plant or two, consider how much time you\u2019ll really spend out there; for some, it\u2019s a must-have – especially if you\u2019re a grill master or a sunset enthusiast – for others, it\u2019s more of a luxury than a necessity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Green Upgrades: Saving the Planet (and Maybe Your Wallet?)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Eco-friendly improvements are making a splash in Maryland rentals. Energy-efficient windows, solar panels, and low-flow showerheads are trending in rental markets, especially in urban areas where going green has become a badge of honor. Some renters may find a nice payoff here, with lower utility bills<\/a> and a clearer conscience. But be warned: landlords often pass the initial installation costs onto tenants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For renters, it\u2019s important to do the math. If an energy-efficient apartment translates to noticeably lower bills, that green feature might be worth the green in your wallet; if not, it might be smarter to save your money and invest in a few energy-saving gadgets of your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Maryland Renters Should Consider<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As tempting as it is to jump at a place with all the bells and whistles, renters in Maryland should keep a few things in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n