Appliance.com

Real Estate Agent Jeannie Anderson How many people own the same brand of appliance that their mother used and their mother before that? As more women have become involved in the Real Estate industry, it shouldn't be any surprise as to what brand an agent is going to be proud to recommend to a client—it's like a piece of family history, almost legendary, as the stories of vacuums, refrigerators, and dishwashers are passed down through the ages.

Jeannie Anderson is a specialist in the San Francisco and Bay Area Real Estate communities and has been for the past 25 years. She is past president of the San Francisco Association of Realtors, a State Director for the California Association of Realtors since 1991, past S.F. Women's Council of Realtors President, and has held numerous other positions. Ms. Anderson holds the Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designations. She can be reached at 415/345-3050, or email: JAnderson@pacunion.com

Remember the big and old porcelain stove that today tends to evoke a wave of emotion, as we remember the family all together in the kitchen, or the seasoned roaster pan being brought out from the depths of storage for the holidays to create that one-and-only-aroma of the turkey slowly cooking. Or perhaps you recall the hairdryer method of defrosting the freezer so the door would finally close, or even the big old klunky hand held hairdryers that were so advanced to use compared to sitting under a “lower-the-bubble-so-I-can't hear-anything-else” hairdryer.

It's amazing how we can become so emotionally attached to our appliances! Look around your home and ask yourself, “Why did I buy this particular brand, make, or model?” Or better yet, “How do you feel about that certain appliance?”

It appears that good appliances are almost like pets. When they are new, we show them off and treat them gently and with affection. If they make the wrong noise, they get our immediate attention. Over time, they start requiring some TLC (tender loving care). And when their life is over, they are irreplaceable.

When the refrigerator died the Wednesday night before a large family Thanksgiving Day dinner, we had no choice but to join shopping madness at the crack of Dawn on Friday morning to fill that gaping hole in the kitchen. Unfortunately, that size refrigerator did not exist anymore. The salesman told us if you have one item this old, most likely the rest of the kitchen was out dated, too.

Gee, I wonder how he knew…. Now that we have arrived in appliance heaven and can now find any appliance to suit any need, you should consider some important items before you shop. For example:

Budget - Consider what you are comfortable spending, then look at the different options. There are lots of ways to pay these days, and the appliance people are generally very happy to work with you. They want a satisfied customer. Buy the best that your money can buy.

Energy Efficiency - Most appliances now have amazing energy saving features. Also, be sure to ask if there is a reimbursement program through your local utilities company for some extra savings.

Practicality - Some features are fun and whimsical, but will they last? Don't pay for something that will create a nuisance if the piece is going to be damaged through rough wear and tear, and not really built to handle it.

Warranty - Look into what you are paying for, the length of time, and the coverage. Is this warranty worth buying? Don't be afraid to ask and don't be pushed into something you may not really need.

The Look - What kind of look and feel are you trying to create in your home? Modern? Hi-tech? Restaurant-like? European? Mediterranean? You want to create an environment that is attractive, inviting and flows well.

When the hottest and newest trend becomes mainstream, not only does it become more affordable, but over time it also becomes outdated. Appliances and design can definitely reflect an era.

Remember, that if you're doing a simple upgrade or a major renovation, attention to detail is a key factor. Whether it's a personal residence, rental property, or home for sale, there is nothing more appealing than shiny, sparkling clean appliances. More Editorials