A One-Stop Coffee Shop in your Chicago Luxury Home Adds The "WOW" Factor

CHICAGO - March 24, 2014 - PRLog -- When it comes to luxury real estate in Chicago, it seems the next big thing is always right around the corner—a smarter home technology, the trend du jour, or a device that promises to take luxury living to the next level.

With home amenities evolving quickly, a walk-in closet or hardwood floor doesn’t quite cut it if you’re looking to evoke the “ooohs” and “aaahs.” I’m finding more and more that my clients are looking for the wow factor, not only to make a purchase worth their dollars but also to ensure a healthy resale value down the line. When they’re shopping for a luxury home, there almost certainly has to be something that induces a surprise-and-delight reaction.

The kitchen space is especially en vogue with new homebuyers or clients who are contemplating building a new luxury home. Lately, the spotlight has been on one very specific kitchen feature: anything and everything to upgrade your morning cup of Joe.

Having a one-stop coffee shop in your own kitchen can single-handedly differentiate a property from others like it. Manufacturers are creating espresso machines that fit seamlessly into upscale kitchens, with remote features and advanced technology that make a morning routine more luxurious. Here’s a look at some of what’s out there, as recently highlighted by the Wall St. Journal:

Fully Automatic Coffee Machine by AEG Appliances
Cost: $2,999
This home espresso system has two pour spouts for simultaneous serving—a great option for those who entertain or host often. It can brew up to four servings in one cycle, and is kept warm in a thermal coffee pot.

CM210 from Gaggenau
Price: $3,249
This German coffee system includes an LED clock and timer that can easily be pre-programmed. But its showstopper feature is a self-cleaning system, various grind functions and a matching drawer that keeps coffee cups warm.

Fully Automatic Coffee Machine from Thermador
Price: $2,549
This coffeemaker may completely eliminate the need for a coffee shop around the corner. It produces six grind options and 12 drink sizes, with a steam wand that froths milk and dispenses hot water for tea or other drinks.

Whole Bean Coffee System by Miele
Cost: From $3,199
This modern home espresso machine includes a high-power grinder for consistent granule sizes and to preserve bean oils. Several grind options ensure that coffee is best suited for the drink type.

TopBrewer from Scanomat
Cost: $10,999
Remote features are becoming huge in the kitchen, and this Danish coffee system can be controlled by mobile devices through an app. A single stainless-steel tap doubles as a self-cleaning milk foamer, and the device can product traditional coffee, espresso drinks and cold beverage. It also includes a cabinet hidden below the counter surface that includes a commercial-grade grinder and refrigerator unit.

You can see that differentiating a kitchen in Chicago real estate doesn’t necessarily come cheap–these in-home devices can carry a hefty price tag. But because buyers are hunting for the next big thing, it is built-in features like this that they get excited about a property. So investing in new and alluring features can be worth it in the end.

For more information about home trends in Chicago real estate, or to find a “wow” property for yourself, contact me at (312) 264-5853, email me at ssalnick@rubloff.com or visit http://chicagosluxuryrealestate.com/.