Ice, Coffee & Fancy Water: The Little Luxuries We Didn’t Know We Needed
When did ice stop being just ice (nugget, pebble, spheres… who knew?), coffee turn into a full-blown personality (Keurig, Jura, drip, espresso — everyone has a preference), and water become an experience (sparkling, flavored, filtered, alkaline)? It seems that the everyday basics, the little things, have suddenly become big things.
What does any of this have to do with real estate? I’m glad you asked — let’s ponder that for a moment. As a buyer, those little things (like an ice maker, a spot for a coffee bar, or a home water filtration system) can be the cherry on top that helps you choose one house over another. Maybe a home helps you create a mental picture of sipping your morning coffee as the day begins, or you instantly know exactly where your coffee maker of choice would live. As your realtor, I help buyers slow down and really picture those everyday moments — morning coffee, checking out the ice maker, and imagining real life in the space.
But what if you’re the seller? Do any of these small things really make a difference? After all, there are bigger issues to consider — roofs, windows, carpet stains, HVAC systems. So why bother with the “trivial” stuff?
The short answer? Yes — they do. Because while buyers absolutely care about the big-ticket items, it’s often the small, thoughtful details that help a home feel memorable – a home in which they can picture themselves living.
And that brings us back to ice, coffee, and fancy water.
Consider what it means to potential buyers when they step inside your home and notice these seemingly insignificant details. These small efforts have the potential to create big impressions. They tell buyers that a home is cared for while inviting buyers to imagine everyday life in the space. And the best part? They’re low-cost, high-impact details that help a home feel welcoming, not staged.
At the end of the day, buying or selling a home isn’t always just about square footage, countertops, or room layouts — it’s about imagining how someone will live inside the space. How they’ll enjoy that morning cup of coffee, where they’ll grab a cold glass of water, and yes… even what shape the ice is. Those are the little touches that help turn a house into a home.
So, whether you’re just starting to browse, thinking about selling, or if you’re somewhere in between, I’m here to help you navigate both the big decisions and the small details. When you’re ready to take the next step — even if you’re just gathering information — I’d love to help.
Sandi Downing Real Estate/Keller Williams Greater Omaha
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