Home theaters were a big rush for awhile, but they have really quieted down. I imagine the economy has put a damper on them. High end homes $500,000 like to boast them, but I still find many buyers think they are a waste of square footage. In many cases the theater is located in the basement of the property so it can be dark and quiet. That makes it logistically not so friendly to use on a daily basis or invite the friends down to. I found in the lofts downtown many times the second bedroom became this unbelievable theater. The 15x18 room was dark, had surround sound, a big screen or projected TV. a popcorn machine in the corner, wet bar, wine cooler, over-sized furniture, and a large bowl of M&M's on a table in the center of the room. Remember, just steps away is the kitchen. My buyer would ask how much money would it take to restore it to a den or bedroom. In large homes the theater can be appreciated. What becomes sticky is when an offer is written and the seller wants to break the theater apart in terms of dollars and cents and have the buyer pay for his technology. The buyer many times does not appreciate the high end stuff and is not willing to pay for it. Then the seller gets frustrated he has to take it all apart and repair the room. In reality the "stuff" is four years old and he would like to design and new and improved theater in his next property. Sellers need to know that when they go to sell value is perceived by the buyer and buyer might not pay what the theater cost to install.
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