Fall is here, and that means the NFL football season is in full swing, and TV is airing their new hit shows.  There’s nothing better than watching your favorite teams and shows in your own personal media room, and that’s why media rooms are as popular as ever among today’s home buyers.  So popular, in fact, that they are taking the place of home theaters.

What’s the difference between a media room and a home theater, you ask?  Great question!

According to HGTVRemodels.com, a media room is multi-purpose space with comfy seating, a flat-screen TV, and surround sound.  In contrast, a home theater is a room designed to replicate the cinema experience.

The problem with a home theater is that it really only has one use – for watching movies in the dark.  With seating arranged in rows, facing forward, it doesn’t really facilitate having a conversation with the people you’re with.  If you’re a big movie buff, it’s a desirable amenity, but most homeowners can’t dedicate an entire room of their house just for watching movies.

Media rooms are much more versatile for the whole family and for a number of different functions.  It’s a great place to watch the game, to entertain when guests are over, to watch TV and movies, to stream music, and even for gaming.  The comfortable versatile seating of a media room encourages interaction and conversation.

The increasing demand for media rooms is understandable given that the technology keeps getting better at the same time that it’s becoming more affordable.

A word to the wise: if you’re creating a media room, remember to put as much of an emphasis on sound quality as visual quality. People often worry about getting the biggest or best quality TV and then scrimp on the sound system.  Ever watched a movie without sound effects and background music?

Given its popularity among home buyers, a media room will generally increase the value of your home, especially if it’s done right.  But, let’s face it, the family time together — that’s priceless.

The Matheson Team is a group of real estate agents who specialize in the Scottsdale area.  Subscribe to our blog to keep up to date on the latest community and real estate information, and home buying trends. Don’t forget that you can always look through the current homes for sale if you’re currently in the market for a home.

Don Matheson
Realtor | Founder
The Matheson Team – RE/MAX Fine Properties
21000 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-351-5359
don@scottsdalerealestate.com