The word "mud" might not sound inviting, but a mudroom can actually be a welcoming and useful space.  Mudrooms, which serve as a transition between the outdoors and the inside of a home, are traditionally found in cold, snowy climates as a place to change out of wet clothes and shoes.  But, whether large or small, they're ideal for houses in any climate.  They can maximize storage and help with organization, whether you already have a mudroom or are thinking about creating one, consider:

Location.  Off the kitchen or near the back door are the most popular locations for mudrooms, but garages and utility closets are also prime spots.

Flooring: This is the one place in the house where the floors are supposed to get dirty.  Choose a durable, non-slip material, tile, stone, vinyl, laminate, concrete, in a dark color.  And be sure to include a few doormats: a fiber or rubber mat to clean off shoes and an absorbent, washable rug to keep dirt from getting tracked in.

Walls.  Surely they will get dinged and scratched and splashed, so choose coverings wisely.  Vinly wallpaper or an easy to clean moisture proof paint should do the trick. 

Seating.  Although you likely won't be spending too much time in your mudroom, a place to sit is key.  A sturdy chair or bench is useful for removing wet shoes or boots.

Storage.  Choose organizing accessories based on the main purpose of the space and who uses it most.  If it functions mainly as a staging area for adults, be sure to prominently feature coat and key hooks, as well as a place to sort mail.  If kids are the main focus, include labeled storage bins and designated areas for backpacks and after-school activity gear, such as sporting goods.  No matter how the room is used, it's a good idea to include plenty of shelving and racks for shoes.  Sources: The Old House, Lowes.

TULSA HOMES ARE HOT.  Stainless steel appliances, Granite countertops. Not long ago, these were the hottest kitchen features.  But now they're expected and practically come standard.  What are the next majjor trends to keep an eye on? 

According to a recent National Kitchen and Bath Association survey of more than 200 kitchen designers, cherry and maple cabinets, quartzite countertops and custom-paneled appliances are hot.  Where oak cabinets were once the must-have, more than 75 percent of survey participants now report using cherry and maple, followed by paints and exotic woods.  And although nearly all designers believe stainlesss is still the most popular appliance finish.  77 percent say that custom paneling on appliances is becoming more common.  Granite is still the most frequently used countertops material, but frequently used countertop material, but 65 percent of designers report using more quartzite, another durable stone material.

One thing that hasn't changed is the trend toward bigger, more open kitchens that accommodate more than one cook and serve as more than just a place to cook.  In incorporating these bigger kitchens, the traditional "work triangle" -- the path between the refrigerator, food prep area and cooking area -- is being replaced with work zones.  As kitchens get bigger and even more functional, it seems certain that a trend specilization will grow as well.  Sources:  National Kitchen and Bath Associations. 

In my experience you can price your home ahead of the market and get it sold, or price with the market and let it sit.  If you anticipate the trend, you will get your home sold while your neighbor's languishes and winds up not selling at all or sells for substantially less than if he had priced it correctly to start.  For example, if the competitive homes are now valued at $435,000 in our market, you need to price yours at $399,000 (X-10) percent)  to sell it quickly.