With the hit to the economy, many home buyers are re-thinking the size of their homes. Once the general feeling was, “The bigger the better,” but now many people are more conscious about their finances and want homes that are more practical rather than show-y.
A recent survey of home buyer preferences states these as the Top 10 Features buyers want in their new homes:
1. Large Kitchen with Island. There’s an increasing focus on the family so kitchens that can accommodate multiple people and that open up to a larger family gathering room are preferred.
2. Energy Efficient Windows, Insulation & Appliances. Anything that can help cut down on the electric, heating and cooling bills ranked high with home buyers. Yet another sign of buyers being price-conscious. Surprisingly, the use of recycled building materials or other ways to make a house “green” aren’t as highly valued among home owners.
3. Home Study or Office. Increasing numbers of people work from laptops and have high speed internet connections, which makes it easy to work from home. This prized space ranks higher than dining rooms or home theaters that home buyers most want.
4. First Floor Master Suite. This feature is especially popular among those empty-nesters who don’t need to be near the children’s bedrooms anymore. Some also experience increased health problems which make climbing stairs difficult as they get older.
5. Outdoor Living Space. Home and garden shows have recently been showcasing how to make your own outdoor sanctuary, thus increasing the desire of home owners to create an outdoor room which highlights their yard and landscaping.
6. Ceiling Fans. Yet another way to save on the cooling bill during summer months. Fans cost much less to run than central air conditioning.
7. Oversized showers. Gone are the days when you have to squeeze yourself into a shower stall. Oversized showers allow plenty of space to move and are usually equipped with specialty rain or spa showerheads.
8. Stone & Brick Exteriors. A more classic look that can also help insulate the home and provide more structural stability.
9. Community Walking Paths. It used to be standard fare to see pools and clubhouses as part of planned developments. Now home buyers with young children prefer to have safe walking paths with lush greenery which is less costly to maintain.
10. Two or Three Car Garages. Storage, storage, storage! Three car bays are ideal for those families with two cars but who still need extra storage for their outdoor lawn equipment or patio furniture.
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