News and Events
March 7, 2007
What's Hot in Homes Today
WHAT’S HOT IN HOMES TODAY
Wondering what buyers like when
shopping for a new home or thinking about remodeling your own home? Knowing what buyers desire can help you
increase the value of your own home and may contribute to the enjoyment while
you live in it!
Floor Plans
The preferred ceiling height is
between 9ft to 11ft – 2 story ceilings make small rooms feel like towers.
Four bedroom floor plans are favored
and at least 2 living areas. A great
room with additional family room in walk out lower level works really
well.
Multiple floor levels are not
desirable – maturing buyers do not want to deal with steps.
Formal Dining Rooms are still
desired, formal living rooms seem to be converted to offices or den/library set
up. Computer rooms with built-in desk or
hutch are in demand.
In higher price ranges, a
media/theatre room & full size bars are sought after. Usually these rooms are in a finished lower
level with comparable trim & finish to these rest of the home.
Great Room/Family Room space or wall
space for the larger T.V. screens is becoming necessary for many buyers! The Plasma T.V. with built in surround sound
speakers is quickly becoming a common place feature in higher price ranges.
Storage
Large Master Suite walk in closets
with organizers can make or break a sale!
Large Kitchen Pantry & Mud Room/ Laundry rooms are favored. Features like built-in Lockers for children’s
jackets, shoes & school supplies are attractive to families with children.
Garage Storage that facilitates a
clean appearance is desirable. Homes
over $250,000 are expected to have a 3 car garage if built after 2005. Many older homes with over-sized 2 car
garage with 3rd car pad & storage sheds seem to do well also.
Kitchen & Baths
Eat-in kitchens dominate the market.
Kitchens with good design feature ample
workspace and creative cabinet design.
Lots of counter space, pull out drawers, easy access to appliances and
walk-in pantry sell. Open floor plans to
either Great room or Family room sell!
Stainless Appliances are still
favored over all others. Upscale
appliances in the higher price ranges are required as well as wine coolers,
granite countertops and hardwood floors.
Concrete countertops are making way
into the market – perfect for buyers looking for the ultra modern design.
Master bath with hip height
countertops, Jacuzzi and dual vanity is preferred. Enclosed Stool, tile showers and vaulted or
high ceilings attract buyers. Brass fixtures are being replaced with Nickel or
Brushed Chrome fixtures.
Jack & Jill full baths between
children’s room and separate bath for guest rooms in higher price ranges. Master bedroom with a shower in the middle
price ranges will definitely increase sale-ability.
Slippery white or off white ceramic
tile in bathrooms is out – for safety & maintenance reasons.
Miscellaneous
Wide base board, door & window
trim are key features. Front Porches
& Covered Decks are still strong.
Vinyl flooring is being replaced by
Laminate flooring. Laminate flooring
featuring either a tile pattern or a hardwood floor appearance works best.
Heavy Drapes are definitely
out! Lighter drapery like cotton, linen
or silk are in. Plastic blinds need to
be replaced with wood blinds or light reducing blinds.
A single light in any room will not
do – quality of light and ambience help present a home in a “favorable
light”.
