Provided By Yahoo! Real Estate
With the economy more precarious and housing starts and sales somewhat sluggish, homeowners are wise to consider hot trends to differentiate their home from others on the block.
But gone are the days when homeowners were eager to have the largest house on the block. Many also are less interested in gaining a spa bathroom when they have less leisure time to soak; ditto for chef-worthy kitchens.
The last survey from the National Association of Home Builders reported that more homeowners are looking foremost for value rather than splash in building or buying a new house, says Stephen Melman, the NAHB's director of economic services, economics and housing policy. "More than 40 percent of new homebuyers are first-time purchases, so money is an issue. Affordability is driving every decision," he says.
The same goal of getting as much for their money holds true for remodelers, according to Kermit Baker , chief economist at the American Institute of Architects. "Many are remodeling homes in infill areas, since there's less demand for large suburban subdivisions," he says. Houses with close proximity to public transit, employment centers, retail, entertainment options, access to open recreational space and multigenerational options are among the most popular, Baker says. In contrast, homes with specialized media and workout rooms are less sought after, he says.
While the goal should be to build or remodel so improvements meet an owner's lifestyle and budget, it's smart to know what's desirable. Here's what's currently hot in the home:
Walk-in master-bedroom closets
More closet space, with ample room to move about, contributes to efficiency - especially for homeowners trying to get dressed and out the door in a hurry each morning.
Home offices
With more working from home on a full- or part-time basis, or picking up freelance work, a home office or devoted work area holds allure, Baker says.
Popular porches
Whether at the front of the house or back and whether open air or screened, the iconic porch has become more of a must-have.
Smaller dining rooms
Not yet dead and gone, the dining room is shrinking in many houses or becoming a corner of a living or great room. "It can be located against a wall to designate where it's located," says Melman.
Indoor kitchens only
The outdoor kitchen - one of the housing boom's hallmarks of opulence - has seemed to lost its favor, as it can be expensive to outfit, and, after all, the indoor kitchen may be just steps away. It maintains some value in warmer climates, however, due to its role in enhancing casual living.
Flexible arrangements
With more adults downsizing but wanting to have room for family, rooms that lend themselves to flexible arrangements are key. Fairfield, N.J.-based designer Judi Schwarz suggests pushing a sofa away from a wall so there's space for storage behind or having a banquette by a table to accommodate more at meals.
Energy efficiency
At the top of lists are modern-day standards like good insulation and LED lights with dimmers, plus sustainable features like tankless water heaters, Melman says.
Main-floor masters
The trend continues as baby boomers age and purchase, perhaps, their last new home.
Smaller garages
With folks eschewing massive gas-guzzling SUVs, the demand for the big garage with three bays and storage space is dwindling.
High ceilings
Despite a trend toward smaller homes, ceilings are rising a bit, though not necessarily to former two-story volumes, says Gary Drake, CEO of Drake Construction in Los Angeles.
Striking flooring
Among the hottest choices are pre-finished antique ebony oak, Jerusalem Gold classic limestone, Crema Marfil 18-square stone tiles and natural fiber flooring made from eco-friendly sources such as bamboo, Drake says.
Are you looking for fabulous ways to make your home stand out from other listings? Give us a call at 972.772.7000 or email us at frontdesk552@kw.com.
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