Today's home buying trends are set by the overwhelming amount of information that is available to buyers.
With an explosion of media and entertainment coverage on the subject, along with a sea of information to swim through on the Internet, those purchasing homes are entering the process more educated than ever before. Real estate shows such as TLC's "Flip That House" often give home buyers a mental picture of their new home before their official search even begins. The next stop for many shoppers is the Internet -- particularly to Web sites that offer multiple property listings.
So what do today's educated and informed home buyers consider hot? With many areas to consider, kitchen and bath most always finish at the top. "Modern" is the key word in these areas. Highly demanded features in these updated kitchens include solid surface counter tops, built-in appliances, hardwood or tile floors, and loads of counter and cabinet space. Buyers are also looking for equally pristine baths. The concept of "sharing the bath" is quickly losing popularity, leading home buyers to search for the most baths for their money. This search often includes a private bath in the owner's suite.
Another hot (or cold!) topic for today's home buyer is energy efficiency. Busy lifestyles, coupled with the rising cost of utilities, demand this type of home. Buyers are demanding efficiency in other areas of the home as well. While spacious bedrooms and closets are considered a must, buyers will often consider homes with less space if it is used efficiently. High selling points here include well-placed cabinetry, uniquely designed storage areas, and layouts that leave little "wasted" space.
With a good home layout and a wealth of easily accessible information, many younger home buyers have the confidence to take on a project. Home decorating shows, how-to books, and home improvement stores have made decorating and improving a home much easier, thus making the purchase more affordable and exciting. In addition to efficiently used space, another layout feature that home buyers look for is at least one first-floor bedroom. Even the younger generation, who may not mind multiple-storied homes, prefers this feature.
Any of these areas could "make or break" a home, but perhaps the most important trend in housing is the structure's ability to quickly transform from "house" to "home." Today's buyers are looking for entertainment areas such as family and game rooms. Any area that helps pull families and friends together helps pull a home off the market.
The popular concept of "staging" homes helps the buyer to picture the particular house as a home. The curb appeal of a home can also help this area. While interest is generated when homes are advertised with acreage, many buyers are satisfied with nice outdoor entertainment areas such as decks, patios and unique landscaping.
Whether surfing the web or flipping channels, home buyers are able to find great examples of what's hot and what's not and many of them are deciding what they like from the comfort of their own homes. Modern, efficient, spacious, "do-it-yourself" homes that can be found on multiple property listing Web sites are where it's at in today's housing market.
Brenda S. Taylor is a realtor at McGuire Realty Company
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