Real Estate Marketing & Beyond
Luxury kitchens and plenty of space are always sought after by buyers looking to purchase a new home, but what other amenities are important to them? A recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders and homebuilder PulteGroup has revealed some of the latest must-have trends.
Apparently walk-in closets, particularly in the master bedroom are considered to be a top priority. Some 31% of the 1,000 home buyers surveyed would be willing to sacrifice another amenity in order to have his and hers closets in the master bedroom.
Another important feature is a large and luxurious laundry room. The article in Realtor Mag points out that these days many buyers want something more than just a space for the washer and dryer and are looking for built-in ironing boards, extra storage and space for folding clothes. They are also interested in upgraded appliances.
Utility bills can really eat into the monthly budget so it is no surprise to learn that today’s home buyers are looking for increased energy efficiency in their new property. They are interested in Energy Star appliances, low e-windows that help prevent heat loss during winter and which stop solar heat from entering the home during the summer months, and programmable thermostats.
Great rooms or large open-plan spaces that include living rooms, dining rooms and the kitchen are still in high demand, even though these spaces can be difficult to heat. The great rooms in today’s new homes tend to be bright and welcoming and are designed to provide home-owners with that feel-good factor.
A typical ceiling height is around eight feet but nowadays home buyers are demanding higher ceilings of nine foot or more in rooms on the first floor. Having taller ceilings can open up dining rooms and living rooms creating a more spacious and luxurious feel. However buyers do not like to have cathedral ceilings in family rooms, preferring to have a room that feels cozy and which can be easily heated without costing a fortune to do so. They also tend not to like taller ceilings on the second floor, which is again because it just doesn’t feel cozy.
The main thing to remember when looking for a new home is to make sure it will be sellable if you intend to put it on the market in a few years’ time. While it is great to have a home that includes unique features, these may not necessarily appeal to other buyers.
