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What
do today’s buyers want in a new home? The more cynical among us would
say that homebuyers want whatever builders tell them they want. However,
there was a great deal of discussion at this year’s International
Builders Show in Dallas as builders appeared to be searching for ways to
make new homes more attractive to more people. Not
everyone wants a new home. Some prefer to remodel. Homeowners go through
the stress and mess of remodeling rather than buy a new home because
they want to add personal character to their existing home — something
they don’t see in new home offerings. Builders who figure out ways to
provide that comfort zone will have a big edge. Homes
are much more than a roof overhead. They are a decompression zone, a
place to finally sit down, prop your feet up and exhale from the rigors
of the day. Some people can find that kind of comfort in a new home;
some can’t. According
to surveys, homebuyers today seek a home where they can find a
"peaceful, meditative feeling." Home is the place to renew and
recharge. Homes
are not a fortress anymore. Smaller homes with better craftsmanship are
in. Overstuffed is out. Minimal is in. Good quality and good design are
in. While
the outside of homes hasn’t changed much over the years, what’s
inside is dramatically different. Homes
started getting bigger 30 years ago — about the time baby-boomers
bought their first homes. Since then, buyers have demonstrated a
willingness to give up some amenities but not space. Size really does
matter to homebuyers, especially the size of bedrooms and the family
room. Baths and kitchens are important to buyers. Just try to sell a
home with a small kitchen, and you’ll be convinced. Homes
are changing because homebuyers are changing. There are more single
persons buying — 26 percent in 1998 compared to 17 percent in 1970.
There are fewer couples without children buying homes — 27 percent in
1998, 30 percent 18 years earlier. Median two-earner family income rose
from $24,000 in 1950 to $55,400 in 1997; single-earner family income
increased from $19,200 to $30,200. The
trend toward two-story homes continues. In 1971, only 17 percent of new
homes had a second story. Last year, 52 percent had two or more stories.
Although the average homebuyer gets older every year, the popularity of
an upstairs continues. Home
size, however, may be nearing the saturation point. Home size increased
significantly from 1970 to 1999. The average size of new, single-family
homes grew from 1,500 to 2,225 square feet. Researchers believe the
average size will level off around 2,300 square feet. That’s because
family size is falling. Lots also are getting smaller — about 9,000
square feet on average. More
new homes will have three bathrooms. Last year, 53 percent of new homes
had 2.5 or more baths, up from only 15 percent in 1971. The trend toward
separate shower and tub continues. Double vanities, skylights, multiple
showerheads and even his and her bathrooms are gaining in popularity. Homes
with four or more bedrooms are in demand. Homes with that many bedrooms
grew from 22 percent of the total in 1971 to 33 percent in 1999. Homebuyers
want all the kitchen convenience and luxury they can afford. Open
designs are popular. Walk-in pantries are on many wish lists. The bigger
the kitchen, the better. Today’s kitchens must be well lit and
accommodate guests that frequently like to hang out there. Ceilings
are going up, too. First-floor ceiling height last year was nine feet or
greater in 43 percent of new homes built. Homebuyers like the spacious
feeling the extra volume gives. A second story costs less than the first
and gives upstairs privacy, a particular appeal to teen-agers. After
the technology rage subsides, look for homes to become
"healthier." The trend is already in that direction. Advances
in healthy homes, however, will be slowed because the furniture industry
has not kept up with consumer concerns over such materials as
formaldehyde. Here
are some features and frequencies found in new homes: ·
home office (15 percent) ·
sun room and media room (15 percent) ·
exercise room (2.5 percent) ·
central island in kitchen (38 percent) ·
walk-in pantry (31 percent), skylights (11 percent) ·
no formal living room (17 percent) ·
security systems (36 percent), deck (27 percent) ·
patio (42 percent), front porch (53 percent) ·
screened-in porch (6 percent) ·
breezeway (1 percent) ·
vaulted ceiling (30 percent) ·
energy management system (16 percent) ·
central music system (7 percent) ·
built-in home theater (3 percent) ·
lighting control system (1 percent) ·
rear-entry garage (4 percent). |
