The 5 Latest ‘Must
– Have’ Amenities of Home Shoppers
Credit:
Melissa Dittmann Tracey REALTOR MAGAZINE
In a recent survey conducted by the National Association of
Home Builders and homebuilder PulteGroup they researched latest ‘Must – Have’
Amenities’ that home shoppers in the current market are seeking.
Below is the top 5 ‘Must – Have’ amenities in
demand.
1. Walk-in closets: Large closets, particularly in the
master bedroom, is among one of home shoppers’ top priorities, according to the
NAHB survey of builders and remodelers. Indeed, 31 percent of 1,000 home owners
recently surveyed by PulteGroup said they’d sacrifice another household feature
in order to have his-and-hers closets in the master bedroom.
2. Luxurious laundry rooms: Buyers are looking for more than
just a place to stick their washer and dryer. They want upgraded laundry rooms
– complete with skylights, built-in ironing boards, space for folding clothes,
extra storage, and upgraded appliances, according to the NAHB survey.
3. Energy efficiency: Home buyers are looking to cut utility
costs, and energy efficiency appliances and products can be one way to do that.
Low e-windows, Energy Star appliances, and programmable thermostats are more in
demand among home shoppers.
4. Great rooms: These large open spaces that often merge dining
rooms, living rooms, and kitchens continue to be in high-demand among home
shoppers, according to NAHB’s poll of builders. “Great rooms are wonderful
places where everyone in the family can sit around, or where the kids can do
their homework while you get dinner ready,” Stephen Melman of NAHB told
MainStreet. “Today’s great rooms are large, bright and just make you feel good
being there.”
5. Taller first-floor ceilings: More home buyers want the first
floor to stretch beyond the typical eight-foot ceiling. They’re asking builders
for nine-foot ceiling heights. The taller ceilings can open up living rooms,
dining rooms, and other spaces on the first floor. But home shoppers say they
can do without the cathedral ceiling in the family room, which can be too
costly to heat and cool. Also, they aren’t preferring the higher ceilings on
the second floor, which many home buyers say they want to feel more cozy,
Melman says.
