| Bigger is not necessarily better when it comes to | | | | - Designed for Aging: Flipping homes is no longer the |
| homeownership. Prior to the real estate bubble bursting, | | | | hot trend, instead people now look at potential homes |
| McMansions were the norm and square footage was | | | | to see if the property will fit into their long term goals. |
| plentiful. Things have certainly changed. Home buyers | | | | Condo units with elevators are going to be more |
| are now looking for smaller homes and the smaller | | | | appealing than walk up options. In single-family homes, |
| price tags associated with them. Plus, smaller homes | | | | people are looking at staircases and bathrooms to see |
| have smaller heating and cooling expenses and over | | | | if down the road they can accommodate electric |
| time that can result in large savings. | | | | chairs and support handles. |
| Even though homes may be skimping on the square | | | | - Energy Efficiency: Whether it is because they are |
| footage, there are high expectations of what a new | | | | trying to save money or because they want to wean |
| home can offer a prospective buyer. Some trends | | | | themselves off of foreign oil, home buyers believe |
| consumers are looking for include: | | | | green is in! Electric thermostats, Energy Star |
| - Open Floor Plans: With less money to spend, more | | | | appliances, solar panels, bamboo flooring and |
| people are entertaining at home with increased | | | | fluorescent lighting are in high demand. |
| frequency. Walls are being knocked down to connect | | | | - Home Offices: The current economy has forced |
| kitchens to dining and living rooms and to keep the air | | | | more people to fend from themselves regarding their |
| circulating. An open floor plan allows for both the room | | | | jobs. More people are turning to freelancing and |
| and conversation to flow effortlessly. | | | | consulting work and a home office is what they need |
| - Amenities: Granite counter tops, stainless steel | | | | to run their businesses. |
| appliances and built in refrigerators are not only popular | | | | Current buyers are playing it safer now and buying |
| decorator choices, but are expected by nearly every | | | | homes that are affordable to maintain, easier to |
| prospective buyer. Throw in a flat screen TV and | | | | manage and has been designed both for form and |
| wine refrigerator, and that home will be on par with the | | | | function. |
| desires of the 2010 home buying crowd. | | | | |