Changing Trends in Residential Real Estate
January 11, 2011 10:31 am
RISMEDIA, January 11, 2011--With a new year comes new trends for residential real estate. Builders nationwide are changing their habits in order to meet the ever-changing needs of buyers and the fluctuating market. But to make room for new tactics, we must say goodbye to some of the old ones. Below are some of the fading trends builders are leaving behind, and some of the new ones likely to take their place.
Size Matters Although some demand for large-scale houses does remain, medium-sized homes are becoming a tough sell. There has been an increasing demand for houses in the 2,400-2,800 square foot range, as opposed to the 2,800-3,200 square foot range. Smaller homes are more cost-efficient and practical for buyers and are easier to get approved for. As the year goes on, we will see more and more homes of a smaller scale sprout up.
Shrinking Formality Exceedingly formal facades and designs may take a backseat in 2011. Turrets, corbels and colonnades are expensive and excessive given today's economy and market. Cleaner and simpler design will be favored by most new homeowners, while cluttered design, symbolic of old-fashioned culture, will start being weeded out. In a similar regard, even formal rooms such as dining rooms and living rooms are being rethought. Architects are being pressed to make every square foot usable on a daily basis. If homes are to be smaller, they must be 100% practical. This trend will see many dining rooms give way to dens, reading rooms or family rooms.
The Decline of Home Flipping According to Census figures, the average American moves 11 times throughout the course of their lives, however, that number is slowly decreasing. The days of the short-term money maker are decreasing along with it. Most buyers today are buying with the intention of staying for 10 or more years, rather than just one or two. With this frame of mind, buyers will be more concerned about the design and features of the home...if they want to take off their coats and stay awhile.
Smartphones for the Future Industry experts project that smartphones will eventually aid home buyers in controlling their homes while away. Going forward, buyers may even be expecting it. The luxury of being able to control your home entertainment, security system, lighting and appliances all with a smartphone application will be enticing to many. Some builders and development groups around the country are already working on making this luxury a reality.
Source: Builder Magazine Online

