10 Home Features Buyers Want
Home designers and builders speaking at the recent International Builders Show in Las Vegas say that buyers are seeking cost-effective features and rejecting things that don’t have lasting value.

“It’s all about family togetherness – casual living, entertaining and flexible spaces,” says Carol Lavender, president of the Lavender Design Group in San Antonio.

Paul Cardis, CEO of Avid Ratings, which conducts an annual survey of buyer preferences, identified these must-haves in new homes:

1. Large kitchens with islands
2. Energy efficiency, including energy-efficient appliances, super insulation, and high-efficiency windows.
3. Home offices
4. Main-floor master suite
5. Outdoor living space
6. Ceiling fans
7. Soaking tub in the master suite and/or an oversize shower with a seating area
8. Stone and brick exteriors rather than stucco or vinyl
9. Community walking paths and playgrounds
10. Two-car garages, but three-car garages are even more desirable

Source: MarketWatch, Steve Kerch (01/30/2010)

Ceiling fans?
These don’t run too far afoul of what I find my buyers are looking for. I think here in Central Ohio Outdoor Living Spaces, while welcome, aren’t that high on the list.
I also think that we’re only now beginning to see the energy efficiency want beginning to emerge as a bona fide spot on the list here in Columbus. In part, that’s because so many re-sale homes have not been retro-fitted with clean, green products so Buyers aren’t as aware that they exist and they should/could be looking for them.