The Top 5 Consumer "Must Haves" For 2010 Home Purchase in Fort Worth, Texas
Consumers today have changed their "must haves" for 2010, they can be a finicky bunch. Gone are the days of the subdivision clubhouse, whirlpool tub, and home theaters. The economy has brought about some serious changes and home builders and home seller should take serious note.
According to the annual report from Avid Ratings of Madison Wis., which surveyed in detail a sampling of 22,000 consumers about their home purchasing preferences. Avid is a data gatherer for the home building industry. The survey compiled data on attitudes in both re-sale and new construction nationwide.
They surveyed both the Macro (access to parks and shopping) to micro (home amenities). The company has introduced a new web site this month, Avidbuilder.com which gives the public access to some of it's data.
1) The grand clubhouse has lost it's appeal and the same goes for the community swimming pools, health clubs and golf courses. Consumers feel these are "tradable" items... they're indifferent to these types of amenities. However there are niche markets in which these amenities will always be desirable. Interestingly walking paths is an amenity that did score high with the average home buyer.
2) Green is good and getting better! Even a year ago I didn't have much mention of green features in a home and now this is one of the first question I'm asked when showing. Home builders take special note on this... pre wiring for a CAT5 or T1 line is huge for buyers today. More and more people are working from home and need excellent Internet service.
3) Kitchen are still King...bigger is better. More cabinets, more counter space, this now is the focal gathering place for the home. Not only do they want bigger kitchens but kitchens that are well thought out and efficient. Also, outdoor kitchens are really picking up steam in the the Texas market place.
4) Oh Wow, the bathrooms. No more whirlpool baths especially the ones built for people that are 4 foot tall. It's over sized showers with multiple heads and a BENCH for the Lady.
5) Other "outs" were home theaters, traditional living rooms and dining rooms, mud rooms and game rooms. Must haves were granite counter-tops, home office space, a fireplace, and 3 car garages.
So here we have it the new consumer wants and desires. So it should be noted that not everyone falls into this data but it's worth noting if you are marketing homes to the masses.
When you are ready for your next real estate move give me a call. 817-932-4900
Happy Trails,
DK
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