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The demise of the formal living room.....and other not so popular home features!

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX DFW Associates 0534986

The demise of the formal living room.....and other not so popular home features!

I remember dusting the formal living room when I was growing up thinking what a waste of time, we NEVER sit in here! Over the years showing homes I have seen couples, especially younger couples, show no interest in formals, living or dining. For one, they don't have the formal furniture and they want more of a computer room or place to plug in all of their devices!

According to market watch new home builders are taking note of the "younger generation" and building more practical and value consicious items such as :

Great Rooms

Walk in Closets

Larger Separate Laundry Rooms

Energy Saving Appliances

Energy Efficient Windows

Charging Stations

Flat Screen Wiring

Outdoor kitchens, grand foyers, formal rooms and even media rooms are being omitted for the more practical energy efficient home!

Goodbye formals!

Posted by

Tracy Lee Parker

Broker Associate with
RE/MAX DFW ASSOCIATES

Servicing all of North & East Texas Areas for home selling, home buying, leasing & property management since 2005!  

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Kelly McGovern
Realty Concierge International - Bellingham, MA
Working with Kelly is a good move

I remember as a kid we had a 'parlor' that wasnt used either :)  You are right - the formal rooms are not used by todays younger buyers.  Its fun to go in to their homes once moved in and seeing how creative they've made them.  

Feb 18, 2012 11:00 AM
Sonja Patterson
Keller Williams - BV - College Station, TX
Texas Monthly 5-Star Realtor Recipient for the Hou

Our home has a formal dining and study with built-in bookcases which I LOVE!  I don't think I"ll ever have a formal living room again, though we DO use the formal dining room quite a bit.  We eat dinner in there when the kitchen table is covered with homework/books or we just feel like a "special" dinner.

Feb 18, 2012 11:02 AM
Sophia Lin
Intero Real Estate Services - Sunnyvale, CA
Sunnyvale CA Real Estate Specialist

Hi Tracy, I've noticed the Buyer's of today are no so interested in what was once a neccessity, they are even turned off by a fireplace!!

Feb 18, 2012 11:04 AM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Tracy, one more feature to add to the list is - home office. 

Feb 18, 2012 11:07 AM
Nancy Laswick
United Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
Your REALTOR® For The Valley Of The Sun

I agree with Praful a home office is much more important to today's buyer than a formal living room at least with my buyers and that goes for older buyers as well. Thanks for the post Tracy.

Feb 18, 2012 11:13 AM
Shannon Jones
The Shannon Jones Team - Long Beach, CA
Long Beach CA Real Estate

Tracy, I completely agree that most buyers aren't interested in formal living rooms. However, at least half of the buyers I work with say they want a formal dining room. I don't think most of them use the dining room on a regular basis, but like to have it for entertaining or family holiday get-togethers.

Feb 18, 2012 11:17 AM
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

I've never had a buyer express desire for a formal living room. As a kid I remember feeling pride for my parents that they had "arrived" when our new house had one. I must agree, if i was in the market, I'd keep the dining room but trade the living room square footage for a functional laundry room, 2 home offices and heck, how about a rockin' media room?!  :-)

 

Feb 18, 2012 11:32 AM
Fay Kelley
Interdimensional Healing Light - New River, AZ
Alternative Healing With Crystal Energy

Yes, the Great Room - Open Kitchen are where it's at here in Arziona.  Outdoor Kitchens are huge too !

Feb 18, 2012 11:33 AM
Teral McDowell
Referral Patners LLC - Murphy, TX

I tend to agree that the home office has become much more important than a formal dining or living. I would also rather have two masters than 4 or 5 bedrooms :)

 

Feb 18, 2012 12:04 PM
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

It's about all about energy efficient, practical space.  I've noticed clients wanting larger laundry rooms and more storage space.

Feb 18, 2012 12:32 PM