1. GREEN AND ENERGY EFFICIENT
It used to be hard to find a home that was considered green, now most new construction and remodels will have some focus on this. Even if it’s just having energy efficient appliances. Most like to go beyond that leaning towards homes that use renewable materials like bamboo floors or reclaimed materials like old barn wood. Buyers that want to go deeper might look into insulation, exterior doors and color of the home…all contributing factors in keeping a home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, therefore lowering bills. With energy costs rising and a growing interest in protecting our environment, this is one trend that is good for all!
2. HI-TECH HOMES
The boom towards bigger homes is changing with more buyers looking for smaller, smart homes. Instead of “keeping up with the Jones” people are wanting to simplify and that means a smaller, lower-maintenance home that offers a lot in way of technology. Interiors with plenty of outlets (not for land lines though, the majority of the younger generations bypass a home phone now a days), programmable lights, audio systems, the strength of mobile signals and availability of fast internet service providers in the area are all major considerations to home buyers. For those really tech savvy, you can fully integrate your home systems, allowing the homeowner to access lights, heating, security and more through a touch screen. Some then also accessible to your smart phone.
3. OPEN FLOOR PLAN AND AN OFFICE
An open floor plan has been a home buying trend for many, many years now. It doesn’t seem like one that is going to go away any time soon. If you look at historic homes around Bozeman, the layout tends to be small rooms all closed off from the other, lots of walls and low ceilings. Now homes have been opened up, one room flowing into the next with vaulted ceilings and big windows giving it a bigger feel than it may actually be. Renovations of the classic, older homes follow this same trend, knocking down walls and opening up a beautiful space. Home buyers like this because it is better for entertaining and gives a nice flow to the home.
Having an office has also become important to home buyers. With more and more people working remotely or working out of their home, having a space to do this can be a deal breaker when searching for a home.
4. UPDATED KITCHEN AND BATHROOMS
This is another one that has been a trend for a long time and will most likely continue. The kitchen and the bathroom are two major selling points in a home. Buyers are drawn to nice kitchens and bathrooms because after they have made the large investment of buying a home there may not be much left over for updates. Kitchen and bathroom remodels tend to be the most expensive, so if they don’t have to think about that, it’s a plus for the home! The kitchen is the central spot in most homes, it’s where everyone hangs out so it makes sense that buyers want one that is big and welcoming. Nice counters, tile floors, new appliances are all top sellers in the kitchen. As for the bathroom-clean, simple and modern are top! With so many fun sinks and light fixtures a bathroom is a space where you can get creative while keeping with a classic look.
5. OUTDOOR SPACE
Since buyers are leaning towards smaller homes, they want a place where the outdoors can become part of the living space. Where the indoors flows into the outdoors. A nice deck and/or patio for entertaining, mountain views and good landscaping add to the outdoor package! Having a lawn and sprinklers in is a must for new construction, plus easy to maintain landscaping. Younger generations no longer want to spend all their free time working in the yard like they saw their parents doing. In Montana we may not have the longest season for playing in the backyard or summer barbeques, but buyers want to make the most of the time we have so outdoor space is top on their lists!
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