According to a recent survey by Paul Cardis, CEO of Avid Ratings, which conducts an annual survey of buyer preferences, homebuyers most frequently noted these must-haves in new homes:
- Large kitchens with islands
- Energy efficiency, including energy-efficient appliances, super insulation, and high-efficiency windows.
- Home offices
- Main-floor master suite
- Outdoor living space
- Ceiling fans
- Soaking tub in the master suite and/or an oversize shower with a seating area
- Stone and brick exteriors rather than stucco or vinyl
- Community walking paths and playgrounds
- Two-car garages, but three-car garages are even more desirable
While this is a national survey, I've seen much of the same in Athens, GA real estate searches. A few other attributes that I've seen locally that were not mentioned in the above survey are: 1) location in proximity to UGA 2) quality public school systems ... Oconee County and Jefferson City schools are requested most often 3) fireplaces 4) open floorplans and 5) GOOD DEALS!
What other home attributes would you define as must-haves if you were considering a purchase in 2010?
Left out the most important one. It must be affordable, meaning the buyer can make the house payments, and all other obligations. 2009 data for Savannah, Georgia shows that 90% of the homes sold were between $100,000 and $250,000. Anything over $400,000 was less than 1% of our market sold.
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