In 1973, we were satisfied with 1,500 square feet to live in plus a garage. That satisfaction was short-lived and homes ballooned to 2,495 square feet in 2006. Since that time we have seen house sizes shrink as the cycle reverses itself. New home buyers in 2010 are looking for well-designed smaller homes with certain necessary amenities.
Buyers are seeking eco-friendly homes that bring in the outside (read many windows) so as to maintain an allusion of space without the accompanying increase in costs associated with greater square footages. Along those same lines, open floor plans will also be in demand.
Another necessity in new homes is office space. The formal dining room is disappearing in favor of an at-home office and, in some cases, two offices. More and more people are working out of their homes so offices and high speed communications are an absolute necessity.
Two story homes will remain popular because of the decreased cost per square foot of living space even though many buyers will not want to navigate the stairs on a daily basis. ( A good recommendation here is if you do purchase a two story home, make sure the master bedroom is on the main floor.)
If you are in the market for a new home, please feel free to consult with us, so that your purchase becomes a valuable, saleable asset that will meet future demands in housing.