What Do Homebuyers Want Today

Tastes and styles change. Good thing, or we’d all still be sporting linebacker-size shoulder pads, big hair and parachute pants. Well, the same holds true for our taste in homes. The National Association of Homebuilders surveyed over 3,000 builders, architects, designers, manufacturers and marketing specialists to see what trends they see happening now or in the near future. See if you agree and feel free to post your own opinions about what homebuyers want most.

The Incredible Shrinking Floor Plan

Bye-bye McMansions! The opulence of pre-recession boom times is making way for modest and more manageable floor plans. The majority of homebuyers (59%) want a home ranging from 1,401 to 2,600 square feet. Only 6% want more than 3,200 square feet (down 3% from just a year ago). Builders estimate that by 2014, the average new home built will be 2,152 square feet.

Multi-Tasking Spaces

Homebuyers want their smaller spaces to be smarter, too. Open plans that support multiple functions are favored. Think zones designated for activities like family time, work and entertaining instead of rooms for a single specific purpose.

The Greater Outdoors

Today’s homebuyers want to maximize the space they’re paying for. That means making the most of patios, decks, balconies and porches. At Taylor Morrison, we’re seeing a lot of interest from homebuyers in outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, as well as expanded and covered lanais.

Organization

Features that help conquer clutter are in big demand. Walk-in closets, especially in the master suite, are high on the list of must-haves. So are walk-in pantries, which gives homebuyers a more convenient way to store Big Box mega-pack purchases. Two-car garages that can double as extra storage space are also popular.

Greener Homes

Overall, homebuyers want their homes built to conserve energy. That includes better insulation, especially on doors and windows, energy-efficient appliances and lighting and low-tech solutions like ceiling fans (ranked a “must-have by the majority of homebuyers). If you live in one of Taylor Morrison’s communities where our Interactive Home™ is available, you’ll be several megawatts ahead of the energy-saving game.

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