WHAT HOME BUYERS ARE LOOKING FOR IN 2016

The trends for home buying in 2016 has changed from the past...it has become super-sized homes turned upside-down. Buyers are more space-conscious, but still want all the amenities of a large home. They also think "green." Here are some of the most wished-for items on their lists.

1.  OPEN SPACE

The new trend in home-buying is searching for homes that have maximum interior design flexibility and livability. 2016 buyers are looking for easy-flowing, open space plans with high ceilings that give a house a sense of "accessibility" for convenience sake. Someone that is cooking wants to be able to see what is happening with family guests in the living area and also wants to be an active participant. Open living/dining concepts promote communion for everyone involved. The need for closed off spaces is a design trend of the past.

2.  SMALLER HOMES

We eluded it to it in the last blog "Super-sized Turned Upside Down." It appears that people still want all of the luxuries and toys that accompany larger homes, but they now want bite size versions. With technology rapidly changing, we have more access than ever before to smaller, high quality luxuries and toys in fixtures, appliances, electronics, furniture, and security systems. Smaller footprints go along way in energy saving and maintenance.

3.  OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES

This is an ongoing trend for many home buyers. Whether you live in the North, the South, the East or the West, people want fresh air and quality time outdoors with friends and loved ones. Dining outdoors on a nice summer evening or spending time around an outdoor fireplace in cooler weather creates an entertainment experience that 30% of homebuyers have on their list to look for!

4.  MODERN KITCHENS

The number 1 room that can make or break a sale is the heart of the home - the kitchen. This is where new homes shine or fall flat.  Home buyers are looking for the latest and greatest design, cabinets, countertops, and lighting plus state-of-the-art appliances. After all, the kitchen is where the hospitality, creative genius, and generous offerings take place day after day.

5.  NEUTRAL PAINT & DECOR

It's the safest bet when it comes time to sell since new home buyers love nothing more than a blank canvas to paint their own masterpiece on. Whites, beiges, light grays and other neutrals can provide just that. The rooms appear larger and the other decorative features that can sell a home have a nice clean backdrop. Some people can see past the colors of the walls with their imagination and others can't - so the best advice is to appeal to the masses and go neutral.

6.  LINEN CLOSESTS AND SMART STORAGE

Home buyers are priorItizing their need for good storage areas and closet space. People need space for their essentials and the toys they can't leave behind whether its sporting equipment, camping gear, hobby supplies, tools and cleaning appliances - space matters. If you have an older home with very little storage space, a good idea is to buy some cabinetry and install it in the locations that people expect to see storage opportunities. You will enjoy it in the short term when you need to put away the clutter and your buyers will appreciate it too.

7.  GOING GREEN

Energy-efficient homes have gained huge momentum over the last few years. With the economic crash beginning in 2008, homeowners began to take a close look at their budgets and the necessary expenses of maintaining their homes. Utility bills became a focus and ever since then homeowners have made the shift to energy efficiency at every turn through energy-efficient fixtures and appliances.

8.  DOUBLE CAR GARAGE

We're back to storage space again and this time it's for cars, big toys, hobby areas, and even greater-sized storage space. With theft on the rise and natural elements that tend to take a toll by encouraging rust, home buyers want the protection they are seeking thru enclosed garages to house their valuables. Double car garages also give men and women a work/hobby space opportunity that many are craving.

9.  SECURITY SYSTEMS & SMART FEATURES

With the latest boom in technology in the area of security, gadgets, and apps there are a plethora of opportunities to make your home more secure. When these features are presented to potential home buyers they win extra stars since this item is essential and sometimes a must-have for Generation Y millennial buyers.

10.  SMART GROWTH & ACCESSIBILITY TO AMENITIES

Many of today's master-planned new home communities offer community clubhouses and pools, protected nature areas, hiking trails, playgrounds, and more. But sometimes all you need is well maintained sidewalks and landscape that lead somewhere - to the local grocery store, coffee shop, restaurants, and boutiques OR to parks where you can walk your dog(s).

FOR MORE READING ON WHAT BUYERS ARE LOOKING FOR VISIT THESE BLOGS

(INTERNAL LINKS HERE)

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOTTEST REAL ESTATE PLEASE VISIT THE GARY LANHAM GROUP