New home construction in metro Columbus is expected to increase during 2015, and buyer preferences will drive the type of amenities that builders offer. A new survey by the National Association of Home Builders gives us clues as to what features Columbus home buyers may be looking for in the upcoming year:
1. Walk-in closets. Surveyed home buyers ranked master bedroom walk-in closets at the top of the list, especially “his and hers” designs. Or, as we sometimes tease, hers entirely! No matter who ends up with them, roomy closets are a plus!
2. Expanded laundry rooms. Home buyers expressed preferences for large laundry rooms with storage and folding areas, skylights, and built-in ironing boards. A hanging closet in the laundry room is a huge bonus! In the past, even luxury, high-end home builders put little thought into this important, busy area.
3. Energy-efficient windows, mechanical systems and appliances.
4. Great rooms for family recreation.
5. High ceilings, especially in living rooms, dining rooms and family rooms. Many new homes offer “volume” ceilings on the entire first floor, at 9 or 10 feet high, instead of the standard 8.
Other desired features include mother-in-law suites, large kitchens, kitchen islands, and spa-like master baths. Home buyers also indicated a preference for natural materials, such as stone and wood, over laminate and synthetic materials.
Of course, your home buying budget will dictate what features and amenities you might choose from. You should also consider if the desired amenity, or builder “upgrade” truly adds market value to your home. Some amenities, like most of those listed above, contribute to the functionality of the home, and therefore can potentially boost desirability and marketability.
There are also amenities that are more fad than function. Remember outdoor kitchens and “outdoor living space?” It wasn’t long ago that this was the “in” thing. Already, the sprawling patio with a fire pit, built-in cooking range and brick pizza oven has fallen off the wish list. Perhaps because it’s easier to cook in the house – which is climate-controlled and free of mosquitoes!
Before you begin looking at homes for sale in Central Ohio, it pays to be pre-approved for your mortgage, and to have your home priorities in order. Home builders make upgrades very enticing, and it’s easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles! However, not all amenities add to market value; and not all amenities make sense for your situation. There are distinctions between price, value, necessity and luxury, which is why the guidance of an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker is absolutely essential.
As your Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we can show you any home for sale, including new construction. But be sure to contact us first! This allows us to protect your best interests, and make it clear that you have professional representation.
As your Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we serve your best interests at all times. Unlike real estate agents and brokerages who represent sellers, as an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we only represent you, the buyer, getting you the best price and terms with no conflict of interest at all times.
Understanding this distinction could literally save you thousands of dollars not only on the purchase price and terms, but also on seller concessions and home inspection issues, whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner!
Contact us with your home buying questions! Remember, we are with you every step of the way…all the way home!
Andrew Show
Broker, CEBA, CEBA-M, CNE, CSP, ABR-M, e-PRO, GREEN
Buyer’s Resource Realty Services
Serving Metro Columbus, Ohio with Exclusive Buyer’s Agents
7100 North High Street, Suite 204, Worthington, Ohio 43085
614-888-4110 | 888-888-4110 Toll Free | 614-839-4110 Fax
