The Home Trends for 2010

According to the National Association of Home Builders survey of builders, the Top 10 Most Likely Features that builders will include in 2010 are:

1. Walk-in closet in master bedroom.

2. Laundry room

3. Insulated front door

4. Great Room

5. Low-e windows

6. Linen closet

7. Programmable thermostat

8. Energy efficient appliances and lighting

9 Separate shower & Tub in master bedroom.

10. 9-foot ceilings or higher on 1st floor.

Why it is important to keep up with Home Trends? You become more knowledgeable as a buyer and seller! I know–all of us think that the current home we are purchasing will be the permanent home. National stats do not support that. Families grow–need more space–then children grow, move –and empty nesters need less space. After having helped thousands of buyers and sellers in the last 27 years, this is one thing I know for sure!

Most people move several times in their lives. So why know about Home Trends? Think about it like this- when you are buying a home, you are not only making decisions for your and your family. You are making decisions that will affect your ability to resell–whether it be 4, 10, even 20 years or more down the line.

So the old saying of “Begin with the end in mind” can also apply to your plan for purchase.

Do I really want to invest in colored bathtubs, toilets that will most likely remain as the same plumbing fixtures when I place that “for-sale” sign up?

What about that very expensive home media room–what is the cost versus resale? Does it widen or narrow your market when you sell? Of course you say, “I’m going to sell to someone just like me, with my preferences.” Talk about limiting your market!

If you have plenty of money and have always dreamed of having your very own media room–then go for it–just don’t fool yourself into thinking that you will get every penny back out of that “dream.”

Besides, electronics change so often. What you have purchased today might not be the “latest and greatest” 4 years from now (or even 6 months from now!). Perhaps use another unused bedroom and buy a screaming deal with all the speakers you want and enjoy! Then, you have choices–convert back to a bedroom–simple!

Martha Hendrick is a real estate expert in Bend, Oregon, specializing in the neighborhoods of Northwest Crossing, Awbrey Butte, Awbrey Glen, the Parks, and Broken Top. For property listings and information about Bend visit hendrick.com.