Connestee Falls Realty

Cents & Sensibility-Organized-Multi-Tasking Home

This is the second of four blogs on the Cents & Sensibility of the 2010 HOMEBUYER having to do with smaller and more energy-efficient homes.

It was reported in a RISMEDIA article dated January 22, 2010—Better Homes and Gardens recently revealed proprietary research and insights on what consumers are looking for in their next home and overall priorities guiding current and future home improvement projects.

The survey of nationwide potential new home buyers and existing home owners who are planning improvements in the next few months found top priorities to include;

• price
• energy-efficiency
• organization
• comfort

ORGANIZED, MULTI-TASKING HOME

WITH NO WASTED SPACE

The home office is a priority as 59% of consumers plan to have one in the home. Of those, only 28% want a separate dedicated home office space (compared to 64% in 2008), with one-third (33%) now wanting a more multi-purposed space, such as combined office/computer/hobby/craft/art room.

A well organized home is key, with 66% of respondents listing “no-space-wasted” design and 62% listing ample storage space as attributes that will take on more importance.

Also on the ‘wish list’ for the next home is: a separate laundry room (85%); an outdoor grilling and living area (68%); a kitchen with eating area (67%); and an extra bedroom with bath (65%).

America’s love affair with the large garage continues to flourish with 37% of consumers now wanting a 3-car or larger garage compared to 29% in 2008.