One great benefit of being a member of the National Association of Realtors as a designated Realtor is getting their newsletters filled with all types of useful information. The latest included an article of home fads that are slowly on their way out the door in new construction. The list below are some of the ones discussed in the article and may surprise you…
- Fireplaces – There are some parts of the nation where fireplaces are a necessity, but in other parts they serve more as a decorative feature than a source of heat. In 1991, 62% of new homes included fireplaces. In 2007, the number dropped to 51%.
- Carpet – Some homes used to be outfitted in carpet in all rooms, not just bedrooms. Today around 54% still include carpet, but in limited quantity. Now hardwood flooring and stained concrete are the new trend.
- Living rooms – This one surprised me a bit. 34% of buyers today say they would be willing to purchase a home without a living room. In the Austin market, I have yet to see this feature fazed out.
- Desks in kitchens – This feature seems to have been replaced with home offices or studies, a larger place where more than one family member can congregate at one time.
- Skylights – While skylights have never been a huge trend, they are slowly dwindling in numbers. Only 10% of homes will include them in new construction this year.
- Upscale kitchen finishout – Granite countertops were and still are a hot commodity in most kitchens, but not everyone is quick to jump on the bandwagon. Builders and buyers are now moving towards a more affordable, low maintenance material such as laminate which comes in many different finishes and styles.
Have a home feature that you think needs to become a part of history? Leave a comment and share with others your thoughts.