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10 Home Features Buyers Want
Home designers and builders speaking at the recent International Builders Show in Las Vegas say that buyers are seeking cost-effective features and rejecting things that don’t have lasting value.
“It's all about family togetherness – casual living, entertaining and flexible spaces," says Carol Lavender, president of the Lavender Design Group in San Antonio.
Paul Cardis, CEO of Avid Ratings, which conducts an annual survey of buyer preferences, identified these must-haves in new homes:
- Large kitchens with islands
- Energy efficiency, including energy-efficient appliances, super insulation, and high-efficiency windows.
- Home offices
- Main-floor master suite
- Outdoor living space
- Ceiling fans
- Soaking tub in the master suite and/or an oversize shower with a seating area
- Stone and brick exteriors rather than stucco or vinyl
- Community walking paths and playgrounds
- Two-car garages, but three-car garages are even more desirable
Source: MarketWatch, Steve Kerch (01/30/2010)
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| Posted by Kathy Beck at | | | |
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Remodeling and decorating trends in 2010 are likely to reflect the fact that many home owners are settling in for the long haul. Click this link for some ideas for updating homes and gardens from decorators and leading real estate practitioners!
http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2009122805
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| Posted by Kathy Beck at | | | |
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| The newest survey of what home improvements make the most sense has been posted by HomeGain.com - once again - it's cleanliness and lack of clutter that lead the way to a seller's best price! Clean it up and clear it out is always the best advice I can give. See Article!
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| Posted by Kathy Beck at | | | |
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College towns pass the grade with real estate - Location, location, location. A new report shines the spotlight on college towns as a good location for home buyers. Coldwell Banker College Home Price Comparison Index, or HPCI, reveals that an average four-bedroom home costs less than $250,000 in 62 percent of college markets surveyed. Fort Collins, home to Colorado State University, is ranked 66th with an average home price of $234,485 out of the 120 university towns listed. Boulder, home to the University of Colorado, is ranked 109 with an average home price of $622,000. The only other Colorado market included on the list is Colorado Springs where the United States Air Force Academy is located. Colorado Springs ranks 37th with an average home price of $200,002. Thank you to North American Title for this link!
http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20091107/BUSINESS/911070339/1046
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| Posted by Kathy Beck at | | | |
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Construction Market to Increase 11% in 2010, Says McGraw-Hill Construction Outlook Report - McGraw-Hill Construction's 2010 Construction Outlook forecasts an increase in the level of construction starts in 2010 is expected to climb 11% to $466.2 billion. "The U.S. construction market in 2010 will be helped by growth for several sectors, following three straight years of decline that brought total construction activity down 39% from its mid-decade peak," said Robert A. Murray, vice president of economic affairs for McGraw-Hill Construction. "The benefits from the stimulus act will broaden in scope, lifting not just highway construction but also environmental public works and several institutional structure types. With continued improvement expected for single family housing, after reaching bottom earlier this year, the overall level of construction activity should see moderate expansion in 2010." Single family housing for 2010 will advance 32% in dollars, corresponding to a 30% increase in the number of units to 560,000. Thank you to North American Title for this link!
http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20091104_construction.htm
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| Posted by Kathy Beck at | | | |
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| The proposed tax credit for first time home buyers and the addition of a tax credit for existing home owners who are choosing to move is continuing it's movement to the president's desk! See the proposal in chart form here - Chart of Proposed Tax Credit
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| Posted by Kathy Beck at | | | |
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Ever wondered what the odds of selling a home in your neighborhood really are? Call me if you're interested in finding out this information and I'd be happy to send it along! Also available is average time on the market, buying patterns within your neighborhood for what time of year homes sell! kbeck@thegroupinc.com, 970.213.8475.
Odds of Selling - Westchase in Fort Collins
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| Posted by Kathy Beck at | | | |
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Senate expands homebuyer tax credit, extends jobless benefits - Yesterday, the Senate voted 98-0 to extend and expand the tax credit to include buyers who already own homes. The House is expected to vote on the bill today. Buyers who have owned their current homes at least five years would be eligible for tax credits of up to $6,500. First-time homebuyers — or anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years — would still get up to $8,000. To qualify, buyers in both groups have to sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010, and close by June 30.
Looks like this is heading in the direction most people support!
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| Posted by Kathy Beck at | | | |
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| Posted by Kathy Beck at | | | |
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