Recent research by NAHB and Better Homes & Gardens magazine suggests that downsizing and energy-efficiency are high on today’s more practical home buyer’s wish list. That trend was evident in last year’s HOBI Awards, which I produce for the Home Builders Association of CT.
The HOBI Awards is the most prestigious program in Connecticut recognizing excellence in home building, sales & marketing and home finance. Every winning home in 2009 was Energy Star, and many were NAHB Green certified
In today’s market, builders of high end, mid-priced and affordable homes are faced with the challenge of what rooms or features to cut and what is a MUST for their customers.
The results of the NAHB/BH&G survey indicate that home buyers are willing to give up special purpose rooms, but they still want a mud room and home office. Home buyers are placing increased value on outdoor rooms and landscaping, and builders should focus on making these spaces special.
Builders should also include woman-centric design features, such as a drop zone for mail, a soaking tub in the master bath for de-stressing, plenty of storage and flexible spaces, as pioneered by Design Basics. Built-in shelving in a kitchen pantry allows families to stock up on staples, but more importantly, women love the added room to organize and store.
VW Homes, a partnership of Wallingford builders Verna Properties and Sunwood Development, won a 2009 Best Traditional Community HOBI Award for for The Willows, a 65 home new old-fashioned single family community off North Farms Road in Wallingford.
Judges were impressed with The Willows response to new economy trends such as smaller lots, and smaller customized homes with woman-centered interior features. Fourteen different floor plans range from 1,664 sf to 3,000 sf, and five offer first floor master suites. Sales prices start at $379,900 and every home can be customized to meet its buyer’s needs.
VW Homes has embraced social media with a Willows Facebook page. They have taken an impressive 18 contracts at The Willows in 2010. Phase III just opened, and there are three additional homes under contract.
Today, homebuyers are focused on cost savings, and lower heating and cooling bills are a big part of that. Builders are going far beyond Energy Star standards to deliver tighter, highly energy-efficient new and remodeled homes. Homebuyers are also looking for more value for less money. That’s why smaller homes, packed with amenities, will be a major trend for the next few years.
