10 Trends from National Builders and Realtor Conferences

1) Economic recovery is slow due to high unemployment, glut of distressed properties and tight money for building. Construction financing is tight and FDIC is exploring for ways to help relieve the market of distressed properties.

2) Real estate is currently the best value in the United States that it has ever been and the rest of the world is starting to figure it out. We are starting to see international money in our markets.
 
3) Green building, both in new construction and remodeling, is expected to quadruple by 2016. Consumers are most aware of energy and indoor air quality features. On average builders believe it is about 5% more costly to build down as materials are becoming more available.
 
4) Remodeling will be big for the next several years and is a stronger industry than new home construction at this time. Expect to see incentives for buying, retrofitting and renting property. Rent to own incentives may also be more popular.
 
5) Expect to see less land development but those that do are making lots smaller and locating near alternative transportation options. 

6) Builders are providing more flexibility with less space. Floor plan designs include open flexible family spaces with entertaining kitchens. Master suites are smaller and many are on the first floor.
 

7) The Integration of indoor and outdoor living spaces is very popular. Consumers want less lawns and more low maintenance entertainment spaces.
 

8) Many homes are designed for aging in place. A majority of baby boomers report that they want to stay in their existing homes or buy a home in the same community that will allow them to age in their homes. 
 

9) Multi-generational housing is very popular with 18% of baby boomers having adult children at home. Close to 8%, have aging parents in their households.
 

10) On the design front, mid-century modern is coming back into vogue. There is more emphasis on natural lighting and sighting of homes. Color trends are showing palettes in the same family; hot once again are reds, blues, greens and naturals.

Please contact me for more information on any of these trends.

I'm also updating my database so please send me any updates!

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Brenda Nunes
http://brendanunes.kellerwilliamsseattle.com
brendanunes@kellerwilliamsseattle.com 
425-785-6286 (Direct)