What Home Buyers Want

With the U.S. housing market finally picking back up, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) conducted a large study to pinpoint how recession may have influenced consumers’ lifestyle preferences and home wish lists. Released this month, the survey found that Americans desire Energy Star appliances above all else, followed by energy-efficient laundry rooms, high-end amenities such as kitchens with double sinks, and whole-house technology. NAHB also determined that the outer suburbs are favored when it comes to home location, with just 8 percent of those queried citing a preference for living in a city center. That is a departure from what those in the apartment sector believe: that recession and escalating gasoline prices are creating demand for urban lifestyles. | Read More