I was reading through an issue of Realtor Magazine a little while ago, and an issue about current trends in home building and design struck my interest (Ballinger, May 2007).
It’s an interesting time for home buyers right now. Lots of sellers all pushing real estate at the same time means there’s lots of options for buyers to find the home of their dreams.
In addition, new trends in construction materials, interior detailing, “green” home design, and energy efficient innovations allow buyers to find a home that fits their unique needs and interests.
In particular, the “green” movement within home design and building has taken up a much larger position in the market lately, coming from the buyers’ wants and demands.
Ballinger explains, “Within the home, green choices run the gamut, from rugs made from soybeans plants to sound-absorbing surfaces that pare noise. The impetus for going green these days is often from the owners themselves. ‘They’re asking, “Where is the hardwood coming from?” or, “is the carpet recycled?” says Orren Pickell’s Lindhal.
The National Building Museum had an interesting exhibit not too long ago called The Green House.
The exhibit features the inclusion of the Five Principles of Sustainable Design,
- Optimizing use of the sun
- Improving indoor air quality
- Using the land responsibly
- Creating high-performance and moisture-resistant houses
- Wisely using the Earth’s natural resources
Granted something like this might not appeal to all buyers. Since what might be special for one home buyer might not be so remarkable for the next, the trick with finding a home with something special for you and your family is to keep looking.
The bottom line is that a slow market with lots of inventory means a buyer can find a perfect home at a fair price.
On topic, a new website called ListMyWay.com (or Google search: list my way) offers services for both buyers and sellers looking to make a move.
With the very first header claiming, “sell your home for $500 dollars or less!” it’s absolutely something I would at least look at, if I were either a seller looking to sell their home on the cheap, or a buyer looking to find that perfect house.
