Noteworthy Housing Trends

What are buyer's dreaming of in their next home? Following are some housing trends that are definitely worth watching:

Going Green
Not a green house where you grow plants...but an energy efficient home. This ranges from high-performing appliance, heating and cooling systems, windows, to insulation. Also reducing water consumption. Some extreme forms of green would include capturing rain water and recycling it. The rising cost of energy (and in Waukesha - WATER) is 'fueling' this trend.

Square Footage
Bigger is better? Not exactly....the trend for more square footage seems to be leveling off, and buyers are looking for smaller, better designed homes. This trend is also gaining speed from the rising energy costs, and consumers aren't wanting to pay so much to heat, light, and cool their homes. Another reason for this trend is commute time and the cost of gas. If you work in the city, chances are the homes are smaller than in the outlining country areas. Also, lets not forget our babyboomers. A lot of them are now downsizing. Will this trend keep going?

Formal Living Rooms
This room is often being cut out to make way for a larger family room. Formal living rooms don't seem to be a big hit with gen x and gen y, mainly because it's an 'unused room' and they are looking for more comfortable living space. The formal dining room is still a desired room.

High Ceilings

Master Bedroom
Ready for this? In an article I read "Housing Trends Worth Watching" by Julie Collins, Today's Buyer Rep magazine predicts that by the year 2015, homes with be built with 2, yes 2, master bedrooms! One on the first floor, and one on the 2nd floor. Why? To accommodate aging owners or elderly parents.

So, which trend will stay and which trend will go? Only time will tell!