Wed, August 20th, 2008
KNOWING THE TRENDS

Today’s real estate market is challenging, to say the least.  As a real estate professional, it is my job to be aware of home preferences for the buyer and stay on top of the latest trends.  Statistics in the Birmingham real estate market indicate it is still a buyer’s market and there is quite a lot of inventory for them to choose.   So, what is today’s buyer looking for in a home.  Buyers do not want boxed off spaces like living room and dining rooms.  They are looking for a lot less formal living areas and they want personal spaces.  Since most of the homes in Birmingham are traditional with formal living and dining rooms, what is a seller to do.  Where other realtors showing a home may see a living room or dining room, I see a home office, library, home theater or music room.   According to the National Association of Realtors, living rooms are a dying breed.  Looking into the future, by the year 2016, the living room will have vanished.  Today’s savy home buyer is also looking to add living spaces outside which include upscale landscaping, fireplaces, kitchens, gazebos, and courtyards.  For privacy purposes, fences and walls are becoming more popular.  Maximizing your home’s interior and exterior spaces with modest changes is wise.   Improvements to kitchens and baths will always obtain a return on your home improvement dollars.   Real estate is ever changing, the up or downturn of a market is local, and our home is our most prized investment.  When considering remodeling for personal enjoyment or updating to sell, it is important to know the trends. 

Posted by Christina Rickey at 10:59 | Permalink |