It used to be that the standard in housing was the interior walls and some kind of carpet, but with the glut of homes on the market buyers are demanding more and sellers have to come up with a new definition of standard and upgrades. Central air and garbage disposals used to be considered luxuries back in the 1970’s and now they are considered a basic feature. In the last two years luxury has included adding finished basements and even plasma televisions. Builders are trying to do whatever they can to move inventory including installing Granite instead of Corian in most of their homes. Size is also something that buyers are insisting get bigger. They are looking for more counter space, more cabinet space, double sinks etc. When the market began to slow, some home builders changed from laminate to granite, from carpet to hardwood, and stainless steel appliances became a must.
On the flip side, some builders are putting in the basics like ceramic tile, vinyl flooring and lower end carpeting and pricing the home at very affordable prices. They want the buyer to get what they see instead of being disappointed by luring advertising. Some homes advertise at very attractive prices, when the buyer arrives they learn that those prices don’t include the granite, stainless steel etc that they see
Then there are builders in the country who ignore the market fluctuations completely. They study the neighborhoods determining what features people would prefer in their homes. They buy those in bulk and install them in all their homes. Because they are buying in bulk they save money and bring a bigger value to the buyer. But some are skeptical of this approach feeling that buyers want the opportunity to upgrade to feel special.
Whatever your preference, the current market has buyers able to get more of what they want. Buyers are becoming more knowledgeable even negotiating directly with builders and in this market, they are getting what they ask for.
Design by IMC, Articles © Copyright 2007 by AllVailListings.com
Top of Page
|
