In 1940, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 35 percent of all housing units in the country did not have a flush toilet. Perhaps today’s over-65 portion of our populace remembers those days. According to a recent NAR profile of buyers’ home feature preferences, nearly 9 out of 10 homebuyers 65 years or older reported that having two or more bathrooms was very important.
Research has shown that what members of one generation value in a home may not even be a consideration for people in preceding or subsequent generations. Some features that were once necessary are now considered de rigueur. Sixty years ago, coal and wood were used to heat 3 of every 4 homes. As a recent GFK Roper study reported, Generation Xers (born 1965-1978) dream about owning a home with a fireplace, but it’s not likely they’re thinking about heating their home with it.
Other features seem headed for extinction. The same GFK Roper study found that baby boomers rank a workshop sixth on their list of dream home elements; the same room ranks tenth for Generation X, and doesn’t even appear on the list for Generation Y (born 1979-1994).
To do a multi-generational study, I would love to hear from Baby Boomers to Gen X’rs to finally the Millennials what your point of views are toward your “Dream Home” features or simply items of importance in a home today. Please either comment to this post or email me.
About hankbailey
Member of the Athens Area Association of REALTORS®, Georgia Association of REALTORS®, and the National Association of REALTORS®. I grew up in Athens and graduated from UGA with a BBA from the Terry College. I serve as a Residential Real Estate Listing and Buyer Services through Prudential Georgia, one of the largest real estate companies in the State of Georgia. Working with first time home buyers, step-up buyers, and Relocations in Jackson, Barrow, Oconee, and Athens-Clarke Counties.
http://www.AdvancedPropertyMarketing.com (this is our listing methodology)
http://www.GetJobLossProtection.com (this is an overview of our job loss program)
• Adept at understanding mortgage financing issues, products, and terminology.
• Technical expertise in internet marketing.
• Excellence in establishing trust with clients.
Represents Prudential Georgia Property Management in the acquisition and marketing of properties for lease in the Greater Athens area.
Personal website; www.athensgahomesforsale.com
Member of GA MLS
Member of FMLS
Member Georgia Association of REALTORS®
Member of Athens Association of REALTORS®
Member of the National Association of REALTORS®
Member of the UGA Alumni Association
High on my “dream home”(ugh! I dislike that term) list are things such as radiant floor heating, solar and geothermal power sources and NO stupid spa tub! Realistically sized master suites, rather than the monsters some builders seem to want to force on us. Ultra-high efficiency appliances are a must as well. Dump the stupid granite counter tops, as they are in no way remotely “green”. A large lot with very little grass would be nice. I’m 51 and have been taking care of a large older home with way too much yard for way too long! The yard may be great if you have kids who will actually go outside and use it but its a waste of money if you just want to impress the neighbors with the greenness of your grass.