Housing trends come and go. We’re happy to see some sitting at the curb, and we decide to keep others around longer. Architects, designers, and builders see these trends coming long before we do, so we thought it might be fun to look at what we might see in new Southern Maryland homes in 2018.
Not tiny homes, but smaller homes.
Gen X-ers are looking for larger homes, but Baby Boomer and Millennials are hunting for smaller homes. Because of this – and even though land and labor is pricey – builders are more than happy to supply buyers with these homes in 2018.
But don’t think that small means cramped. You’ll still find the open floor plan that has been popular for decades.
One trend worth noting is that many new homes will feature “more and larger windows … and multiple skylights,” according to Petro Homes in Ohio. These not only help add natural light to the home but make rooms appear larger.
Trends in the kitchen.
It’s been more than two decades since the extinction of the one-room kitchen at the back of the house. Open kitchens are still on trend. The kitchen that opens to the family room or dining room is a trend that will continue as the focus on entertaining grows, or so says a CBS News piece.
Open kitchen trends in 2017 included appliances that blended into adjacent living spaces, like wood-front refrigerators. The open-kitchen trend continues in 2018 but with a bit of bling. Look for copper, rose gold, and brass in light fixtures and hardware. On the counter, you’ll see quartz in high-end new homes. Granite will still be popular, but quartz countertops don’t need to be seals and re-sealed.
Going green.
Studies have shown that “green” homes sell faster and for more money. Those who buy a green Southern Maryland home may be doing so, though, to save money while they live there. Thankfully, builders are wising up and ramping up their energy efficiency programs in 2018.
Any homeowner can implement one of the easiest green trends: A touchless water faucet. We’ve all needed to turn on the water with greasy hands and this faucet does away with that. And, touchless faucets save water by only giving it to you when you need it.
If you’re looking for a new Southern Maryland home and want green features, contact me! I’m happy to show you what’s available for sale right now.
Homes get smart.
It caught on slowly, but home builders say that home automation is one of the fastest growing trends in their industry. You’ll see it mostly in appliances, but don’t be surprised if you find you can turn on the heater on your way home from work or open the front door – all with your phone.
New, smart thermostats help homeowners combine the convenience of home automation with energy efficiency because these devices track our behavior and “learn” what temperature we prefer in the home when we get up in the morning, arrive home from work, and go to bed in the evening.
Moving outdoors.
The trend toward outdoor living spaces started a couple of years ago, and experts estimate it will be even stronger in 2018. According to a Wakefield Research survey, 56 percent of prospective homebuyers surveyed said they would give up interior square footage if it meant they’d get a larger yard.
And, as a bonus, Remodeling magazine’s 2017 Cost Vs. Value report showed that there’s a 60 to 71 percent return on investment when the home with outdoor living features is sold.
Custom homebuilders are happy to create your outdoor oasis, and some new-home development builders are starting to add electric, gas, and plumbing connections to outdoor space that they consider will be likely sites for outdoor living spaces.
What’s hot in the outdoors? Outdoor kitchens are the most popular, with a pool and spa coming in a close second. Outdoor fireplaces and pits come in third.
If this is the year you’ll finally get that nobody-has-ever-lived-here-before Southern Maryland home, get in touch with me. It’s important to have your own representation, so you don’t have to rely on the builder’s agent.
Waldorf MD Homes for Sale and Real Estate Services in Southern Maryland. You now have a search engine to help you with your Southern Maryland home search! And I’m ready to provide you with a custom home valuation if you’re considering selling your home. Let’s connect to discuss how I can help you. Contact Kimberly Bean at 301-440-1309
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