The Future for Homes
The home of the future doesn’t include Jetson-style hovercrafts or robotic maids – yet – but there are some interesting findings in a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders.
Here are some ways in which people can expect homes to change by as early as 2015:
- Single-family homes will get smaller (74 percent of respondents said).
- Homes will have more “green” features (68 percent).
- Homes will have more technology features (29 percent).
- Homes will have more universal access features (20 percent).
- Homes will have more outdoor living features, such as kitchens and fireplaces (10 percent).
- The average home size will be roughly 2,150 sf.
- Living rooms will merge with other spaces in the home (52 percent), vanish to save on square footage (30 percent), or become a parlor/retreat/library or music room (13 percent).
- If the living room doesn’t vanish, it will likely decrease in size (76 percent).
- Also downsizing are the entry foyer (66 percent) and dining room (63 percent).
- Features “very likely” to be included in a new home in 2015 include a kitchen-living room combo (“great room”), walk-in closet in master bedroom, laundry room and two-car garage.
- “Unlikely” features include three or more bathrooms, mudroom, unheated porch, dining room, skylights, three-car garage, four or more bedrooms, media room and two master bedroom suites.
- Homebuyers are “somewhat likely” to want universal design features such as stepless entries, three-foot-wide doorways and four-foot-wide hallways, stepless showers that have seating, non-slip floor surfaces and grab bars in bathrooms.
- People seem likely to lavish more attention on the kitchen, ensuring that room will retain its status as the home’s social center. Survey respondents said they are “very likely” to want double sinks, recessed lighting, table space for eating and breakfast bars. They’re “somewhat likely” to want a central island, walk-in pantry, recycling center and desk/computer area.
Source: Real Estate Center
Read MoreMortgage Rates and Points – Harold Smith – Episode #98
Harold Smith with Cornerstone Mortgage is back again to discuss mortgage rates and points. He will explain how they are tied together and some scenarios where “buying down a rate” can make sense…and when it does not.
For more info:
The Matteson Group
Coldwell Banker Apex, Realtors
214.405.3640
Your trusted real estate advisors providing a joy filled experience!
Here is Harold’s info:
The Harold Smith Team | Cornerstone Mortgage Company
5600 W. Lover’s Lane, Suite 204, Dallas, TX 75209
Toll Free: 1.877.890.5055 | Office: 214.350.5055 | Fax: 214.350.5008
Pre-Qualify Online: www.HaroldSmithTeam.com
E-Mail: harold@houseloan.com
Boots Burgers – Episode #9
The entire Matteson Group (including Audree) takes you to 701 Austin Street for one of the best burgers in Rockwall Texas at Boots Burgers. Boots Burgers has been around for over 40 years and is in high demand come the lunch rush from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday. To phone in an order call 972-722-5802. For more info about the history behind this fabulous burger stand click here to read the Dallas Morning News article.
Read MoreELECTRIC BILL? WHAT ELECTRIC BILL?
A $467-per-year (yes, per year) electric bill, about $300,000 in home electronics and nights spent sleeping beneath the starry desert sky. Welcome to this year’s New American Home.
Las Vegas builder Blue Heron and architect Danielian Associates collaborated with interior designer Robb & Stucky Interiors to create the 2009 New American Home, a home that incorporates cutting-edge energy efficiency technology while offering such surprises as an elevator, wine cellar and private outdoor bedroom.
“We wanted to blur the line between indoor and outdoor living,” said Michael Murphy, owner of Blue Heron.
Murphy said care was taken to include a wide range of energy efficiency features that could be used in various regions of the country. Those included natural gas–powered heating and cooling, solar water heating and extensive use of photovoltaic panels that generate electricity for the house.
The home, which has more than 8,500 sf of air-conditioned space, was sited to optimize solar resources, and it incorporates landscape design that helps limit water and energy demand.
What will happen to the home once IBS 2009 leaves town? That’s already been taken care of. Murphy said the home has been sold to a private investor for around $5 million.
Source: Real Estate Center
Read MoreA GOOD PLACE TO START
U.S. News & World Report says Texas is one of the best places to start a business.
The state’s lack of income or capital gains taxes for individuals and Texas’ low worker compensation costs are the reasons cited. The news magazine ranks Texas fourth behind Washington, Virginia and Colorado.
Texas was praised for having the most globe-focused manufacturing sector in the country.
Source: Austin Business Journal
Read MoreWAITING TO EXHALE
The Environmental Protection Agency has approved the Dallas–Fort Worth clean air plan for ozone, making the region the first in the nation to receive such an endorsement.
Under the plan, ozone-forming pollutants will be reduced by 88 tons per day, and officials expect air quality in the area to meet the federal ozone standard of 84 parts per billion by 2010.
The plan will improve air quality by more than 55 percent over 1999 levels, which, in combination with previous plans, will result in a total of 409 tons per day of ozone pollution reduction.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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