The following are some emerging trends that are starting to appear on the most selective buyers' "wants" lists:
Homeowners want outdoor living spaces that have the look and feel of a beautifully furnished interior room. We are seeing large covered patios with areas to include plush cushioned chairs, decorative coffee tables, extravegant lighting and ceiling fans etc. This exterior room would take advantage of the wide range of available natural material finishes including travertine marble, granite , slate, tumbled marble, and natural stone. Tyically the outdoor area would be centered around a large "statement" stone firelplace or focus on the tropical pool. Multimedia capabilities are becoming more and more important. We are seeing not only music being piped into these areas but also television and internet.
To compliment these outdoor living areas, we are seeing amazing outdoor kitchens with lots of counter space for food preparation, high end commercial grade cookers with stove tops and warming ovens. Full sinks with hot and cold water and of course the built in refrigerator and ice maker.
Dedicated dog showers are a trend that has also been emerging. An open shower near the back door with a square shower base and at least 4 feet of tile going up the wall. This shower will not only include a wall mounted shower head, but also a hand held. This room would double as a great place to not only clean up "Fido" but also to hose down little Johnny.
Remote Controls for virtually everything including the pool, the spa, drapes, security gates, exterior lighting, air conditioning, sprinkler system, interior lighting - you name it.
It used to be that a three car garage was all the rage. It was perfect for storing two full sized cars and leaving room for the yard equipment, bicycles and the rest of your "stuff". Now we're seeing more and more garages with three bays and 10 feet extensions beyond that. 4 car, 5 car and even 6 car garages are becoming more and more commonplace. Not only do we want room for our two main cars plus our weekend "play" car - but we also want room for our Harley Davidson, our ping pong tables, and perhaps a jet ski or two.
We are seeing requests for elaborate "destination" bathrooms that function as a home getaway with mulit use areas including breakfast bars with cappicino makers and refrigerators and microwaves, throne style bath tubs, message tables, tanning beds. They are wanting these incredible retreats to have large dressing areas with built-ins in the closets. The also want a lounging area with views of a flat panel high def. television, access to a computer with high speed internet and telephone and reading areas.
Mark Fuller is an Expert Luxury Home Buyer's Representative Spcializing in the sale and marketing of Luxury Homes in the Houston Texas area. He can be reached at the following places:
Email: Homes@markfuller.net
Direct Office - 713-470-2161