Being Trendy as a Buyer Is Not Always Best by Angie Ungs
Just like fashion, residential architecture is a constantly evolving trend. Think back to your home in the 60's and 70's; I am willing to put money on the fact that there was a split foyer home somewhere on memory lane. In the 80's, two-story homes lined the suburban subdivision streets, and with the 90's came the ranch style home still wildly popular today. But just like fashion, architectural trends repeat themselves and what was old is eventually new again.
When deciding on what style of home suits you best, an open mind is critical. Just because 90% of new construction homes today are a ranch style, does not mean a ranch will best suit every individual's lifestyle. There are advantages and drawbacks to every style of home, and it's important to prioritize current needs, as well as consider how those needs may change in the near future.
For example, the ranch offers an open floor plan with the possibility of vaulted ceilings and a ‘great room' feel. However, many buyers don't realize that the bedrooms are often so close to the main living area that it can make a family of five feel like they are constantly right on top of each other. A month after moving in they may already be dreaming of adding on or moving out! It may make more sense to give up the vaulted ceilings for more separation of space made possible in a two-story. The kids can play or study upstairs while mom and dad unwind in the living room.
On the other hand, having a main floor master and secondary bedrooms on the second story may be scary for expectant parents shopping for a new home for their growing family. The thought of a staircase separating mom and baby is nerve-wracking! But with further consideration, they may come to the conclusion that within a year, when baby is sleeping through the night, those fears are obsolete.
A split level home can offer the best of both worlds by providing multiple levels of living space, separation of bedrooms, and the possibility of vaulted ceilings on the main level. Of course, for buyers who plan to retire in the home, having several staircases to maneuver is less than desirable. A slab ranch style home may be exactly what these buyers need!
The bottom line is that lifestyle, not trends, should dictate the style of home a buyer ultimately purchases. A good agent will walk the buyers through every style of home while helping them identify the advantages and disadvantages of each, eventually coming to a decision that they can comfortably live with for years to come. Agents need to make buyers realize that finishings and décor can easily be updated to fit a buyer's taste and change to stay current with the trends... but the layout and functionality of a home is meant to be permanent and is very expensive to alter.
