What's Hot in Homes?

Dreaming of a new home?

With interest rates remaining low, it may be a good time for you to build a new home, or purchase an existing home. After a three-year hiatus, the North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) is planning for its 2011 Parade of Homes which runs Sundays through the month of July.

The free tour is open to the public starting on Sunday.

While the homes on the tour vary in size and price, Jean Sexton, NCBIA executive officer, noted that the national housing trend shows buyers are looking for a smaller floor plan and getting away from the larger homes. Buyers also are looking for more energy efficient homes.

“Energy efficient homes go way beyond a low-flow toilet,” Sexton said. “Some builders have added tankless water heaters, which heat the water as you use it. There also are several materials, such as certain flooring products, which are more environmentally friendly.”

Trends come and go, but it’s still the kitchen and bathrooms that usually sell a home.

“People tend to look for those immediately in a home,” Sexton said. “They still want the granite counter tops in the kitchen and even the bathroom, and the updated fixtures. They also like for the home to have a family breakfast nook.”

Outdoor living spaces also are gaining in popularity.

“Our goal is to let the public know the builders are still out there building homes and have a lot to offer,” Sexton said. “You may just find the home of your dreams.”

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