Century 21 agent describes trends

     The needs of today's home buyers are changing, leading home builders to design floor plans differently than they have in the past, according to Linda Harper, an agent in the Summerlin office of Century 21 MoneyWorld.
      "One of the biggest changes we're seeing is that buyers are looking for space for extended family or an elderly family member," Harper said. "Several builders, recognizing this need, are offering casitas, or separate living quarters, as an upgrade to upper-end homes.
      "Other builders are offering plans that have two master bedrooms, particularly with one downstairs to accommodate an elderly person who might struggle with stairs."
      Home offices are also becoming a popular feature.
      "That's the single thing people today are looking for," Harper said. "That means a room with the capability for technology, including additional phone lines."
      Harper said many new-home developments feature home offices in their models with built-in bookshelves and desks.
      According to Harper, open floor plans are in demand. Homes are generally built with the kitchen attached to the family room, which allows parents to watch children while cooking. Such great-room designs are one of many family-friendly designs that are popular, particularly in smaller homes.
      "In most cases a true four-bedroom home sells faster than three bedrooms with a den. In addition, we're seeing more super-sized family rooms, which allows a spacious, central location for the family to gather," Harper said.
      In moderately priced homes, she said formal dining rooms have declined in popularity, replaced by kitchen nooks or family rooms with eating areas. Rising in popularity is the "Jack and Jill" bath. And in high-end homes, she said, builders are offering a media room option, which has space for a big-screen television, surround sound and often special seating.
      Harper said clients moving from different areas of the country look for different features in a floor plan.
      "Don't worry that you're not going to be able to sell the home down the road. There's a buyer for every floor plan, it just takes a good Realtor to do the research to find the home that fits the buyers' lifestyle," she said.
      "That's why working with a quality agent is so important. We can save you time by doing the research about the floor plans that are out there -- both new and resales -- before you get into the car to drive around town."
      Century 21 MoneyWorld has five offices in the Las Vegas Valley.

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