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Agent of My Success – Ian Robinson
This issue we have special guest, Ian
Robinson, writing about Luxury New Home Trends. Ian is a recent Certified
New Home Specialist™ graduate. Ian was a former teacher who now devotes his
time to real estate (where he ranks among the top 5% in the nation), his
family, concert performances and charitable causes. We thank Ian for his
very informative article.
 Luxury New Home Trends
By Ian Robinson ABR,CRS,CLHMS, CNHS,e-Pro
www.movewithian.com
847-926-1666
Buyers of high-end new homes tend to spend
more time at home, and this is reflected in requests for integrated features
that allow luxury homeowners to comfortably spend time in their homes.
This often means creating lavish activity space such as spas, massage rooms,
saunas, yoga/meditation rooms, and steam rooms, according to Susan Schreiber
of DiamondSchreiber Homes. DiamondSchreiber Homes, a well-known and
respected builder of ultra high-end luxury homes in Chicago, is currently
building several custom and spec homes in Chicago’s North Shore Suburbs.
Schreiber noted that custom home clients are dictating what will become the
“new necessities” in luxury homes.
Facilities for fitness and physical recreation are important to the luxury
new home buyer. Expanded exercise space often includes lap pools, two or more separate workout
rooms, and indoor sports courts for basketball and tennis. A common location
for sports courts is under the garage. They may also feature amenities such as locker rooms, spas, and sports bars with TVs.
Many new home buyers are looking for impressive space to entertain at home.
Party rooms for the children and outdoor living rooms with fireplaces and
fully-equipped kitchens are just a few buyer desires. Sports bar space with
a full kitchenette and multiple plasma TVs to watch sporting events provide a relaxing atmosphere with well-stocked,
easily-available refreshments.
Another new requirement for entertaining and family living is multiple
kitchens: one indoors, one outside and even one in the master
suite. Manufacturers such as Viking now have entire product lines, including
cabinetry, designed for outdoor use. These kitchens, coupled with outdoor
fireplaces are often used to create open air Great Rooms.
In many areas, the scarcity of land dictates that basements give way to
exquisite lower levels. Thanks to high levels of finish, amenities, walls of
windows, and oversized stone or brick window wells, lower levels feel equal
to the rest of the home in every way. And they want elevators to service
these multiple levels.
Practical space that is expected includes multiple home offices, a computer
work station in or next to the kitchen, kids playrooms, and even a home
gift-wrapping room with present closets to lock gifts away from curious
eyes. The laundry room is gaining more prominence in location and
importance. Often features, materials, and name brands are the same as those
found in the kitchen.
Decorating trends in kitchens and bathrooms have changed. Kitchens
are growing in square footage and the number of islands are multiplying.
White cabinetry and white marble countertops are resurging in
popularity with a trend toward retro design. In the bathrooms, decorative
glass tiles in the baths are on almost all "want" lists. More private space
for household members and guests are requested in the form of separate
his-and-hers master bathrooms, private bathrooms for each bedroom in the
home, and an additional guest powder room on the lower level.
A recent survey by Coldwell Banker found that security systems were the most
prevalent concern of 85% of luxury home buyers. Luxury new home buyers are
looking for heavy security items like camera surveillance viewable on all
TVs in the home, panic rooms, and walk-in safes for valuables and files.
Although many items such as media rooms, great rooms, and wine cellars are
still on many luxury new home buyers’ lists, they are adding more options
and choices than ever. Buyers are willing to pay for the comfort and luxury
of a home that perfectly suits their family’s needs for day-to-day living
and entertaining. Builders of high end custom and spec homes need to keep
informed about these features to assure future success.
We'd like to hear from you! Please email us at
articles@sellnewhomes.com.
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