Going Beyond Trends in Real Estate

Real estate trends are often mislabeled. When people think about trends, they think transient: as in UGG® boots, skinny jeans, leg warmers and Joan Crawford inspired shoulder pads. Surely none of these trends has continuous staying power and while they may rear their ugly heads from time to time, they are not an intrinsic part of fashion evolution. 

When it comes to houses, sometimes what we identify as trends can be better described as reflections of evolving cultural needs. Over time, we change the structure, layout and function of our homes, both inside and out, to reflect the ways in which we live, work and play. With that said, there are some newer additions to home design that have begun to take root, a sure sign of their staying power: first floor master suites and home offices.

Economic realities here in the U.S. factor heavily as families often need to shift gears and create multigenerational settings within a household to care for aging parents. Bringing the family together under one roof ranks high with few affordable, attractive options in the realm of long term care and assisted living facilities available for seniors. As aging Baby Boomers begin to realize their vision of a continuing active lifestyle well into retirement, they will need to plan ahead and find houses with floor plans that can serve them well as they age. In this scenario, first floor master suites make perfect sense.

For employers, change is afoot as the evolving virtual workplace means that more and more people are working from home. Businesses are realizing the benefits of telecommuting, either full or part-time, for their employees and the corporate bottom line.  Technology is being leveraged to bridge the distance gap for communication within the workplace. As a result, we will see more and more new homes designed with home offices. An ideal home office has great natural light, privacy and generous storage space. A perfect one (as in this new listing on Creamery Road) has a separate entrance and is situated away from the traffic and noise of the main living areas.

Offered for $315,000, this delightful Cape style home answers these two important growing areas of need for contemporary families with the perfect home office and wonderful first floor master suite. A custom delight, this spacious 3BR Cape on Creamery Road in Durham has been designed as the perfect family home. The first floor carves out family spaces with a living room with fireplace, reading room and huge sun-drenched family room with cathedral ceilings, palladian windows and incredible built-ins to store and display your treasures. Open to the kitchen and dining room, the family room is just perfect for hosting friends and family with French door access to the private Trex® deck with built-in benches.

Two large bedrooms live upstairs, but you will love the main floor master suite featuring lots of windows, striking bookcases and built-ins, and full bath with gorgeous tile and glass enclosed shower. Golden oak cabinets in the kitchen will sing a happy working song to celebrate the fine meals you will prepare with tons of work and storage space, and stainless appliances. And if aqua isn't your color, swap out the counter for one that suits you!

Getting work done from home can be a challenge, but not from this home office on the second floor - the true workhorse of any home and an organizer's paradise with built-ins galore. No one will even know you're home with a private entrance behind the garage. This well-loved home offers 2400 square feet, hardwood floors, new roof, two full baths, full basement, and a one car garage – all on just under one acre.

These smart, forward thinking trends are here to stay! If you would like information about this terrific house or another property, call me ~ 860.918-4580.