Consumer Preferences in a...

...soft real east market. That's the focus of this story from the NAHB's e-newsletter:

ven in the depths of the current cyclical housing downturn, consumers continue to be interested in housing and home builders can tap into that potential by paying careful attention to home buying preferences, according to two experts on market trends who presented their latest research findings at the International Builders’ Show in Orlando last month.

Emerging as a strong draw for consumers this year is anything “green,” a market force that has been gaining strength with the continuing rise of energy costs, according to Gopal Ahluwalia, NAHB’s vice president of research.

“New home buyers are most influenced by greener choices that include energy-efficient features and equipment-based energy saving features,” said Ahluwalia. “They are also very interested in exterior features, such as a front porch, deck or patio in the rear, and exterior lighting. In addition, laundry rooms and dining rooms are widely considered to be essential in new homes.”