Busy kitchen. Concierge service. Group work place. Relationships with local businesses.
These and other features are services that housing professionals recommend that builders and developers provide to future home buyers.
“What consumers want in a community is changing, forcing developers and rental communities to rethink previously standard services and respond to changing needs,” says Megan Sherlock, John Burns Research Analyst. Real Estate Consulting.
For example, “messy kitchen.” Most of us already have it, every time we cook. But here’s the thing: a small addition to the main kitchen that helps keep the main kitchen looking clean and great. After all, today’s kitchen, with cabinet-quality cabinets, granite or quartz countertops, and accent lighting, is a fashion statement.
Architect Daryl Patterson of Housing Design Matters in Jacksonville explains that cluttered kitchens are “those little everyday appliances you use regularly without any clutter”.
A big proponent of second kitchens, Patterson has one in her home, which she says she uses “all the time.” This is where you start your day making coffee, but now I wish it included a sink and dumpster. Without a sink, Patterson has to go to the main kitchen island to fetch water to make his coffee. Afterwards, you’ll have to head back to the main kitchen to dispose of the garbage. Don’t ask how many times his filter is broken on the way to the dumpster, he says.
A small second kitchen is not only practical, it’s also relatively inexpensive: You pretty much just add cabinets and running water.
Beyond second kitchens, a trend-tracking study from The Burns Company reveals three low-cost, high-impact services developers can use to attract today’s young home buyers.
First: Concierge Services. Hotels have long offered this kind of help: Walk up to the concierge desk, ask where to find a good Italian restaurant or the nearest full-service gym, and you’ll get an answer on the spot.
But the concierge also fulfills other functions. It can organize events on your behalf, book tours and transportation, make restaurant reservations, and even respond to complaints and take appropriate action.
That’s exactly what Sherlock sees for future housing estates, at least those who are big enough to afford it. It states that similar services gatekeeperWhich eases the demands of everyday life, will allow homeowners to join in on other priorities.
He also likes the idea of a community rental service where people can rent fishing rods, bikes, and even lawn mowers. The service will allow residents to practice seasonal sports such as skiing or kayaking without having to buy and store equipment.
It’s part of the “sharing economy,” says Sherlock, with which today’s young shoppers grew up. So is the idea of a community workplace for those who no longer need to go to a distant office. And it works for both those who do not have enough space in their homes to set up an office and those who want to move out of the house.
Sherlock says a co-working space, perhaps in a community clubhouse or stand-alone building, would serve the needs of those working at home, 40% of whom have their laptops installed in kitchens, spare rooms or basements. , at least once a week. Sherlock suggests that this space could go even beyond the standard conference room “by offering remote employees the option of renting equipment such as soundproofed rooms or green screens and lighting.”
If it is not possible to offer the location of work togetherYou like the idea of partnering with nearby businesses that offer these services. “A discounted membership is a great way to support the community,” he says.
Connecting neighbors directly to other local services is also a good way to build support. They say spa and gym discounts, dining and shopping deals, and even happy hour deals at nearby craft breweries can help people explore and be part of the community.
For her part, Sarah Gutterman of Green Builder Media suggests builders optimize their outdoor installations. “People are tired of being confined indoors and are looking to design permanent outdoor areas to relax, entertain, and garden,” he says. “In an unpredictable and confusing world, homeowners find solace in their porches, patios, and gardens.”
And finally, builders should consider adding a small space for the owners’ dogs. Patterson says many of his employees wish they had the foresight to create a better place to store their pet’s food, toys, and bowls. One of them even wants to bathe a dog in the garage where his dog can shake off the excess water.
Patterson’s own home has such a dog shower: It’s waist-deep, with hot water and a high-powered dryer. Her husband scoffed at the idea when they built their home a few years ago, but now he loves it. “What used to take an hour for one dog now takes 30 minutes for both,” he says.
Lew Sichelman has been covering the real estate industry for over 50 years. He is a regular contributor to several housing magazines and publications in the housing and finance sector. Readers can contact him at [email protected]
