real estate » Today’s Homes: Does Size Matter? T he gridiron of American football to .30 acres. The median lot size here in is a battleground where strength, Southeastern Michigan, part of the North speed and endurance are mea- Central Region, is .24 acres. sured. It also provides a nifty frame of refer- FOCUSED ON FEATURES ence for a variety of other mea- Though lots are reportedly getting surements, including the size of smaller, one could argue that it’s land on which today’s new homes not their size that matters most, are built. Interestingly, these lots but rather, it’s the features within are getting smaller and smaller. those structures. According to the U.S. Census So what are today’s homes’ most Bureau, the median lot size for sought-after features? That usually new single-family detached homes depends on the buyer. A recent in 2015 was less than one-fifth of Norm survey from National Association an acre — the smallest on record. Finkelstein of Home Builders compared the Using a football field as our mea- Norwood preferences of different age groups suring stick, 5.6 of those lots would Homes and found that older generations fit between the goal lines. tend to look for single-story, small- But not all regions of the coun- er homes (under 1,900 square feet), while try are equal when it comes to the size the younger generations lean more strongly of lots. New England typically has much larger lots than other areas due to its popu- toward two-story, larger homes (at least 2,300 square feet). lation density regulations. But in other Regardless of age, buyers consider many regions, median lots range from .15 acres Norwood Homes “Gardenia,” built in Royal Oak of the same amenities to be either desirable or essential. The list of the most popular amenities includes Energy Star-rated windows and appliances, a full bathroom on the main level and exterior lighting. Topping the list as the single most-wanted feature in a home: a designated laundry room. DESIRABLE COMMUNITIES When it comes to the features of the sur- rounding neighborhood, most of the home buyers reported the same amenities at or near the top of their most-wanted lists: A community that’s typically suburban, with close proximity to a park area and access to walking/jogging trails. Most also want to be in a community near retail locations. As our regional and national economies continue to grow stronger, and while inter- est rates remain low, now is one of the best times to buy a new home. Visit the Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan’s website at www.builders.org and select “Buyers Guide” to find a list of build- ers, remodelers and companies that supply products and services for the home. To find a list of new homes currently being built, visit www.ParadeHBA.com. * Norm Finkelstein is immediate past president of the Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan. Melanie S. Bishop Noah S. Bishop-Cohen “SOLD” IS MY MIDDLE NAME THE NEXT GENERA TION OF “SOLD” www.MelanieSold.com nscohen26@gmail.com 248-867-7800 (248)867-4877 4130 Telegraph Rd. Over $42 Million Sold in 2015 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 Max Broock Bloomfi eld Hills #1 Agents Ask for Melanie 248-867-7800 BIRMINGHAM BLOOMFIELD HILLS Fabulous stonework exterior compliments contemporary interior. Pristine condition with hardwood floors and expansive great room with granite fireplace. Sleek kitchen with mosaics and top of the line appliances. Open floor plan and architectural details with 3,496 sq. ft, 3 beds, 2 ½ baths, master with fireplace. Finished lower level, 3 car garage and only a few blocks from town. $799,900 Renovated to perfection both inside and out with new roof, windows, fl ooring, baths & more! 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