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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.

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Noah S. Bishop-Cohen

“SOLD” IS MY MIDDLE NAME

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nscohen26@gmail.com

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2067160

34 September 15 • 2016

