What 2012 Buyers Want In Greenville NC Real Estate

Just as fashions and car styles change from year to year, so do home features that head the “most wanted” list of potential buyers of Greenville NC real estate. Where wall-to-wall carpeting was once the rage, hardwood floors, now reign supreme, and a formal, center dining room is often viewed as a negative feature rather than a positive one. And style preference has certainly changed; replacing the McMansions on the “must-have” list are arts and craft bungalows, mid-century homes, and residences with Old-World charm and character.

WHAT’S IN:

• Green features: Energy-efficient appliances, air-tight windows, heating systems, etc., have become expected features..
• Sustainable materials: The use of stone, terra cotta, bamboo, and cork are popular choices.
• Storage areas: A garage, preferably a 2 car, is a must, as are walk-in-closets, pantries, and an abundance of storage space.
• Condition: No fixer-uppers for this year’s buyers. They are looking for a move-in-ready, well-maintained piece of Greenville NC real estate.
• Layout: The open layout with few walls is still the most popular, as it allows for casual dining, family gatherings, and large-scale entertaining.
• Luxury touches and the amenities that convey luxury: High dollar finishes, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, tile baths, counter bars and stools are all desired.
• Outdoor Living: Screen porches, outdoor kitchens, two-way fireplaces, and the all-important deck or patio add to a home’s appeal.
• Specialized space: Reflecting today’s lifestyle, high on the wanted list are media and workout rooms. Some type of foyer or entrance space is also a necessity for today’s buyers.
• Quality bathrooms: Definitely more than one! Pedestal sinks; soaking, jetted, and claw foot tubs; and a separate shower and tub are also very popular in the bathroom right now and are what most buyers are going for.

WHAT’S OUT:

• Retro touches: Features of 1970’s-80’s homes such as avocado appliances, walnut cabinets, and Formica countertops are being shunned this year.
• Dated layout: Buyers of Greenville NC real estate are giving a “thumbs down” to restrictive layouts and are eschewing bedrooms off living or dining rooms, center dining rooms, and stairways located directly in front of an entrance door.

And topping the list: Since this is still decidedly a buyer’s market, the most desired feature this year is a bargain, be it in price or incentives, or both.

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Whether you are considering buying a home, selling a home or both, Liz Freeman knows the Greenville, North Carolina area inside and out. Most of her team members were born and raised in Pitt County, NC which has provided them with strong ties to the area, allowing them to become a successful Greenville NC real estate team.

Liz Freeman and her team have distinguished themselves as leaders in the Greenville NC real estate market. Liz assists buyers looking for Greenville NC real estate for sale and aggressively markets Greenville NC homes for sale. Liz is also a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), avoid foreclosure and short sale expert, committed to helping families in financial hardship find options to foreclosure. For more information you can visit Liz Helps.com. You can reach Liz by filling out her online contact form or give her a call.