Daily Real Estate News  |  December 12, 2006  |   What Women Want in Homes
Home builders are designing home layouts with the woman buyer in mind.

Home builders McStain Neighborhoods and Meritage Homes Corp. have been asking women what kinds of layouts and amenities they prefer.

Their answers are important because women have made 21 percent of all recent home purchases, according to a study by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORSŪ. And women are responsible for making the final decision about home purchases 87 percent of the time, the home builders estimate.

In response to its surveys of women buyers, Meritage has created separate workspaces for men and women. It also has added open loft areas on the second floor and located laundry rooms and craft rooms near the kitchen.

“We have tried to take our floor plans and create homes specifically for moms or females who are working from home,” says Tina Martelon, Meritage spokeswoman. “The female is often running a part-time or full- time business from home and needs her own space.”

Mothers are a big voice in the renewed popularity of urban living, says Caroline Hoyt, co-owner of McStain Home. As a result, McStain has been concentrating on in-fill developments. They also are building homes with porches that encourage neighborliness, and they are paying attention to the proximity of parks.

“The working mom just wants to make her life simple and safe and welcoming," Hoyt says.

Source: Denver Post, Beth Potter (12/10/2006)