What Features Do New Home Buyers Want?

You may not be buying a new construction home this year. But maybe you have some remodeling project in mind for your home. Did you know the trends in new home construction are also what's popular in home updates?

Let’s take a look at what’s sought after in new homes:

Kitchen Island
 

In a recent survey, kitchen islands were the home buyers' No. 1 priority. With built-in storage, islands help keep kitchens tidy by providing additional cabinets and drawers, as well as countertop workspace. 

Walk-In Pantry
 

Continuing the storage theme, walk-in pantries came in at No. 2. This is a top priority, due to its ability to reduce clutter by providing plenty of shelves and storage options. Families are also buying more products in bulk now, so more pantry space is needed.

Entryway Options/Mud Rooms
 

'Walk-through' laundry rooms, where you enter the home from the garage and walk through the laundry room, have been popular for years, but everyday entries are quickly growing in popularity. These might include a small vestibule or hall and can even include a small alcove for shoes, key drop, or a place for backpack storage.

Large Laundry Room
 

Luxury laundry rooms with built-in storage and a sink.

Patio
 

When compared to other outdoor living spaces such as a deck or porch, 44% of experts say that a covered patio wins out in terms of most wanted.

Large Front Porches/Wrap Around Porches
 

Great for curb appeal and porch sitting. Some wrap around porches open to the great room or dining area, making for a relaxing space to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning.

Hardwood Flooring
 

Today’s buyers are looking for hardwood flooring, especially in the higher priced new homes. Hardwoods provide a durable and long-lasting surface that is easy to clean and maintain, and also adds a touch of elegance and warmth to any room.

Multi-Zone HVAC System
 

With more than one zone, these systems allow for precise temperature control in different areas or rooms, ensuring everyone stays comfortable and reducing energy consumption.

Full Bath on the Main Level
 

A full bath on the main level is a big priority. A full bathroom provides easy access for guests and residents, eliminating the need to go upstairs or downstairs, and is especially beneficial for people with mobility issues or for hosting gatherings.

Ranch
 

You can’t make your two-level home into a ranch, but we have worked with several clients recently that are converting a downstairs powder room into a full bathroom. This is allows you to have a bedroom and bathroom on the main level for family members that have difficulty with stairs.

Large Windows
 

Builders are looking for new ways to bring the outdoors in. This year, they are focused on the number, size, and location of windows to improve indoor-outdoor connectivity. Windows that extend to the floor of a home have become very popular.

Home Offices
 

32% of all single-family plans that sold in 2024 offered one (though this actually is a decrease from 2023, when it was 36%). Sometimes the office is smaller than you'd expect. Some have a window to provide light and a view while you're in meetings.

Are you now thinking about some changes you could make to your home? 
We know we are!

What’s Hot At Enhance

Hardwood floors! In fact, it is one of the few flooring categories that grew last year. LVP/LVT, the “it” floor for the past several years, is actually trending down. 

Why, you may be wondering. We think because people are seeing the value in the real thing. With hardwood floors, you don’t have to be concerned about pattern repeats, PVCs, and nonsustainability.  Hardwood floors are also the only floor that actually ADDS value to your home.

Our best selling hardwoods were all prefinished wide plank European Oak. The top style was Palmetto Road Monet, 3/8” x 6 ½” wide. Coming in second was Mohawk Camden Isle, a ½” x 5” product. Karastan Collington rounded out the top three, the widest of the best sellers at 7 1/2” wide.

The top selling colors were very light: Clermont, Barley Buff, French Canvas Oak, and Champagne, with a few exceptions. Bordeaux is a brownish red, Chocolate Truffle is a dark stain color, and Eiffel is a greyish-brown.

Wide plank and light is the hot look in hardwood floors. If you already have hardwoods in your home, you can’t make them wider, but if the floor can be refinished, you can go lighter if you want to update your color scheme.

How Much Does It Cost?



We recently installed the Camden Isle in the den, kitchen, and large hallway (660 square feet) of a Marietta home. Total price was a little over $7700 all inclusive. 

Our client took advantage of 12 month interest free financing, and her monthly payments are just a little over $600 per month. Take advantage of this great way to get your new floor today and take one year to pay! 
Learn more: Financing

Wonderful World Of Window Treatments

The world of interior design is constantly evolving, and window treatments are no exception. As we approach 2025, homeowners increasingly seek solutions that balance style, functionality, and sustainability.

Eco-Friendly Materials
 

In 2025, expect an increase in window treatments made from natural, renewable materials like bamboo, rattan, and sustainably sourced wood. These options bring a touch of nature indoors and align with eco-conscious living. For added energy efficiency, consider cellular shades designed to regulate temperature and reduce energy costs.

Motorization and Smart Technology
 

Smart homes are the future along with motorized window treatments. Motorized blinds and shades are perfect for hard-to-reach windows and integrate seamlessly with home automation systems like Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. Control light and privacy with a simple voice command or schedule your window coverings to adjust automatically throughout the day.

Minimalist Elegance
 

Sleek and minimalist window treatment styles continue to resonate with homeowners who prefer a clean, modern aesthetic. Think roller shades in neutral tones, sheer panels, or simple shutters. These understated options let the rest of your décor shine while providing practical benefits like light control and privacy.