Publisher's Note

Leslie Hathaway,
Publisher

I recently attended the National Association of Home Builders International Builders’ Show in January and noticed something different. Builders are catering more to what women want in a new home. In a seminar called “Purse Power: Why Builders Are Adapting to Women – The World’s Most Important Consumer” by Judy Kincaid, I learned some amazing facts. Women earn $13 trillion in total yearly earning and control $20 trillion in annual consumer spending. 21% of home sales are made by single women and they are twice as likely to buy their first home than a single man. The number of women homebuyers has doubled nationally since 1989 and is the fastest growing segment of homebuyers. Because of this, homebuilders are taking special notice of what women want in their homes.

I also took some time to walk the convention floor to see, touch and feel some of 2010’s most exciting new products that will be showcased in new homes in the coming year. Being of the “women rule” mindset, I went right for the latest in kitchens and baths. The kitchen-family room is the new parlor for your home. This social center, community area and entertainment space is the absolute center of the home. The owner’s bedroom and bath has become a retreat, the perfect quiet place for getting away from it all. It may be smaller, but needs to have all the luxuries.

Additionally, women are looking for useful space. Space for open and flexible areas, less square footage, but better defined more functional space. Family spaces and spaces for organizing our busy lifestyles and versatile rooms that can evolve as a family’s situations change.

Today’s homebuilders are very aware that women are responsible for 91% of the homebuying decisions and that they buy based on an emotional connection to the house. So when you’re out looking for a home this spring, make sure you visit new homes. It’s where you’ll see the latest in home designs based on your wants and desires. Sorry gentlemen, next issue I’ll talk about “the man room”. Happy house hunting.

Leslie Hathaway