Everybody wants the “perfect” house. But what is the perfect house? Well, for everyone it is different. In fact, buyers’ home criteria range from A to Z. What one person loves in a home, may very much be the opposite for another. Some may want a cute house, in a nice quiet neighborhood with a white picket fence, and others may want a modern downtown condo with a view. As different as people can be with their property likes and dislikes, usually there are some commonalities with residential property that appeal to the general public.
Today in the U.S., the typical buyer has become accustomed to a fairly high standard of living. This, of course, includes standards in housing. It is amazing how these standards have changed dramatically through the decades. Looking back at when homes were being built at the turn of the last century, there were not the luxuries that we know today. Simply to have one bathroom in the home was quite sufficient. In fact, it was a huge upgrade from not having to use an outhouse. Today most people want and even expect to have at least two bathrooms in a home. Also, closet space used to be very small although quite sufficient for that period of time. But because of the dramatic increase in American consumerism, walk-in closets are now in high demand, and again are even a requirement for many homebuyers. To add to this requirement, many homebuyers also want a lot of storage space, whether it is in closets, attics, garages, basements, sheds or any kind of place where “stuff” can be stored. Also, space in general is usually a desirable feature for most people. The more square footage, the better the home is. In comparing the American mindset of housing standards to that of the rest of the world, it is very different. This is demonstrated very clearly on the Home and Garden television network show, House Hunters International, where many American buyers go to cities all over the world to buy a home. The comments that are typically made by the buyers on the show have to do with how small the kitchens, bathrooms and basically all the rooms are. And if the kitchens and bathrooms are not remodeled, it is usually not a property that the typical American buyer will pursue. Because our standards have become so high we are not aware that the rest of the world does not have the same standards or mindset that we do. So if you are buying a home outside of the country, keep in mind those properties are going to be different. So, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
Although property tastes can vary greatly in and outside of the U.S., there are often homes that appeal to the masses. A great example locally, is a property that is currently on the market in the Marston Hills area of Hillcrest. It is an incredibly beautiful Spanish-style home with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It has been remodeled with a gorgeous kitchen and great bathrooms. It also has a separate guesthouse; an over-sized two-car garage with a light and bright art studio over it. The main house and the guest home have their own private yards and the entire property is landscaped in a way that creates a tranquil and picturesque setting. Although people have different tastes in properties, this is one property that anyone would fall in love with. It has tremendous emotional appeal and the visual charm that you see in the home and garden magazines. This property is like a small compound that could satisfy anyone’s needs and tastes. To add to its desirability, it is in an excellent quiet location just a few blocks from the Hillcrest Village. It is also completely fenced, offering the ultimate in privacy. This property has it all and awaits its new owner!
Trent St. Louis is a licensed Real Estate Agent and a member of the National, California and San Diego Association of Realtors. You can reach Trent at SpecialAgentTrent@gmail.com or at his office in Hillcrest, 619-300-1621. The Metropolitan Group (CADRE#01273643).
