Results from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 2007 Profile of Buyers’ Home Feature Preferences

 Eenie Meanie Minie Moe

Top Ten Home Features Desired by (Nationwide) Buyers

1.   Central Air Conditioning
2.   Garage (2 or more spaces)
3.   Master Bedroom Walk -in closet
4.   Backyard/play area
5.   Cable/Satellite TV-ready
6.   High-speed Internet Access
7.   Separate shower enclosure in master/primary bath
8.   Patio
9.   Fencing
10. Home less than 10 years old

Los Angeles home buyers don't often request features such as Internet Access or cable/satellite ready (it's everywhere isn't it?). Many of our home buyers prefer a vintage or mid century home and personally I have had few if any add patio to their "wish list".  Updated kitchen and baths while not on the "nationwide list" should be added to the Los Angeles list and absolutely central air and 2 (or more spaced) garages - full spaces (which can be hard to find in many of our character homes).  Hardwood floors in lieu of carpeting is another often requesed feature.

Additional results from the Nationwide survey: The most requested spaces were garages, living rooms and laundry rooms.  Although, I agree with the garage, I think Los Angeles home buyers more often request master suites, family rooms and space for a home office.

Over 90 percent of recent home buyers thought energy efficiency was an important consideration.

And the most interesting, approximately 60% of recent home buyers began remodeling or home improvement projects within three months of their purchase.

Keep in mind this is a "wish list" and most home buyers ultimately (and happily) sacrifice many of their desired features in order to buy their ideal home.