I've watched a shift it seems. And I am not exactly sure what the cause. A few years ago everyone I spoke with wanted a BIG yard and RV Parking. They are MUST HAVE's they said. It also seemed that there were more bigger yards and RV Parking to go around and developers made the lot sizes big enough to accommodate. As the market boomed I watched the lot sizes in new construction developments get smaller and smaller.
At first I felt a resistance from my Buyers - frustrated with the small lots and yards. As time went by I noticed less and less people ask for RV Parking and more people surprised and happy with what used to be considered a small yard. I've wondered if that shift came from people moving from out of state, like California, where they are used to very small yards. Or, if people just became accustomed to the fact that larger yards were harder to come by, and/or much more expensive. Or, if people simply decided that having a larger yard is much too much work. Or, if maybe it's just a coincidence and it's just my Buyers lately that don't mind and people do still want big yards and RV Parking. Developments have begun to do things like Hazelwood Village has done, where the lot sizes are smaller, but they have really worked on a community--with common areas, parks, etc. so homeowners have the luxury of not having to do much yard work combined with the luxury of having a great community feel and open space close by. What about patio homes? These seem to have become more popular and in demand as well. My husband and I live on almost a half acre, which I love. My husband, on the other hand (who happens to do most of the yard work), sometimes mentions how a patio home might just do the trick and if we didn't have a dog he might seriously consider it.
I'm curious, what size property and yard do YOU want? And builders and agents, have you noticed this shift as well or is it just all in my head?