In a previous post, we shared that Tulsa-area data shows that housing starts climbed a whopping 62.4% in November 2020, and that with record low mortgage rates, great loan programs, and low inventory of existing homes, building new can be a great option for many families, couples and individuals looking to invest in property.
But what is different about house-hunting today versus in years past? How have the experiences of the past year impacted what we look for in a home?
A recent article from the Oklahoman shared how working from home has "challenged long-held assumptions about 'home' and 'workplace,' which brought changes to both the form and function of space in a house."
At Capital Homes, we have seen evidence of this as well. As individuals and parents shifted to a work-from-home model and school-aged children started virtual learning, our homes became much more than a place to eat, sleep, and live together. It suddenly had to serve just about every need we've got. A home is now an office, a class room, a play room, a restaurant, a spa, and a park.
Community amenities like walking trails, splash pads, and playgrounds have become essential to many families. Homes with additional flex space such as a bonus room or second living area have proven invaluable as parents look for places to set up play rooms and home gyms, and home offices are often no longer a nice-to-have, but a must-have option.
Not only have the functionality requirements of a home expanded, but even what we need in an atmosphere of a home has changed. It is now much more than where you hang out with loved ones and where you lay your head at night, where you work, play, and educate. It is a sanctuary where you can be completely relaxed when the rest of the world feels hectic. It is a private oasis. It is YOUR space. It should bring you peace and happiness when you are there.
It should have not only the functionality, but the space, the features, the quality, the colors, the patterns that bring you joy.
It should be your refuge, and your safe place. A home should make you feel, well, home.
If you're looking for a new home that can be all these places for you, give us a shout. There's nothing we love more than helping someone design and build their happy place. Whatever you're looking for in a community, in a floor plan, in a home - we probably have it. And if we don't, we'll tell you. We're not in the house-building business. We're in the helping-people-create-their-happy-place business.
Get started here.