Consumer survey: Home style, location more important than price

A new survey of nearly 10,000 consumers across 43 states by John Burns Real Estate Consulting reveals several interesting findings on what buyers want in a home and community today.

By David Barista, Editor-in-Chief, Professional Builder

October 15, 2010

A new survey of nearly 10,000 consumers across 43 states by John Burns Real Estate Consulting reveals several interesting findings on what buyers want in a home and community today, according to the firm’s principal Mollie Carmichael.

Only 17 percent of respondents said price was most important; location and home style/design are far more important
More than 70 percent said they’re willing to pay $5,000 or more for a home with energy-efficient features
However, respondents said they would rather spend their money on the right flooring and countertops before energy-efficiency features
Only 16 percent are so dissatisfied with their current home that they feel the need to move soon, but 55 percent are looking to move soon if they find the right opportunity
Seventy percent would prefer a new home, but 73 percent are considering resale homes as well.

Read Mollie Carmichael’s recap of the consumer survey.