SEASONS
OF LIFE
Spring's New Beginnings
Of all the seasons in a year, none quite embrace
the optimism of springtime. It is a time when everything in nature
speaks of a new beginning: trees and flowers begin to blossom,
brown, matted lawns change to green as new sprouts push their way
to the light, and singing birds return from their winter vacations.
Spring is an optimistic, fresh start for the year, with a great
deal of anticipation for the warm weather ahead. First-time
home buyers experience something quite similar to the spring season.
Many are young married couples, some just beginning their families.
But all of them, whether married or single, are experiencing the
search for a home in a different way than they've previously looked
for a place to live. Their former rented residences or years of
living at home were never intended to be long-term. For the first
time, they're planning to own their own permanent place. Their
optimism is high as they see their future from the excitement of
these beginning stages. They've finally made it. And they realize
their new home will only be the beginning of many great things
to come.
Generation X
Today's first-time home buyers consist mainly of the individuals of Generation
X, along with the tail end of the  Baby
Boomer generation. As a result, this group comprises one of the most unique
market segments in history. Often unfairly categorized as slackers, Generation
Xers have, as with all previous generations, been influenced by their experiences
growing up. Far fewer of them have had the familiarity of a stay-at-home
mother, or even a two-parent household. Influences throughout their lives
such as the Gulf War, poverty, AIDS and gangs, have caused them to have an
uncertain outlook on their future. Consequently, this generation embraces
more conservative values and, in general, expresses more caution about their
future than their optimistic Boomer parents did at the same age. The circumstances
of their upbringing have formulated a highly independent and entrepreneurial
generation that - despite their attitudes - just want to have fun. Xers today
are more likely to save their pennies to purchase a home and have the drive
to start their own businesses, especially in the burgeoning technology industry.
 Affordability
Despite
their desire to purchase a home, obtaining the financial ability
to do so is one of the biggest challenges first-time home buyers
face. For this generation, more than any other previous generation,
affordability is a key factor in the decision to purchase a
home. The first homes for this group of buyers will reflect
their basic needs and financial constraints more than their
personal preferences for style and design. The number one desired
amenity for this buyer group will be space allocated in appropriate
places, with an overall focus on informality in a home. But
whatever the style of home, the desires of these buyers will
continue to influence the design of homes for the future.
Technology Centers
The
personal computer, to this generation, has become as commonplace
as the kitchen toaster. A room within a home for the PC is
essential for their electronic taste buds. With the rapid
development of computer software, it's not unfathomable to
believe that the PC will eventually control home entertainment,
television and security systems throughout the home. That's
why a central office, media room or other dedicated computer
space will be welcome, if not essential to this group of
buyers.
Multi-ethnic
Styles
The
Generation X population consists of more African-Americans,
Hispanics, Asians and other ethnic populations than previous
generations. While their preferences in clothing, music and
entertainment are essentially the same, their homes will need
to reflect the preferences of many different cultures.
Private
Areas
An independent generation, many desire a place to retreat
to. Often skeptical of the world around them, a place to get
away to helps these first-time buyers foster their sense of emotional
well-being and retool their resources when under stress.
Kitchens
While the kitchen will remain an important room
to this buyer group, they will likely change the way kitchens
are utilized - if not designed in the future. A generation raised
on processed foods, many will be as likely to use the kitchen
as an area to microwave convenience fares as they would otherwise
labor over a home-cooked meal. It has been said that more condiments
and side dishes will equip cabinets and refrigerators than traditional
ingredients for meals. Therefore, more attention should be given
to storage areas for snacks, desserts and beverages. But as first-time
home buyers, their financial constraints will dictate that many
of their desires, such as walk-in pantries, will be upgrades
in the future, rather than necessities in their first home. For
them, an efficient kitchen that is easy to work in will be the
most important.
Common Areas
Perhaps a consequence of the limited time they spent with their parents,
Xers and younger Boomers have come to form a close bond with their friends.
These strong relationships will continue throughout their lives, which
is why places to entertain and "hang out" will become essential
to this group of buyers. This also means that formal rooms that are used
once or twice a year will continue to decline in popularity. The design
focus for this buyer group should be on the living areas of the home. Common
areas that tie into the kitchen (for easy access to snacks), guest rooms
and recreational game rooms are among the areas these buyers want. It is
likely that many of these "common areas" will more definitively
develop through time, but the most important consideration is that these
areas are open, unrestricted living areas that welcome groups, whether
family or friends. The individual needs and desires of today's first-time
buyer are reflected in the designs specially selected for Seasons Of Life™-
Designs For Spring's New Beginnings. The exciting opportunities that lie
ahead for them are reflective of natural springtime anticipation. The future
awaits for today's first-time buyer, with their new home ready and waiting
to help them experience it.
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