The market may be short in supply, but buyers still have demands. New homes come with feature and amenities packages that provide a selection of carpet and tiles to choose from, but these are not necessarily what today’s buyers consider most important. Recent demands have been for more flexible or optional functional space. Developers are meeting these demands with creativity.

Pardee has an Otay Mesa project that offers third-floor space. “Homeowners are always looking for more functional space,” says Beth Fischer, v.p. of community development for Pardee. “Flexible areas to use for a variety of purposes. People are anxious for as much space as possible, but we’ve got to take in the economic equation and keep houses affordable.”

McMillin offers a fourth bedroom option. “Ninety percent of new product is two-story,” says Mark McMillin, president of McMillin Cos. “Not everyone can get upstairs so we’ve been trying to put a bedroom downstairs.” With an expanded bath option, many buyers are making the den into a bedroom.

Almost all the developers noted that today’s homebuyer is looking to incorporate an office into the home. Making space available for this purpose was high on everyone’s list.

Buyers also began expressing more of an interest in energy saving options and appliances in 2002. Pardee, and the rest of the building industry, is responding with energy saving appliances and solar projects.

Downtown buyers’ expectations are changing too, says Dennis Serraglio, sales manager for Bosa Development. Buyers once seeking more square footage are willing to accept smaller units. “When they see what an 1,100-square-foot place is, they are fine with it,” he says.

More is being done with less space and Downtown buyers are liking the idea of downsizing and streamlining their lives. “It’s a lifestyle choice,” Serraglio says. “You live, work and play all in one place.”

— Maria L. Kirkpatrick