A real estate news company called "Realty Times" recently came out with their list of what's in and what's out for 2007. While some of the items are probably not interesting to most of you, there are some items on the list concerning homes that may be of interest if you're contemplating any major or minor remodeling projects in 2007. And, some items are just interesting as marks of how society is changing. Today I'll let you in on what's in. My next blog entry will cover what's out.

What's In:

Third places or officetels - While there are more and more home offices in our homes, not everyone wants or is able to work there. Sometimes we need a little more social interaction. Sometimes we need a little larger distance between us and the distractions of home, but still without the hours long commute. So there will be more in between places where you'll be able to rent short term offices, cubicles or conference rooms. You can see this locally in Vint Hill where you can rent a cubicle with high speed internet connections for those days you just can't face that long ride into Northern VA or DC.

Upscale garages - These days people are looking for garages with cabinet and storage systems, mini-refrigerators and, of course, fully finished with heating and air conditioning. Now even our cars live better than the homeless!

Two home offices - One isn't enough any more as there are more and more families where both spouses are telecommuting for at least part of the week.

Caving - This is space devoted to one person in the household where they can go and play without being disturbed.  Think crafts room or workshop.

Rejuvenation Rooms - In case you wondered how the other half lived! This is a one-stop space for exercising, meditation, yoga, sauna and fancy steam showers. And, if that's not enough, even the showers are going upscale. There are now waterfall fixtures, programmable temperature and water flow controls are what's "hot" now.

Heated patios, walkways and driveways - Having been born and raised in Minnesota, this has strong appeal to me. I wonder if Dad would have gone for the heated walkway to the barn?!

Snoring Rooms - These are now being offered as options in some new homes as a way of restoring harmony in marriages where the night noise has gotten out of control!

Modular Housing - Modular options and quality are different from what most of us remember. They now encompass everything from a 1200 sq. ft. starter home to an 11,000 square foot monster!

Sustainable Design - This is near and dear to my heart. This is based on three areas; energy conservation, indoor air quality, and resource conservation. My hunch is this will be big with future generations who are growing up much more concious of our impact on the earth.

Structured Wiring - This is now entering the main stream and is becoming a must-have for technology based home buyers. Coax TV cable (RG-6), Category 5E voice and data lines, distributed radio and remote camera security are all wired through the home into multi-outlet boxes called, in the trade, home network centers.

Mixing finishes on kitchen base and wall cabinets. Everything matching is soooo old school! The new look has stained-wood base cabinets and painted wood upper cabinets. This may be an acquired taste!!

Watch this space for news next on what NOT to do to your home in 2007!

Having taken a break for Christmas and for nursing of a very sick pet, it's time to get back in the swing of things in the real estate world!

I know many of you are wondering what the new year will bring for the real estate market. I don't claim to have a crystal ball and make no guarantees. Remember the old saying, "I don't make the news, I just report it!" That's how it works with the market as well.

There was an radio interview with Nicholas Retsinas from Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies. The interview was to ask him about the outlook for 2007. Bear in mind that Mr. Retsinas has been pretty bearish on the markets overall and that no doubt remains true as he looks forward. He does agree that the market appears to have bottomed out. However, he sees it staying at the bottom for most, if not all, of 2007. He sees a year of continued slower sales and no increase in prices. According to his projections there may be a few overheated markets where we'll still see additional small price reductions. But for most of us, it will be status quo in the new year.

I don't know how accurate Mr. Retsinas' forecast is, but I don't see any economic factors or real estate market developments that would tell me he's dead wrong.

So, it's your turn to play prognosticator! What do you project for the year ahead?  Are you bullish or bearish? More sales? Higher prices, lower prices, or more of the same? What will 2007 bring for the No. VA housing market? I look forward to your input!