Lakefront house/traditional house (agents, housing, percentage, property)

[louise50]

This question is for seasoned brokers/agents/sellers:

In your experience is lakefront property still most desirable and also what percentage of buyers are seeking contemporary versus traditional homes?
Do you think the new energy bill that may come into existence will have a huge impact on the contemporary ( high ceilings/open floor plan ) homes less desirable because of heating and cooling than the traditional where the rooms could be closed off?

[middle-aged mom]

Those with young children may not want to be on the water.

Does the property and/or house flood? Is it in a flood plain?

Is the lake functional for recreation?

Who owns the lake?

Who maintains the lake? Dredging a lake is very expensive.

Housing is strongly influenced by regional preference.

A house can be traditional in exterior style and have a open interior floorplan and a 2 story ceiling in the family room. Such a home remains desirable in my area.

True contemprary architecture are a tougher resell, in my area.

[Silverfall]

Mid century modern and contemporary style homes have fewer buyers. Most people have traditional taste.

Riverfront/lakefront is desirable out here, but riverfront and contemporary would be tough. Experienced home owners are very focused on high ceilings and such. They love them, but do worry about heating costs. BUT out here if you can afford to live on the river or lake adding $200 a month to a heating bill in the winter is nothing.

[louise50]

Thanks for the responses. We recently put our home on the market and as a large group of our buyers come from out of state, I wanted to get a feel for what the general market is looking for. I think locally it may be 60% contemporary, 40% traditional. My home is a Traditional New England style. I do believe though, that eventually, not IF, BUT WHEN the energy bill gets passed that we may all want lower ceilings and smaller rooms to heat and cool. Sacrifices!!!!!

[csphillips18]

I'll take high ceilings anyday - I can always put on more sweaters