Moderator: Welcome to today's Home Buyers discussion with Debbie Rosenstein. Debbie, thank you for joining us and let's get started.

Alexandria, VA: My TH is currently being built. To cut costs I declined the option for a center island. Is this a mistake? I've never had a kitchen this large before, will I miss it?

Debbie Rosenstein: Dear Alexandria: Kitchen islands are one of the most popular features in a new townhome. Whether you have a preperation center or a cook center, islands will be highly valued at resale. The kitchen island can be a gathering center for the family as well as an attractive complement to the kitchen style. Yes, we think that an island would be a necessity in today's kitchen!

McLean, VA: I'd like to park my new car in my garage but it is full of lawn care equipment, bikes, a workbench etc. The obvious solution would be a backyard shed but my neighbors and I have discussed sheds in general and agree that they are eyesores. Any suggestions on how to make room for my vehicle?

Debbie Rosenstein: Dear McLean: A shed is typically an eyesore and in many instances is not allowed in new neighborhoods due to restrictive covenants. One solution is to have a closet storage unit (much like a "closet stretcher" program in a bedroom closed) installed. All of the closet stretcher firms have a division that deals with garage storage. The most obvious answer is to utilize basement space, but we would imagine by the tone of your question, that this space is not available.

Vienna, VA: Are 50s style stainless kitchens back?

Debbie Rosenstein: Dear Vienna: Yes they are. From kitchen sinks to stainless appliances, stainless is currently the material of choice. In new homes,however, stainless is typically an optional feature and you must decide whether this upgrade is cost effective in your overall home package. Black appliances are also a popular choice at the moment. With a stainless kitchen you must also think about timelessness. You don't want to have a "Harvest Gold" kitchen when it is out of style.

Bethesda, MD: What do you recommend for kitchen storage for someone who really loves small kitchen appliances? I have 12-15 of these already, and will probably get more. I'm building a house soon, but the appliance garages I'm seeing are too small; they would barely hold my stand mixer and a toaster. I don't like to do a lot of bending, so I don't want to just throw them in the bottoms of cabinets.
Thanks

Debbie Rosenstein: Dear Bethesda: Since you are having a home built, have you ever considered a built-in closet much like a pantry that can hold all of these appliances. You'll want to keep a few of the most utilized appliances on the countertop for convenience and for general aesthetics. A second option might be to build a space into the laundry room if the kitchen and laundry room are adjacent. A last option, would be to create a unique kitchen island storage area where the appliances could be easily accessed.

Ballston, VA: I recently returned from Australia where I found that it is common to put drains in tile bathroom floors. Seems like a good idea to me and makes cleaning easier. Is this a trend that might catch on in the US?

Debbie Rosenstein: Dear Ballston: We do not see this done in new homes being built. We do not know,however, if building codes permit this design. From an aesthetic point of view, we don't feel that this would catch on quickly.

Fairfax, VA: I have a sitting room that I'd like to be able to convert to a guest room when needed but I wouldn't make my guest sleep on a fold-out bed. Is there another option? A Murphy bed, perhaps?

Debbie Rosenstein: Dear Fairfax: Depending on the size of the sitting room and its orientation to the bedroom, there are a couple of options. First, you might consider a daybed with a trundel bed component. It's easy to use and it's also an attractive complement to either a bedroom or a sitting room. The Murphy bed is a consideration, but it is costly and will be a more difficult installtion issue and a potential resale issue. You could also purchase a bed without the headboard and decorate in such a manner that it fits nicely into your bedroom arrangement.

Arlington, VA: In what ways are builders integrating computers and networks into new homes these days?

Debbie Rosenstein: Dear Arlington: New homes are integrating computers/networks in countless ways from a totally controlled "Smart House" to a space off the kitchen to be used as the command center for the "Mom" of the house. Prewiring packages with Category 5 wiring is now becoming the norm in new homes. These packages can be customized to fit your every need from fast speed computer access to music throughout your home. When you visit any new home sales office make sure that you ask for this upgrade if it is not standard. It will be valuable going forward into the 21st Century. Make sure that you make a decision early in your home buying process to insure that all of the "behind the wall" can be done most effectively.

Springfield, VA: In the long run, am I better off to opt for a smaller closet and a larger bedroom with an armoire or a smaller bedroom with a large closet? Thanks.

Debbie Rosenstein: Dear Springfield: Since many women make the greater percentage of buying decisions, they want more closet space than most new homes offer. When possible closet expansion is a sought after option. After moving into a home or through your builder, closet stretcher programs are almost always purchased, especially if space is limited. New homes are currently offering large bedroom dimensions typically and don't need to be expanded. Treat yourself to a large closet. It will pay off in the end.

McLean, Va: What's the latest in kitchens, hi-techwise and otherwise?

Debbie Rosenstein: Dear McLean: Kitchens of the 21st Century are going to much different from those that your parents had. From hi-tech lighting packages to space for the T.V. and computer network, kitchens are being brought into the living environment. Kitchens are not just for cooking. Use of new materials will create a greater aesthetic feel as well as offering greater convenience. Look at custom homes to see the new trends that will be in new home programs into the next five years. Maybe you want a flat screen TV in the kitchen or maybe your computer friendly refrigerator will tell you're out of your favorite soft drink.

LAKE RIDGE, VA: DEAR DEBBIE:
WHAT WILL HAVE MORE RESALE VALUE TO ADD TO A NEW HOME? A COVERED SUN ROOM OR BACK PORCH OFF THE FAMILY ROOM, OR A STUDIO-LIBRARY OFF THE DINNING ROOM THAT ANY ONE COULD USE AS A MUSIC ROOM IF THERE IS NOT NEED FOR A STUDIO.
THANK YOU MAGGY!

Debbie Rosenstein: Dear Maggy: Currently, the enclosed sun room is a sought after feature in a new home. Positioned off the kitchen, it actually expands the informal living space and captures a lot of light that buyers look for today. You could position the sunroom off the family room, but that area would be better expanded via a deck that could access both the sunroom and the family room. A studio/library off the dining room will be less attractive in the current resale market. The sun room has broadest appeal currently!

Reston, VA: Is there anywhere in Loudoun County area that I can get a new home -over $500,000- without being in an HOA?

Debbie Rosenstein: Dear Reston: Most new communities have a minimum of restrictive convenants in order to maintain the integrity of the overall community. However, some are less restrictive than others. You should ask upfront about the dues structure and what they cover. As a rule of thumb, the more amenities that are included in the community, the higher the dues. If I was you, I would want a certain level of restictions, so that your next door neighbor's camper does not end up in his driveway or or your next door neighboor does not paint his house pink. The feel of the community is as important to resale as is the home!

Tysons Corner: Is it always important to have a fireplace that is rarely used, takes needed wallspace, perfect for building in an entertainment center? Wouldn't this built-in center be most valuable at time of resale?
Thank you!

Debbie Rosenstein: Dear Tysons Corner: The value of a fireplace should not be neglected in today's marketplace. It is the number one option for new homes if it is not offered as standard. With the new technology of fireplaces, they can be built into the entertainment center and you have both function and value! Gas fireplaces can be installed in a variety of home locations today. Today, there are even moveable electric fireplaces that look just like gas.

Arlington, VA: What does today's lavish media room include? I'm wondering what I'm lacking!

Debbie Rosenstein: Dear Arlington: Everything from a movie theatre to surround sound music is offered in new homes today. Start with the special wiring packages available and go from there. Of course there's your computer controlled sound system. HDTV as well as DVD technology will be important components going into the next several years. Create a comfortable and pleasing space that allows you to enjoy all of your new high tech toys.

Kensington, MD: Garages? OK, I'll bite - What am I missing out on? I have a remote-control door.

Debbie Rosenstein: Dear Kensington: Storage units for your smart house technology are oftentimes placed in the garage area. The garage, however, for the time being is an area of the house that has not received a lot of attention from builders. Maybe you're on to something!

Debbie Rosenstein: Thanks for sending me your questions regarding the latest innovations of new home designs! I enjoyed communicating with all of you. If anyone has a question that they would not fit into this time frame, please feel free to e-mail me at
rosbak@aol.com

I look forward to hearing from you. I visit all the new
home communities in the Washington area every year. We see quite a lot that might be of interest to you.

Moderator: Our thanks to Debbie Rosenstein as well as the guests from our participating sponsors who preceded her during the week. We'd also like to express our gratitude to our viewers for their participation and contributions. Again, thanks to all.