An open floor plan has become a standard, not a differentiator, for buyers looking for their dream home. Builders now need to get more creative to make a name for themselves, and that can include designs such as movable/adjustable walls so homeowners can adapt their space. Builders also need to focus on consumers' growing desire for smart home technology, and offer built-in integration and wiring for seamless assimilation with these new technologies.

AV Homes is also seeing the desire for premium upgrades that extend beyond the traditional interior of the home and into the garage. Many buyers now seek a formal garage workstation, or “man-cave,” with finished floors, refrigerators and other amenities to create an additional leisure space.

Kitchens need to blend function with social gathering, as that is becoming increasingly important for buyers. An outdoor kitchen option is also a request we will continue to see in the months and years ahead.

GlobeSt.com: What are the trends in community amenities, and how are builders meeting buyers' expectations?

Orosz: Buyers are demanding more upgraded amenities than ever before. A simple playground or community pool will no longer suffice, instead the amenities need to be bigger and bolder.

Bellalago in Osceola County offers a wonderful boater lifestyle—the community comes equipped with two boat ramps, two boat lifts, and a pier for fishing and walking. Also, as part of a family of builders within Bannon Lakes in Jacksonville, residents at our community—The Grove at Bannon Lakes—will be welcome to use the community's six-acre island amenity center. Conceived by master developer, Eastland, the island will boast a 4,000-square foot clubhouse, a 5,000-square-foot pool, playfield, fitness center, walking trails and more.

Did you read about the big 2% problem in today's housing market?

MIAMI—There are standards and then there are differentiators in single-family home design. But one expert tells GlobeSt.com the differentiators are become the standards.

GlobeSt.com caught up with Matt Orosz, Central Florida Division Co-President of AV Homes, to get his thoughts upcoming trends in home design and floor plans in part two of this exclusive interview. You can still read part one: Will The Home Market Boom or Bust in 2017?

GlobeSt.com: What are the upcoming trends in home design and floor plans? What are buyers looking for in their kitchens and garages?

Orosz: Home buyers want and expect more inside their homes and in the surrounding communities, but at an affordable cost. In Central Florida, research from Marcus Millichap plus our own sales reports show an increased demand for homes priced at $250,000 or below. The desire for that price range is also making townhomes more appealing to buyers, and we expect to see continued growth in sales on that side of AV Homes' business as well.

An open floor plan has become a standard, not a differentiator, for buyers looking for their dream home. Builders now need to get more creative to make a name for themselves, and that can include designs such as movable/adjustable walls so homeowners can adapt their space. Builders also need to focus on consumers' growing desire for smart home technology, and offer built-in integration and wiring for seamless assimilation with these new technologies.

AV Homes is also seeing the desire for premium upgrades that extend beyond the traditional interior of the home and into the garage. Many buyers now seek a formal garage workstation, or “man-cave,” with finished floors, refrigerators and other amenities to create an additional leisure space.

Kitchens need to blend function with social gathering, as that is becoming increasingly important for buyers. An outdoor kitchen option is also a request we will continue to see in the months and years ahead.

GlobeSt.com: What are the trends in community amenities, and how are builders meeting buyers' expectations?

Orosz: Buyers are demanding more upgraded amenities than ever before. A simple playground or community pool will no longer suffice, instead the amenities need to be bigger and bolder.

Bellalago in Osceola County offers a wonderful boater lifestyle—the community comes equipped with two boat ramps, two boat lifts, and a pier for fishing and walking. Also, as part of a family of builders within Bannon Lakes in Jacksonville, residents at our community—The Grove at Bannon Lakes—will be welcome to use the community's six-acre island amenity center. Conceived by master developer, Eastland, the island will boast a 4,000-square foot clubhouse, a 5,000-square-foot pool, playfield, fitness center, walking trails and more.

Did you read about the big 2% problem in today's housing market?