Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1412885
F aisal Halum sees a lot of high-style homes. The head of the top-producing residential team at Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty has a penchant for selling houses of tremendous architectural significance — whether built in the Roaring '20s, the modernist '60s or finished just last week. Because his clients are architecturally inclined, too, Halum knows firsthand what amenities are in and out — the minute they are either. Today's trending features? Halum can dash off many: "really luxurious outdoor living spaces, two kitchens, two private offices, a home generator, a space dedicated to learning if there are kids and spaces for several generations to live together." Because working from home is a new reality, dual offices mean two people with differing careers won't be bumping into each other in one workspace all day, or overhearing all those video calls. A place for kids to focus and learn — different than a playroom — is important, whether they are home- schooled or taking virtual classes. Perhaps the hottest commodity is living quarters for the whole family — grandparents and other relatives included. The National Association of REAL- TORS ® reports that a full 15 percent of homes purchased now are bought for the purpose of everyone living together under one roof. The No. 1 reason? Parents moving in with their adult kids — a new paradigm that may be here to stay, says the man who sees it all. 1 TWO KITCHENS "Because kitchens are so open to living, family and dining rooms now, a second, tucked- away kitchen has become key for prep duties, the messiest cooking and keeping countertop appliances out of sight." TRENDS: THREE AT THE TOP Among the amenities that agent Faisal Halum sees in the highest-level homes, some are gaining speed. Here, just three luxuries that are moving from maybes to must-haves. 2 HOME GENERATORS "More weather extremes mean more storms and freezes. A whole-house generator, powered by natural gas, propane or diesel, keeps the lights, appliances, security systems and HVAC going during outages." 3 FAMILY QUARTERS "Suites on the first floor, or separate structures altogether, with a living area, bedroom and bath are the new musts for aging parents moving in, adult children moving back and/or relatives on extended visits." THE NEW NON - NEGOTIABLES THE TOP AGENT OF THE TOP TEAM AT THE # 1 LUXURY BROKERAGE IN NORTH TEXAS KNOWS WHAT AMENITIES ARE SUDDENLY HOT — AND WHY Faisal Halum is the 2021 Real Trends # 1 Residential Resale Agent in Dallas and the 2021 Real Trends # 1 Residential Resale Agent in Texas. Among the Faisal Halum Group's many honors are 2021 Companywide Top Team, 2021 D Magazine Platinum Top Producers, Team of 3 to 5, and D Best. Faisal Halum, 214-240-2575, fhalum@briggsfreeman.com.