ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND REAL ESTATE

Forget renovation. Two top real estate brokers reveal the biggest trend now is new.

Metro-west Boston is hot! Open houses are fetching some 175 prospective buyers, and 63 offers on a single home are the new normal. We asked Coldwell Banker’s Tom Aaron and Traci Shulkin of Benoit, Mizner, Simon & Co to share their insights.

What do your buyers want?

Shulkin: We are seeing a lot of young buyers and older folks who are downsizing. The young buyers want to be close to a town center. They like to be able to walk to coffee and go to dinner.

Aaron: Definitely younger buyers who want an urban feel. They do not want to do renovations. They want new.

Any new bells and whistles? Shulkin: Having a nice master bedroom and bath are what really sells the house. They still want the big family room, but the master setup has to be there. Aaron: They want the high ceilings, the walk-in closets, newer heating system, the Energy Star ratings. I am also seeing demand for an in-law suite.

Any surprises this season? Shulkin: Everything revolves around the new house. Needham is extraordinarily hot now; it’s because you can get a brand new house under $2 million.

Aaron: Exactly, it is not about location, location, location anymore. These buyers want a new house—they don’t care where it is. They don’t want to deal with ongoing maintenance issues. They want easy living. Traci Shulkin: Benoit, Mizner, Simon & Co., 617-939-6309; tracishulkin.com

Tom Aaron: Coldwell Banker, 781-239-9090; coldwellbankerhomes.com

above right: This newly built energy-star colonial in Wellesley is a popular transitional style—a combination of traditional and contemporary; this photo: A ready-to-go master bathroom, no renovation necessary.

left: Today’s buyers seek a contemporary, uncluttered look in the kitchen, says Coldwell Banker’s Tom Aaron.