The 48th annual conference for the National Association of Real Estate Editors, held recently in Houston, provided a snapshot of emerging trends in the real estate market. 

1. With obesity an ever-growing problem in the United States, access to fitness facilities and outdoor recreation is taking on increasing importance. According to Will Holder of Trendmaker Homes, buyers now favor communities that have trails winding through them over golf-course developments. 
2. In the multifamily niche, more and more projects are accommodating occupants' desire for parks, grooming, and sitting services for their pets. 
3. There's a growing tendency for young people discouraged by tight underwriting standards to stick with renting instead of buying.
4. Current home owners are increasingly keeping and renting out properties with ultra-low mortgage rates rather than put them up for sale when they are ready to buy another house.

Source: Culture Map Austin