Covid-19 has given everyone a different perspective on almost everything. The pandemic has reshaped the housing market. Buyers are looking more in the suburbs away from urban areas. There are many things though that have not changed in what a buyer wants. According to a Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report 86% of buyers desire a safe neighborhood, 60% want a walkable neighborhood, 53% want proximity to shopping, services and leisure activities, 52% desire a short commute to and from school or work, 48% if buyers say a sense of community is very important, 46% would like to live close to family and friends and 43% say the school district is most important. Below is a list of the twelve top things desired in a home.
1. Updated Kitchens and Baths
Homeowners spend the majority of their time in these two spaces. Buyers are always looking at the kitchen and baths in potential homes. Metropolitan Regional Information Systems Inc. conducted a study that found that 81% of those surveyed wanted a home with updated baths and a kitchen.
2. Open Floor Plans
Especially during the stay-at-home orders during the pandemic, living space was extremely important. Open floor plans allow for a less confined living space. They also create functionality throughout the home.
3. Air Conditioning
Central systems allow you to maintain and control your home environment. They are also a good way to keep your environment safe. You can have window units but a central system is more pleasing to the eye.
4. Energy Efficiency
A green home cuts down on utility costs and is better for the environment. Buyers are looking for a home with energy-efficient windows, insulation, heating systems or solar panels. These features can keep monthly costs down.
5. Low Maintenance Features
This goes hand in hand with energy efficiency. Buyers do not want to have to come into a home and purchase energy-efficient appliances or window treatments. Buyers do not want any extra costs after purchasing a home.
6. Technology
Once again with so many working from home technology an important feature. Buyers are looking for homes with strong and dependable Wi-Fi and cell service. Buyers would rather purchase a home that is already tech-savvy rather than trying to retrofit an old house.
7. Curb Appeal
You want to always make a good first impression with anything. Curb appeal is a great way to give the outside of your home the wow factor. There are many things you can do to accomplish curb appeal such as adding plantings, landscaping, a new front door, new stonework, a new portico or even outdoor lighting that can enhance the view from the street.
8. Bringing the Outdoors In
Natural light is a great way to enhance your environment and your mood. Taking a living space outdoors is another good way to enjoy the outdoors. You can accomplish this by adding an outdoor kitchen to your patio, or seating to a porch.
9. Laundry Rooms
Now more than ever buyers want a laundry room. With everyone staying at home more the past year, laundry can be a real clutter. A laundry room gives a homeowner a space to place laundry in between so the home stays clean.
10. Garage Area that can work as storage
We need as much space as possible in our living quarters. Our home can get cluttered in a drop of a hat. Having space in a garage for storage is a plus.
11. Walk-In Pantry
Many families shop at Costco or BJ’s where you buy in larger quantities. Having a walk-in pantry is a plus for storage. Walk-in pantries also help keep the kitchen tidy and clean.
12. General Suitability
Remember you want to make a good first impression on a buyer. Things like neutral coloring, high ceilings for airflow, lots of natural light and an entranceway make good first impressions on a potential buyer.
If you are in the market to sell your home a Realtor can help you with these simple steps as well as the whole selling process. A local sales agent knows the market and how to get your home sold as quickly as possible for the best price.