What do buyers look for when choosing a new home?
Every family wants to settle in a spacious home, so the last one appears on the first position of many wishlists nowadays. The possibility of private cottages to isolate in the pandemic made them twice more popular, so lots of US families have decided to make a purchase in the upcoming year.
Unlike cramped apartments and blocks of flats, houses offer lots of outdoor space to spend time. Furthermore, they give a feeling of privacy, offer space for a car, and allow enjoying fresh air any time of the day on the porch or spacious terrasse. The number of pet owners is growing too, so houses offer better conditions for furry friends as well.
Many real estate professionals agree that Covid has left its print on the way people see their future homes. Things that could be considered secondary earlier are ranked higher nowadays and added to the list of must-have ones. People began to value family relations more and want to spend more time together. They also need a comfortable place not only to live but also to work since many homes have been transformed into offices. Homes have to serve various purposes nowadays, so the number of buyers’ requirements have increased and they became more accurate too. So what home features play the most significant role for modern buyers? What things may be more convincing for them to make a purchase?
The top 10 home features every buyer considers important look as follows:
Quiet location
Over 28% of potential buyers have chosen this parameter as prioritized since people are tired from the hustle and bustle of big cities and metropolitan areas. They need a place to relax and forget about the rat race of everyday life
Updated kitchen
Every hostess looks at the kitchen since it is the place where the majority of time is spent by the family. Furthermore, new cabinets and appliances will cost a lot if you wish to change them. No wonder old-fashioned kitchens look discouraging for buyers.
Garage
It is a problem to find a parking place if you live in the apartment or you will have to give a good deal of your earnings to get surveillance of your vehicle. Therefore, a garage or at least a carport are major factors to consider.
Large backyard
A desire to have a garden, barbecue, or pool encourages many people to look for homes with enough outdoor space. Children should have enough area to let their hair down, while adults want more air and fun too.
Outdoor living area
What can be better than the possibility to enjoy your meal on the spacious terrace with a sunshade! This is a dream of many people, so they look for similar homes too.
Space for pets
Being true members of the family, pets should not only have their own corner in the new house and outside it. There should be respective facilities in close proximity to the new house. Where can you walk your dog? Is there a vet or pet store nearby? These things are evaluated by pet owners too.
Modern bathroom
Wet areas have always been considered important in real estate deals. No wonder a desire to have an updated and functional bathroom may influence a buyer's decision greatly. Being a place of relaxation, it shouldn’t spoil your mood each time you enter it!
Home office
What does this feature mean? You may say any home can be transformed into an office and it is the truth. However, when you buy a house, you want to have a separate cabinet with all the necessary devices and storage units. It should be a silent and personal space nobody else will access except for you.
Broadband internet capabilities
This priority has appeared also because of the necessity to work remotely. Any breaches in connection or slow connection can impact your job responsibilities negatively and make you nervous, so the quality of the Internet and the reliability of the service provider mean a lot!
Open floor plan
Space, space, and space again! People are tired of tiny rooms and lots of artificial partitioners. They want to get an airy and multi-functional space full of light, so open floor plans are preferred too!
How will home choice change because of the pandemic?
Many buyers admit the consideration of extended family in the choice of their new home. More people want to get a dwelling not far away from their relatives or even move together with them. Another request from buyers is homes that can accommodate a big family staying in the case of an expected visit.
On the other hand, the desire for shorter commute time has dropped down on the wish list drastically too. People tend to look for large and more comfortable houses without expensive interior designs. Buyers consider it less important to get kitchens with marble countertops, theatre rooms, or bars. They tend to be more realistic and opt for more functionality rather than luxury.
Since getting everything they might wish is almost impossible, potential buyers were asked what features they can sacrifice to save on the home purchase. The following amenities have appeared at the top of the list: pool or spa, man cave, guest house, solar panels, home office, large backyard, and guest room.
As you can see, the factors that may seem important for one group of real estate buyers may be less significant for others. In any case, it is important to remember that the pandemic has changed the vision of the best home for living, and modern buyers set new requirements for realtors to consider.
