Just like any other trends, the world around us plays a huge role in what people want, and real estate is no exception. Today’s housing market has been affected by COVID-19 and the features buyers want in a home are influenced by the possibility of working remotely full-time or at least having a hybrid work week.
Although buyers still are drawn to homes with updated kitchens, luxury bathrooms, and multi-generational living spaces, HomeLight’s 2021 survey for summer and fall highlights what features buyers in 2021 are looking for when they’re looking for their dream home.
Table of Contents
1. Good school districts
One of the main things buyers are looking for when they’re looking for a new home is what the school district is like, according to 64.7% of surveyed agents. Buyers with children want to be sure that the home they’re buying is located in a good school district where their children can get the education that’ll help them succeed in life.
2. Office spaces
Buyers who now have the ability to work remotely are taking this opportunity to move to an area that best suits their lifestyle. Since they’re no longer beholden to commuting to the office, they’re looking at properties that have a dedicated room where they can set up an office. 59.6% of agents say their clients want to have a home office so they can get work done without distractions and they want to be able to close the door at the end of the day to maintain some kind of work/life balance.
3. Move-in ready properties
The days of taking on large renovation projects prior to moving into a new home are over – especially among those who are in their early 20’s. 56.1% of agents say their clients want to start this new phase of their lives without worrying about making repairs or improvements before they even move into the home. For these buyers, the name of the game is to find that perfect home that’s move-in ready, no questions asked.
4. Space to entertain outdoors
Outdoor living space isn’t just a bunch of grass that needs to be mowed and a shoddy concrete slab for a patio. 47.1% of agents say clients between the ages of 40 to 56 years old want to have a backyard that’s perfect for entertaining. They want features like a swimming pool, an upgraded deck or patio, a built-in grill (or full outdoor kitchen), and landscaping that adds pizazz and a hint of luxury.
5. Home gym space
Although a home gym may not be on everyone’s wish list, 26% of realtors say their clients want to have a place where they can focus on their health and fitness. Some buyers are content with just having a large space in a bedroom to set up a treadmill or their Peloton, while others want space where they can set up all sorts of equipment and weight sets.
Knowing what you want is half the battle
When you’re looking for a new home, you already have an idea of what features the home must have. You may not even be interested in compromising, which is completely understandable! If you want to find that dream home (whether it follows 2021’s housing trends or not), you need to hire a real estate agent.
The agent that you choose should know the local market like the back of their hand and they’ll be able to guide you through the process of finding the home of your dreams. If you have any doubts or you want to change the features that you’re looking for in a home, talk to your agent. They’ll be able to ease your mind and find the properties that have the things you’re looking for. The right agent will never steer you wrong!
About Carson Derrow
