Home Sellers
COVID-19 has Changed What Buyers Want in a Home
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the way people buy houses and the amenities they are looking for has changed significantly. Houses are now used for work, school, recreation, and everything in between. Buyers want a house that can provide them with spaces that work for all the changes that the pandemic has created. Here are some of the key features of what buyers are looking for in a new home.
Reimagined Floor Plans
Over the past decade or so, an open floor plan has been desired by homebuyers across the country. Since the pandemic, there has been a shift in the type of floor plan buyers are interested in. A more traditional floor plan is what buyers are looking for rather than the open floor plan that has become so popular. The reason for this is that when the floor plan is open, workspaces merge with living spaces. This can make working from home more difficult. If you are in the market for a more traditional living space that separates work from personal life, try looking at older or historic homes that have clearly defined rooms.
Defined Spaces
To go along with the less open floor plan, buyers want more defined living spaces when shopping for a home. Separate spaces establish defined areas for work, play, living, and eating. Many people are now working from home and want to have their own space in the house that is a dedicated work area. Also, students now have online classes and need an at-home classroom space as well. The right kind of home design can foster a space of productivity and creativity. Separate spaces for each activity are important during our new living and working situations.
Work-from-Home Functionality
Buyers are now looking for home offices that are fully functional with desk space, proper lighting, and seating. People do not want to work from the dining room or kitchen; they want a space that is fully dedicated to work. This helps encourage productivity and helps workers focus on getting their jobs done from home. The environment where you work should be tailored to your needs and should be prioritized in your new home.
At-Home Gyms
COVID-19 has shut down many gyms and activity facilities. Despite the reopening of some workout locations, many people feel safer working out from home to protect themselves from spreading or contracting the virus. For this reason, buyers are looking for their new homes to have a built-in home gym. Home gyms have become an important space in the home and away for people to get exercise without putting their health at risk.
Outdoor Living Space
During this unprecedented time, buyers are also looking for homes that have outdoor living options. Not everyone likes to be inside all day and many people need to get outside for some fresh air. Buyers are now looking for houses that have private outdoor spaces like a balcony, patio, garden, or landscaped backyard to hang out and relax in. It is important for buyers to have a space outside that is furnished to have coffee, work, or do activities with their family. Outdoor spaces are highly popular among COVID-19 house buyers.
Wellness Areas
The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded all of us that our health and wellness are extremely important. Because we are spending so much time at home, we need to have spaces that feel more like a getaway than another room in the home to maintain our mental and physical health. This can be achieved by creating meditation areas, spa-style bathrooms, or a home garden. Buyers will be looking for unique features such as these to ensure that they have a private sanctuary in their home that feels different from the rest of the house.
If you are in the market to buy a home, let our team at HomeHunt find you an agent that can help you find a house with all the features you are looking for. Contact HomeHunt today!