If you’re anything like me, you’re ready to get back to a somewhat normal way of life. After months of sitting at home with little in-person contact with friends and family, we are all so glad to be getting back together to some small degree. It’s no secret that the coronavirus pandemic has changed our way of living. Even with Texas in its third phase of the reopening process, the effects of the virus could be long-lasting.
For many buyers entering the real estate market, the virus has made them rethink what they want in a house. Last month, Reatlor.com conducted a survey of what homebuyers are seeking, and if your home offers some of these features, now could be the perfect time to list it for sale.
Here are five features homebuyers in 2020 want in a house.
Homebuyers Want Lots of Privacy
When the shelter-in-place orders first came into effect, I don’t think any of us believed they would last for as long as they did. But the longer the orders dragged on, the more we realized we all need a little privacy now and then. Larger families that once considered separate bedrooms for all their kids a luxury now realize that even their children need alone time. Whether it’s bedrooms for everyone, an extra den or bonus room, or even a finished-out basement, more privacy is a top priority.
Outdoor Living Space
Living here at Possum Kingdom Lake, there is no shortage of outdoor space, but for many in the city, it was a different story. I was friend was telling me about the yellow caution tape that was wrapped about the playgrounds and how the city was limiting the number of people allowed on walking trails. For these reasons, having outdoor space at home is even more important.
A Home Office is Important to Homebuyers in 2020
When we thought shelter-in-place would only last a few weeks, most just of us set up a spot at our kitchen table. Now that’s it’s lasted several months, having a separate home office has become essential. Homeowners are seeking balance between home life and work life and leaving work in its own room allows them to do that.
Large Kitchen with Newer Appliances
If the coronavirus has taught us anything, it’s that many of us have become newly acquainted or reacquainted with our kitchens. When the shelter-in-place orders came down and we found ourselves not being allowed in restaurants and with limited take-out options, cooking several times a day became the new norm. While large kitchens have always topped the list for many buyers, large kitchens with newer appliances and lots of storage space are what buyers are looking for in a post-virus world.
Bring on the Sunshine
No one likes sitting in a dark room, and, while you can always add more light fixtures or purchase brighter bulbs, none of these take the place of natural sunlight. Buyers are looking for homes that offer more windows and skylights.