Coronavirus changed a lot of people’s lives and the way that businesses operate. While there is a lot to despise about the past year, there have been integral home changes that we may not have seen without the pandemic.
And some of these changes are great for real estate agents, buyers and sellers.
In fact, some of these changes are likely to stick around because they simply make more sense for the market. Here are the popular home changes that we think will be here to stay in 2021 and beyond are:
Smart and Safe Home Technology
Smart homes have been gaining popularity for years, but in 2020, they became even more important. Touchless appliances, bidets and self-cleaning toilets are a few of the technologies that we expect to remain popular.
Of course, smart home hubs and lighting are also going to stay.
But some new, innovative options, such as smart thermostats and touchless faucets are also expected to remain popular. For sellers, mentioning smart thermostats alone helped homes sell six days faster.
Offices and Zoom Rooms
The work-from-home culture is on the rise. People are working from home due to COVID-19, and a lot of companies are saying that this trend will continue. Businesses are able to reduce their overhead, including utilities, cleaning and more.
For employees, the need for an extra office space is very real.
Whether it be a converted room or an addition, people are looking for spaces where they can work and have that professional environment so that they can hop on Zoom calls without worrying about their spouse or kids walking by.
Designated Health and Fitness Areas
Gym closures were a major shock for people young and old. Staying active important, and a lack of activity in the workplace makes exercising even more crucial. Buyers are looking for homes that have a space for a health and fitness area.
People need that quiet space to relax and get rid of the day’s stress, and they also need to have a space to exercise. These spaces are going to be very attractive to buyers moving forward into 2021 because there will still be a lot of people that don’t want to go to the gym or put all of their trust in a gym membership again.
Multiple Generation Living
More people are living together. Parents and grandparents are living with younger generations in the family because of financial and health reasons. It’s also easier for younger families to have kids when mom or dad can watch them at home.
Over 15% of Americans are living in multigenerational homes, and this trend is likely to continue.
Guest quarters and finished basements are more attractive than ever thanks to this trend.
People are also staying home more often. With stay-at-home vacations, known as staycations, becoming more popular, it’s another trend we expect to stay around. For buyers, this means homes that are remodeled, backyard oases and beautiful gourmet kitchens.