After spending much of 2020 indoors, homebuyers have had a lot of time to think about what they want out of a house. The time spent in quarantine has granted house hunters an acute appreciation for what matters in a home.
The features homebuyers are demanding in 2021 aren’t large ticket items like backyard swimming pools or complete kitchen remodels. Instead, homebuyers place a premium on anything that will make their homes more energy-efficient, comfortable, and livable. Here are five features homebuyers are demanding in 2021.
Green home improvements
Climate change is on everyone’s minds these days, with the consumer market pulling firmly towards everything eco, green, and environmentally friendly.
The homebuyers of 2021 are thinking about how big their carbon footprint will be once they step over the threshold of a new home. Though homebuyers may already practice little sustainable swaps on their own, such as using wax fruit bags or sleeping on organic mattresses like these, known for their toxin-free makeup, eco-conscious buyers won’t be impressed if that’s all the flower power your house has to offer.
Instead, consider systemic changes, like installing a smart thermometer, paving the roof in light-colored tile, and replacing faucets with water-efficient versions. Homeowners can also add native plants for a gorgeous yard that signals an appreciation for conservation. These changes help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shrink environmental impact, as well as being sure to impress even the strictest of nature-loving home seekers.
Heated floors and ceiling fans
Who can say no to a lower utility bill? One way to lower your numbers is by installing heated floors. This form of radiant heating is allergen-free, energy-efficient, and comfortable.
Unfortunately, adding heated floors is not an easy process. They are simple to install in new homes, but older homes require completely new floors if homeowners want to add radiant floor heat. Still, it’s worth asking contractors in your area for a consultation and a quote.
Along with warmed floors in the winter months, homeowners also want the comfort of a good old-fashioned ceiling fan in the summer months. Ceiling fans circulate the air and reduce humidity, driving down cooling expenses in the summer.
Laundry rooms
Dedicated laundry rooms are another popular wishlist item amongst homebuyers. Laundry rooms give homeowners a single space to keep their laundry baskets, piles of clothes, and other cleaning supplies. A dedicated laundry room can help keep clutter out of common areas and improve the home’s valuation.
People with small homes often have their washer and dryer in their kitchen or other shared-used room. Closing the door on laundry lets homeowners relax without listening to the banging of a dryer unit during dinner.
Patios and outdoor living spaces
Many of us realized in 2020 that public spaces are not guaranteed, making space at home more valuable than ever. Many homeowners want a patio so they can spend time with their loved ones while enjoying the outdoors. Apartment dwellers especially are often looking to expand from their cramped quarters and non-existent yards.
Incorporate concrete, tile, or wood decking into a patio space where buyers can put an umbrella or canopy, comfy seats, and a grill. This impromptu gathering space will prove invaluable as uncertainty looms over public health.
Garage storage space
The pandemic forced many people to spend more time outdoors, so many homebuyers are looking for a place to store cars and other outdoor equipment like camping gear.
Bikes, outdoor chairs, tools, and other items can fit nicely on shelves and in bins in garages, making them a valuable storage solution for a young family.
Wrapping up
Buyers know what they want more than ever this year, and they’re ready to make demands on the real estate market. Make your home a competitor by reducing its carbon footprint and incorporating popular amenities.
