You've heard it hundreds of times: kitchen and bathrooms sell houses! In pre-C19 times the most pre-listing dollars were probably spent in these rooms, upgrading appliances, replacing the cabinets or countertops, or refreshing the overall look at least. Kitchen and baths were front and center in marketing materials and the kitchen among the first rooms buyers wanted to see upon entering.
But is it still true in 2021, after a year of socially & physically distancing, lockdowns, Zoom-meetings and distance learning? Are kitchen and baths still the most important features?
As we all adapted to restrictions, we were pushed to modify our lifestyles, work/life balance and reevaluate our priorities. These necessary and/or wanted adaptations are very much reflected in home buying trends. Home buyer wish lists evolve with the times.
My observation is that today's home buyers are (also) looking for one or more of the following features:
♥Outdoor space has become more important than ever: a patio that allows for a fun gathering while physically distancing.
♥Home gym: a dedicated space to combat the Covid induced grief-bacon, for times when gyms are closed or we are quarantining, or to stay on the (renewed) fitness & health journey.
♥Home office & separate space for distance learning: that trend is here to stay! Now that school systems have implemented distance-learning, snow days and such may very well be a thing of the past [I hope a day or 2 will still be built into any academic year, it's just part of growing up]. In times of need, schools can quickly and much more efficiently fall back into a distance-learning routine.
♥Flex space: I also anticipate seeing more and more new(er) construction homes offering a flex space that the buyer can use according to his needs vs. predetermined movie rooms or the guest bedroom.
Do kitchen and baths still sell homes in 2021?
YES, yes they do - provided those are the comfortable gathering places (kitchens), cozy sanctuaries (baths) and trendy, updated, well-equipped spaces with energy-efficient appliances and fixtures (both) buyers are longing for. Meal prepping and cooking wholesome dinners is much more enjoyable in a functional, gadget-rich kitchen preferable with enough room for others to join in, or just keep one company.
However, a great outdoor space that allows for social gatherings, dedicated work/study rooms for distance-learning and the growing population of work-from-homers are moving up the ranks. These features are already top of the list for some buyers and the reason they decide to make an offer on one house and pass on another!
Listing your home in 2021? (please do, we need inventory!)
Hire a REALTOR® with a ASP® designation who can help you create a learning nook, or turn the spare basement bedroom into a dedicated office or home gym, or connect you with a professional home stager who will bring in just the right furniture and accessories to create these in-demand features. It's best to not let buyers guessing where they could work in peace, get away for a moment or set-up their home gym!
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