10 Top Features Home Buyers Want for 2019

 

The National Association of Home Builders has released its Home Buyers Survey, indicating the top features home buyers want most in 2019. Although extremely helpful for new home builders, homeowners who are thinking about selling might also pay attention. 

The survey identifies 175 items that are rated “essential”, “desirable”, “indifferent” and (just as important) “do NOT want”. An interesting note is that, while baby boomers trended along with general home buyers in desirables, they have stronger opinions about what they do and do not want.

2019 Survey Reveals What Home Buyers Really Want – With Some Surprises

Some features are not surprises – energy efficiency shows up (explicitly or implied) as four of the top 10 items. Surprisingly, laundry rooms are at the top of the essential features buyers want. Although, this factors in with the other items baby boomers desire – smaller homes with single-level living and open floor plans. Having a laundry room keeps clutter out of view and helps keep smaller homes organized. Ceiling fans are also big – consistent with the energy efficiency theme. 

 

 

 

The Full Survey Identified 175 Features – Here Are The Top 10

 

 

It’s Also Helpful To Know What is Undesirable

Also consistent with baby boomers’ desire for one-level living, elevators were rated the least desirable feature in a home – one that would cause them not to buy it. Although this was not as much of a deal breaker for buyers from other age groups.  These undesirable items are certainly subjective, but nonetheless informative.

Percentages of those who said “No” to these features:

Elevator – 74%
Wine Cellar – 69%
Second-story Family Room – 59%
Dual Toilets in Master Bath – 57%

While this survey can guide new home construction, it also can help sellers of existing homes. For example, adding a laundry room is not on the list of the best returns for home improvement projects. However, there may be other areas in the home that can be converted easily – like a closet in a bathroom with room for a stackable. Or, even the garage might be an option. Access to utilities will determine the ease and expense of such an addition.

 

More to consider...

Here's an additional note based on our experience with clients. There is another segment of baby boomers who downsized, and are now choosing to upsize. The main reason given is needed room for visiting children and grandchildren. They are also requesting enough land to garden and find serene views highly desirable. 

 

If you are thinking about selling your home and want to learn more about what buyers really want, give us a call. We'll help you sort out the best way to present and market your home. 

 

ViewHomes™ grew out of our passion for nature, beautiful surroundings, and peaceful environments. Starting together in an urban environment, over the years we've gravitated towards areas with smaller populations and less density. We now enjoy our lifestyle in a rural environment, but with close proximity to metropolitan areas where we appreciate all the amenities of fine restaurants, shopping, and an easy drive to an international airport.
Living in ViewHomes™ is like having “elbowroom for the soul”.

 

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