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The Front Porch Blog

Education on all things homeownership

5 Top Features Homebuyers Want in 2021

July 23, 2021 Blog, Home Selling, Lifestyle, Industry News
man, woman, and two children walk through the door of an empty room

The pandemic has changed what we look for in a home—and what you need to know before you sell yours.

What are buyers looking for in a house in 2021? The past year of stay-at-home life has changed the way we live and think about our homes, and those changing priorities are driving the way buyers approach their options. Even in a hot market, having the following amenities can boost your buyer interest (and listing price) even further.

Luxury bathrooms and kitchens.

Updated kitchens and baths always feature predominantly in buyers' wish lists—after all, these are rooms where we spend a lot of time and where trends and amenities are constantly changing. But after a year spent largely at home, many Americans returned to the lost art of cooking (remember all of those sourdough starters and baking projects?) or simply needed somewhere to escape for a little pampering and privacy.

According to Zillow, keyword searches show buyers willing to pay a 5.5 percent premium for listings that included "spa-like features."

41 percent of Americans said a "well-equipped kitchen" was a pandemic must-have as they built their cooking skills.

A beautiful backyard.

When it comes to outdoor spaces, Zillow said homebuyers are looking for backyards with firepits and outdoor kitchens — and are willing to pay up to 4.5 percent above the asking price to get it. Some ideas for outdoor amenities include:

  • Pizza ovens and outdoor kitchens
  • Outdoor living rooms (think covered spaces with entertainment options)
  • Updated decks/patio spaces
  • Fire pits or fireplaces

Zoom rooms.

Zillow predicts rooms dedicated to remote learning and office work will be in high demand. You can stage any home office to be more Zoom friendly with a few smart upgrades:

  • Soundproofing
  • A variety of flattering lighting options
  • Accessible WiFi
  • An attractive background with styled shelving systems
  • Doors/privacy

Hardwood floors.

According to Kiplinger, 87% of buyers are looking for hardwood floors, for a few simple reasons:

They can be refinished for a fresh look or to suit different design schemes and are easy to maintain and easier to clean than carpet.

Smart tech for healthier homes.

You don't need to rewire your house or be an IT genius to create some attractive upgrades using tech to provide comfort and cleanliness.

Smart thermostats and irrigation systems allow for programmable solutions that keep your home and yard using resources exactly as needed.

Programmable lighting can set the scene for work, entertaining, or optimal sleep utilizing different settings.

Smart fixtures like voice-activated faucets allow for touchless use during cooking and handwashing, limiting the spread of germs.

Smart toilets are usually operated completely touch-free, and some models even clean themselves. Smart toilets also flush using the right amount of water, which dramatically reduces water consumption.

Choosing to focus on a few desirable upgrades can help your listing stand out in a crowd and capture the imagination of potential buyers. For more ideas about making the most of your home purchase, a qualified mortgage professional like the Loan Officers at Lennar Mortgage can help you get started.