2020 has greeted everyone with a lot of changes, and with that, many buyers have rearranged their priorities when looking at home amenities.  Perhaps this is due to the amount of time we are all staying home these days, constant advancement in technology, or the increasing trend of DIY and home-flipping.  Regardless of the reasons, the features that buyers are hoping for aren’t likely to fade anytime soon!  Does your home have any of these appealing features? 

A room dedicated to laundry – A laundry room has always been high on the list of homebuyer desires but this is a feature that has increasingly become more important.  People want a space where they can keep their dirty laundry out of sight and mind, especially when guests are over.  Keeping the “waiting to be folded” laundry is no longer acceptable in the guest bedroom!  Keep in mind that it’s especially ideal if the laundry is on the main floor!   

A spacious patio to extend outdoor living space – Entertaining and visiting with friends and family outdoors has been a crucial asset to this year and buyers are aware that it is likely a preference that is here to stay for quite some time.  While any patio is a nice feature, buyers are really searching for one that is equipped to entertain.  One that is spacious enough for furniture, the kids to play, a grill, a firepit, etc.  Preferably, the overall feel should be a flawless tradition from inside to out. 

An open-concept floor plan – While this has been a trend for quite some time, with more people working from home, it has become more important for families to be able to keep an eye on the little ones throughout the day.  Aside from the work from the home aspect, many buyers are leaning toward an open floor plan due to both its functionality and use of space.  

A kitchen island – Not only are kitchen islands on-trend but they’re also very functional.  They are so appealing due to their ability to add counter space to the kitchen, to help with cooking and gathering together, but also for their aesthetic appeal.   

An eat-in kitchen – Formal dining rooms have become less and less important for buyers over the years and eat-in kitchens have taken their place.  Families want a smaller, functional, more relaxed eating area to enjoy each other’s company.  It’s an added bonus if your home offers both a formal dining room as well as an eat-in kitchen! 

A sizable pantry – Whether it’s a walk-in or a glorified closet space, people are wanting space dedicated to being a pantry.  This is not a trend that is likely to fade.  Families know just how overcrowded kitchen space can get and, before you know it, there isn’t space for food or small appliances.  This might just be the most coveted kitchen convenience of them all.  

Natural lighting – With the sheer number of hours people are spending at home, natural lighting has become a must.  First, this helps tremendously with electricity savings.  With more families staying home during the weekdays, the lights are on more often.  Many buyers are looking for more natural lighting options during the day.  Another reason for this preference is overall well-being.  It’s no secret that natural light helps to boost anybody’s mood.  

Office space – This is the biggest addition to 2020 buyer preferences.  Just about everyone is finding themselves in need of office space.  Whether it’s for work or the kid’s virtual learning, people are running out of quiet space to concentrate and have video calls.  With the unknown of what working from home percentages will look like in the future, this is also a trend that is expected to last for quite some time.  

Are you interested in listing your home but aren’t sure if it’s in need of updates before hitting the market?  Are you ready to take the leap and buy a home but need help finding a house that fits your criteria?  Look no further than Sonya Reiselt, the Lowcountry’s most trusted realtor for both sellers and buyers! 

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