Home Together Blog Series

What Buyers Want Now: Space, Flexibility & Affordability

The modern homebuyer is looking for more than shiny surfaces. Yes, granite countertops and spa-like bathrooms are still nice but today’s priorities are shifting toward something deeper: how a home functions and how it can evolve with your life.

In a world where people are working from home, helping care for aging parents, hosting adult kids post-college, or even just trying to make ends meet while prices are high, it’s no surprise that flexibility is the new luxury.

Today’s Top Buyer Requests:

• A home office or two!
  With remote work here to stay for many, having a quiet, designated space for Zoom calls or focused work is a huge asset.

• Extra bedrooms or bonus spaces
  Whether it’s for family, guests, or even a roommate to offset costs, buyers want more than just the traditional 3-bed/2-bath layout.

• In-law suites or separate entrances
  Multi-generational living is rising. Having a basement with a kitchenette or an area with its own entrance can make a home much more functional (and future-proof).

• Energy efficiency
  Buyers are thinking long-term. Insulation, newer windows, updated HVAC systems, and smart thermostats aren’t just eco-conscious, they save money month after month.

• Proximity to the things that matter
  Walkable communities, access to good schools, and easy commutes continue to top the list. Convenience isn’t a luxury, it’s part of the lifestyle.
  
  

A New Mindset for Buyers: See the Bigger Picture

If you’re house hunting, it’s easy to get stuck on aesthetics. Maybe the kitchen cabinets aren’t your style or the carpet isn’t ideal. But here’s the thing, those are changeable.

Instead, look for good bones, smart layouts, and potential. Ask yourself:

• Could that formal dining room become a home office?

• Is there a nook for a desk, reading corner, or craft space?

• Could the basement be finished later to add living space or income potential?

• Is there a side entrance that might work for a future suite?

• Would solar panels or better windows help lower monthly bills?

Paint can change. Countertops can be swapped. But a layout that works, a location that fits, and a home you can grow into? That’s the stuff that matters.

Tips for Buyers Trying to Stay Within Budget

• Don’t overlook older homes.
  Sometimes a home with less polish but a solid structure and a great location can be a diamond in the rough. A little vision and sweat equity can go a long way.

• Work with a lender early.
  Understanding what you can truly afford (including taxes, insurance, HOA dues, and utilities) helps narrow your search realistically and helps avoid heartbreak.

• Consider house hacking.
  Buying a duplex or home with a basement apartment could mean rental income to offset your mortgage while you build equity.

• Be open to different types of homes.
  Townhomes, condos, or homes just outside the “hot zones” might offer much more space and flexibility for the price.

Sellers: Stage for the Life Buyers Want

If you’re selling, this is your chance to show off flexibility. Make sure your listing photos and walkthroughs highlight bonus rooms, home office potential, and multi-use spaces. A spare bedroom with a desk and pull-out couch? A basement playroom that could double as a teen hangout or media room? Those details matter more than ever.

Bottom Line: Your Perfect Home Might Not Look Like You Thought

The housing landscape has changed but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a place that fits your life and your future. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or simply make your home work better for where you're at now, focusing on value, flexibility, and potential will always be a smart move.

Want help spotting the possibilities in your next home or preparing your current one to shine? Let’s talk. I’d love to help you see beyond the surface.

Stay tuned for our final post: Looking Ahead: What This Means for Real Estate.