What? The market is hot right now? In the middle of a pandemic? You bet it is! In fact, most buyers and sellers are realizing they need to make some long-term changes to adjust to the new normal. A home now must act as an office, a classroom, the gym, a movie theatre and the weekend getaway. So how does this translate into the list of what a home must have? Here are a few things we are personally observing these days:
Office Space. Most homes easily accommodated a laptop on a dining room table or on the deck with your feet up. While that worked back in March, now home owners prefer one, possibly two, designated offices (doors preferred!).
Homework Space. Now that kids are distance learning, all at different times, certainly at various levels, the current setups no longer work. Families need space that can be defined as learning areas throughout the day. This often leads to another need: larger or additional bedrooms. In the past, families have told us “the bedrooms don’t need to be that big. All the kids do is sleep in there anyway!” This has certainly changed.
Added Flex Rooms. In the past, home owners would be willing to forego certain needs that could be done outside the home instead. They would head to the gym for a work out, go to the theatre to see a movie, meet friends at the local pub. Homes with flex rooms allow a family to accommodate their current needs yet adjust into the future.
New Kitchen. Our kitchens are now the break room, the school cafeteria and the Chef’s Table. More of us are cooking from home which means less packing of lunches or dinners out. Buyers look for added pantry space to stock up, space to create, and appliances that can stand up to a full house with frequent use!
Front Porch. As “Social Distance” gatherings pop up more and more, our front porch is now welcoming in more guests than before. The front porch serves as an area to regroup while ‘at the office’ during the day as well as a way to be part of the neighborhood action.
New Yards & Settings. Our homes must now be a destination. Households are adding pools, expanding decks, building outdoor kitchens and installing sport courts. Some families are going to the next level and buying year-round lakeshore homes to have their getaway vacation just outside their door. Others are buying into developments that offer community rooms, pools, added parks and an expansive trail system.
Closer to Family & Friends. Some buyers looked back at last Spring and decided that life would be richer, easier, somewhat normal, if they just lived closer to those they love.
In Summary. COVID has made people reconsider what is important. Our homes play a more central role in this new world. Now more than ever, people are not necessarily upsizing or downsizing but instead “Rightsizing” for their family’s needs!
By Kristin and John Beise
