After a year without traditional travel, it is no wonder that home buyers have been seeking properties that offer more opportunities for stay-cation relaxation and fun ~ as well as efficient and comfortable ways to work and learn from home.
The National Association of Realtors found that in 2020 buyers have desired features such as:
- More land for children to play outdoors
- Ability to convert a bedroom into an office or classroom
- Finished basements for entertaining.
- Attached garage for a potential gym or bedroom.
Local New England realtors have definitely noticed an uptick in prospective buyers who are looking for larger space, both inside and out, and for added elements such as swimming pools and home offices.
“I’ve had several buyers looking at my listings that pre-pandemic loved living in the city,” says Lori M. Orchanian of Coldwell Banker Realty in Belmont, MA. “They now wanted more space to spread out and safe space for their families.”
The Coldwell Banker Realty team of Beth Hettrich and Laura Semple in Sudbury agree. “Since the pandemic began we are seeing an influx of buyers looking for space for home offices and space for kids to be home schooled,” says Hettrich. “We are hearing from many buyers that they will be working from home indefinitely, so those kinds of residential spaces are sought after.”
“In addition, people are looking for yards in fear of another quarantine,” adds Semple. “Swimming pools use to be an obstacle. Now swimming pools are very desirable. Backyards with firepits, swingsets and lots of play area for kids are in big demand.”
