The pandemic of 2020 upended lives, destroyed businesses and altered the way people view their homes. In many areas, especially New York City, many homeowners began a frantic and competitive search for more space and fresh air in the suburbs. In some cases, homes on the market garnered multiple offers from buyers who hadn’t even visited the home. To say that’s a seller’s market is an epic understatement. However, not all areas experienced this surge, and even sellers in the midst of a market with lean inventory and a lot of eager buyers must pay attention to the most popular features home buyers want now.

Laundry Rooms

City-dwellers moving from apartment or condo buildings to single-family homes may have been using communal laundry rooms or laundromats for years. For them, a laundry room is more than a dealbreakerâ€"it’s a dream. For other buyers, the laundry room can double as a mudroom or a place for pet supply storage. 

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood is durable and beautiful. It adds warmth to a home, and it’s easy to maintain. Families with small children and pets often find refinishing hardwood easier and more cost-effective in the long run than replacing carpet. Real hardwood flooring is on the list of features home buyers want most nearly every year.

Patios or Decks

Outdoor space that accommodates dining and socializing is in big demand. When the only place you can go out to is your own backyard, buyers want to see furnished outdoor spaces they can comfortably enjoy. Don’t neglect the patio or deck area when you’re staging the home for online or in-person viewing. 

Patios or Decks

Outdoor space that accommodates dining and socializing is in big demand. When the only place you can go out to is your own backyard, buyers want to see furnished outdoor spaces they can comfortably enjoy. Don’t neglect the patio or deck area when you’re staging the home for online or in-person viewing. 

Home Office

Remote work is here to stay. Many tech companies who kept going without missing a beat during lockdowns have told legions of remote workers they won’t have to return to the office to do their jobs. This has led many of these workers to consider moving far away from their corporate headquarters. Houses that feature separate home office workspace have become very attractive as a result. 

Air Conditioning and Energy-Efficient Windows

Hot summers would be unendurable for many people without air conditioning. At the same time, buyers want energy-efficiency in their homes. Energy-efficient windows, good insulation, and energy-efficient appliances all rank highly on home buyers’ lists of desirable features.