Buying a new home is one of the most important financial decisions you can make in your lifetime.
When you’re finally ready to invest in a home, however, it can be overwhelming to weigh the pros and cons of each house you see.
After all, buying a home today isn’t what it used to be.
Nowadays, potential homeowners are looking for the best of the best to build their livelihood.
While there are still plenty of folks looking for fix-and-flip projects, a growing number of would-be homeowners have their eyes on a bigger prize. From the perfect floor plan to the age of the windows, every factor needs to be considered.
But what are homeowners looking for nowadays?
Here are some of the top trends and features that you should consider when you’re looking to buy a new home.
Spacious kitchens with plenty of storage
The need for a beautiful kitchen will always be at the top of a potential homeowner’s list.
As such, it’s no surprise that homes with large kitchens are likely to sell faster than homes with hard-to-navigate kitchen floor plans.
But the essence of “space” refers to more than just a large kitchen. Homeowners in 2020 are also looking for options with open floor plans.
This is a huge benefit to families with small children who want a clear line of sight to other areas in the home.
Paired with ample storage space, a great kitchen could make the difference in a sale. Consider looking into RTA Cabinet Supply for some high-quality options.
Kitchens that come with appliances are another key factor, especially if the appliances are new or unique.
The specialty gas market is expected to grow to $14 billion by the end of 2026.
Whether you’re using that gas in your car or to fuel unique features in your kitchen, there’s no escaping the factor that appliances play in the homebuying experience.
Solar energy capabilities
Climate change is on everyone’s mind, especially when it comes to how they run their home — or buy a home.
More people are unplugging unused electronics and remembering to turn the lights off when they leave the room.
But for savvy soon-to-be homeowners that really want to make a difference, solar power is the name of the game.
If a home has a roof outfitted with solar panels, this can be a huge factor in the final sale.
Solar energy only accounts for 1.6% of the United States’ total electricity generation but it’s growing in popularity among towns and cities across the country, especially in residential applications.
Even if you live in a more northerly climate where sunlight is less prevalent, the presence of solar panels can dwindle your utility bill and diminish your reliance on power companies to fuel your home.
Would-be homeowners love the idea of independence, helping the environment, and saving money.
Before you buy a home, ask about space’s ability to accommodate solar energy features.
Landscaping features
According to a recent study published by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), almost 80% of Americans claim that lawn space is an important factor in buying a home.
Whether you want plenty of green space for your dog or you want a spot for entertaining in the summer, lawns are here to stay.
In fact, as many as 90% of real estate agents encourage folks who are selling their home to invest in landscaping before they put it on the market.
After all, the outside of the home is the first impression potential homebuyers will get of the property.
When you’re looking for homes, however, think of what the lawn can be.
A simple lawn can hold great potential, even if it isn’t decked out with a fire pit and patio.
As long as you have space, you can transform your yard into an outdoor oasis on your own time. An estimated 67% of landscaping projects in the U.S. involve single-family homes.
If it happens to have a pool, that’s all the better. It’s up to you when you want to buy a home!
Homeownership is a big deal
When you want to buy a home, there are countless factors that can affect your final decision.
Even though these trends are increasingly popular in 2020, you should never settle for a house that doesn’t check your most important boxes.
Rely on these great starting points but always trust your gut when searching for a new home. Happy hunting!