The pandemic has changed our lives as we know it.
It has significantly affected many sectors and industries—so much so that it has even played a pivotal role in the careful selection of houses in the home buying process. Today, many of us spend most of our days “sheltering in place” as mandated by the government or as a precautionary health measure, giving us a renewed appreciation for our homes. However, being in “lockdown” mode for so long also gave prospective homebuyers a new perspective of what they want in a home.
Today, buying an affordable house and lot just does not cut it. Many of us are spending much of our time indoors, so it is only fitting that we choose an appropriate house that we actually enjoy and feel comfortable in.
As many of us have learned to acclimate to an environment that restricts outside movement, we needed to figure out how to recreate outdoor experiences we loved so much. This included dining at our favorite restaurants, getting a spa treatment, and having our kids frolic at playgrounds, among others. That said, many homebuyers are starting to rethink their dream homes. With this new knowledge, prospective homebuyers now know what they wish to see in their house hunting—and most of them are searching for features that would allow them to have the best at-home experience.
So, if you are buying a house and lot in Batangas or elsewhere, below are some of the features you may want to see in your dream home:
1.) UPDATED KITCHEN AND BATHS
For most prospective homebuyers, updated kitchens and baths are a nice thing to have. For post-pandemic homebuyers, however, these are a must. So, if your budget warrants it, be sure to look for homes with modern kitchens and baths.
If you are selling your home, however, you may want to put down money on kitchen and bathroom upgrades. These upgrades have become synonymous with a high return on investment projects, so you would not want to miss out on them. More importantly, you do not need to break the bank just to attract first-time homebuyers.
What you need to do is search comparable properties and just make enough improvements to stand out. Keep in mind that you do not need to go big on kitchen remodels in neighborhoods where homes are affordable. However, it is highly recommended that you upgrade your kitchen a little bit better than the homes within your proximity.
2.) OPEN FLOOR PLANS
As many of us are spending most of our time indoors, it is inevitable to wish for more living space. That said, prospective homebuyers are looking to upgrade from their previous living arrangements. Apart from modernized baths and kitchens, prospective homebuyers have expressed a desire to have open floor plans.
After all, open floor plans tend to make the space feel less cramped and contained. More importantly, they promote a home’s functionality. That said, sellers may want to consider their current floor plan and determine whether it would be worth knocking down a few walls just to make more room in their living areas.
3.) LOW MAINTENANCE FEATURES
Purchasing a new home is already expensive by itself—so much, so that prospective first-time homebuyers are deterred by the very idea. Even those who have managed to take the leap must approach the home buying endeavor with cautious optimism as real estate market prices can be somewhat sporadic. Having said that, it should come as no surprise why many first-time homebuyers are more inclined to purchase properties that require little to no maintenance.
The idea is to save on maintenance, and that is something home sellers need to take note of. Most prospective first-time homebuyers would be put off at the thought of spending more money after they have acquired what is probably the most significant purchase in their lives. So, it makes more sense for them to prefer a home that is move-in ready that requires little to no maintenance.
4.) ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Energy efficiency is a selling point and something most first-time homebuyers would be looking for in their homes. Energy-efficient homes do not only save them money in the long run, but it also has the added benefit of compounding savings over time. If you are selling your home, you may want to include as many energy-efficient upgrades to attract the interest of prospective home buyers.
That said, do not hesitate to highlight your energy-efficient amenities should you wish to sell your home. After all, first-time and prospective home buyers will be interested in anything that allows them to save money in the long run.