What Features Are Home Buyers Searching For?
Here’s the most popular home feature per state according to Realtor
What is the most popular home feature among home buyers? Across the U.S., people swoon over fabulous pools, stunning water views and storage space. Here we looked at keyword home search data in each U.S. state to determine regional must-have features when searching for a home.
According to the data, Mainers want to go “upta camp,” a local term used for a cabin or cottage. Oklahomans are looking for storm shelters and California loves solar power. In Hawaii, where real estate prices are sky-high and leaseholds are part of the for-sale market, home shoppers are searching for “fee simple” homes, to ensure they own the land and the building in their little piece of paradise. Additionally, D.C. residents want to be near the Metro (its local public transportation system), Pennsylvanians want parking and in New York, where outdoor space can be hard to come by, residents would love to have a balcony.
Expanded Space and Inter-generational Living
Topping the list of most popular home features are the makings for man-caves, she-sheds, workshops and granny pods. Popular search terms in this category include in-law apartment, barn, ADU (accessory dwelling unit), and casita. Residents in 13 states including Arizona, Idaho, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington all want alternative living spaces. Whether buyers are pursuing some extra rental income, or are looking for a work space, or prefer being in close proximity to their relatives, separate spaces are a top must-have item.
Denver has some pretty fantastic options available for multi generational living. I can show you where there are both new build properties and existing homes in more of a city setting that would make multi generational living comfortable.
Valuing the Privacy of a Country Life
Unsurprisingly, people in many states love their privacy — acreage, fenced yard, room for horses and a country setting all make the top searched feature list. Home shoppers in six states — Alaska, Iowa, Illinois, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming — all want room to roam and some real separation from the neighbors.
I too love to grow my own garden, have multiple animals, and hear the birds chirping again. The city has its excitement but sometimes you’re just craving the charm of the country. I can introduce you to several communities within an hour of being able to access city life. Or small towns outside Denver if accessing downtown is not a priority.
Avoiding the Stairs in One Level Living
With a large number of baby boomers reaching retirement age, America has fallen out of love with having to climb stairs. Residents in nine states — Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Dakota, Ohio, Rhode Island and Virginia — don’t want anything to do with multi-level homes. Top searches in these states include first-floor master, ranch, rambler and single level.
There are a couple options, largely condos in the city and townhomes in the suburbs…Also there are some neighborhoods with mostly ranch homes. I’m happy to show you your options.
The Great Outdoors and Local Getaways
For some, the old adage rings true that real estate is all about location, location, location. In Arkansas, Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee and West Virginia having local getaways with beautiful views topped the must-have list. Home buyers in these states are searching for a lake view, canal, dock, lakeshore and river access as their favorite features. For others, it’s all about looks. For example in Connecticut and New Hampshire, states with a lot of older homes, people are looking for contemporary style, South Carolinians love traditional brick facades and Texans prefer a modern aesthetic.
If you’re looking for any of these features, I can tell you where to find them. There are especially some great multi generational opportunities, stair free or one level living, and we’re at the base of the Rocky Mountains of course there are plenty of options outside the city to grow your first garden and a little extra space to enjoy! Do these features sound nice? Start searching for your next home!
Just get in touch and I can show you where to find what you’re looking for!
Visit Realtor.com to see the most popular feature in every state.
Methodology
The top features were derived from realtor.com® home keyword search data between April 2019 and December 2019, generating a list of twenty features per state. The most searched for term from each state was selected, omitting the responses that appeared consistently across states.
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