What Buyers Are Looking For In 2022

Selling your home in 2022 is an excellent idea as property values are expected to continue to increase. If you’ve been thinking, “I should sell my home,” but you’re not sure what buyers are looking for, you’re in the right place. Here are buyers must-haves for 2022.

#1. A Home Office

In the wake of COVID, more people are working from home — and loving it! This means that people need spaces in their homes devoted to distraction-free work. If you don’t have a room designated as an office, stage a spare bedroom as an office when you show your home. Simply adding a desk and chair to an unused space could have potential buyers racing to sign on the dotted line.

#2. A Laundry Room

Nearly half of all homebuyers reported a laundry room is essential in 2022. An additional 87% reported it’s a must-have or desirable, and  63% of homebuyers want the laundry room on the main floor. If you’re looking for a new washer and dryer, look for Energy Star-certified models that are in high demand. Also, consider adding cabinetry, countertops, and a sink — depending on what your budget allows.

#3. A Functional Kitchen

Did you know that the kitchen is the most scrutinized room of the home tour? In fact, 81% of buyers want a double sink, 81% want a walk-in pantry, 77% want a central island, and 76% want a water filtration system.

Buyers are also going crazy for Energy Star appliances (and windows) to help save on their electricity bills. More than half of homebuyers report they are willing to pay up to $5,000 more for a house if they can save $1,000 on their annual utility bills.

#4. Open Areas

Speaking of the kitchen, if walls separate your kitchen from your living space, get the sledgehammer! Today’s buyers  want a kitchen that flows freely into the eating and living space — no separation needed. Bonus points if your living space opens to a lanai!

#5. Multi-Use Garages

Spending more time at home inspired many homeowners to create workspaces in their garages. That means home buyers want reimagined spaces that offer more than a conventional garage. If you’ve got some extra room in your garage, consider adding cabinets and shelving to transform your empty corner into a workman’s paradise.

#6. Outdoor Space

The mid-pandemic world also enjoys more time outdoors, meaning homebuyers want outdoor spaces the Ritz Carlton would be jealous of. Firepits, water features, pools, sprawling gardens, TVs, and outdoor kitchens...you name it, they want it! 

Homebuyers are looking for backyards that are large and well-designed, or that have the potential to be transformed into a comfortable outdoor living space. 

#7. Pools

While we’re on the topic of outdoor features, pools (above and below ground) saw a historic 24% demand increase in 2020. 

This is another pandemic-related effect as people worry about travel restrictions and turn their backyards into mini resorts. Adding a pool is extremely costly, so many homeowners are purchasing homes with pools included instead of spending upwards of $55,000 to install one. So, if you have a pool in your backyard, you could be sitting on a goldmine that will have buyers offering above the asking price!

#8. Exterior Lighting

With all these backyard upgrades, homebuyers want to show off their outdoor paradises. Exterior lighting is the second-most wanted outdoor feature for homebuyers. Options for exterior lighting include spotlights, pendant lighting, and walkway lights. Colorful and fun pool lights are also a hit with homebuyers who love to entertain and who have kids. Lighting is also a great safety feature if you have motion-sensor lights that turn on automatically when they sense movement.

#9. Ohana Suites

For the holidays and long weekends, buyers are looking for dedicated spaces for their loved ones to comfortably visit. This includes a bedroom and their own full bathroom. Today’s homebuyers are prioritizing homes with large guest rooms, guest suites, or large open spaces that could be turned into guest suites.

#9. Half Bathrooms

The lost art of the half bath is making a resurgence as people entertain more at home. A half bathroom is a bathroom that only contains a toilet and a sink, no shower or bath. Half bathrooms are perfect for short-term guests to use, so they have their own area free from bath toys, rainbow toothpaste splatter, and the sock that were left on the floor!