Working From Home? What Home Buyers Are Looking for Now
With major employers now stating that their employees will be working from home for the foreseeable future, many homebuyers have adjusted their list of desirables in their next home. Some not only need to plan for a home office space but also need to accommodate the homeschooling or distance learning needs of their children as well.
This is impacting the way homes are marketed and the type of features that have become important to buyers at all price points. Of course, homebuyers with larger budgets have the luxury of seeking homes with extra bedrooms or offices and dens already included. But many buyers are not as fortunate and need to find the needed space in more creative ways.
If you need a quiet working space with the option for privacy, your best bet is within the bedrooms as it offers the ability to close a door for privacy. As a result, larger bedrooms (both in master and secondary bedrooms) have been a top priority for homebuyers.
Another important feature is an open floorplan which features a Great Room design. For generations, kids have done their homework at the kitchen table, and a spacious kitchen/family room combo makes it easier for home learning without becoming cluttered. Another option for homebuyers is a separate formal dining room which could be converted to a workspace.
With all the changes in working and learning environments for both adults and kids, the home is even more important than ever. As needs change, homebuyers seek different features from their new dwellings.
A few tips for setting up a work-from-home space:
Pick the right spot - This should be a place where you know you can be productive and avoid distractions like TV. And while you don’t want to be uncomfortable, avoid working from a bed or couch. Instead, consider investing in a comfortable office chair or standing desk.
Make use of natural light - Setting up near a sunny window is not only good for your mental health but reduces eyestrain from lack of sufficient lighting. If you don’t have the option of a large window, use a desk lamp so your working space will be well-lit.
Decorate the space - Even if you’re working from your kitchen bar or dining room table, add some special touches that hint to your brain that this is your “area of work.” It can be as simple as adding a small plant, framed photo, and pen holder. You can also consider making use of color theory. For example, blue is said to increase creativity, red encourages attention to detail, and green boosts imagination.
