New year, new normal, and new lifestyles also mean new must haves for homes in 2021. With the pandemic still rearing its ugly head, many of us cannot wait to say goodbye to 2020 and welcome 2021 with hope that things will get better in the future. If the pandemic has taught us anything, one thing is for sure that what was once considered ‘normal’ does not seem to be returning anytime soon. Many families are still working remotely, and kids are attending school virtually. As we ring in the new year, we also will ring in accessing our current lifestyle. One of the biggest trends we have seen this year, particularly in the Mid Hudson Valley, is the shift of moving from densely populated areas such as New York City, to the quieter, more rural & suburban areas of the state.
But what buyers may have looked for in a country home in the Mid- Hudson Valley in previous years, is likely very different in today’s new normal. As you ring in 2021, with hope for the pandemic to end in the near future, keep these home features in mind with prospective buyers. These features, pandemic or not, are likely to stick around, as we have experienced that working remotely is not only a safer health option, but also companies are able to still function successfully in this new working environment.
Outdoor space: Our ‘new normal’ of social distancing, wearing masks, and not being inside tightly packed spaces seems to be the way going forward for the foreseeable future. With this in mind, many consumers are looking for these as must haves for homes in 2021, valuing homes and properties that offer outdoor spaces more highly than others. Whether it is a pool and backyard, a deck, or a rural location with acreage, consumers are looking to invest in properties that allows them to safely socialize with their families and friends without heightening the risk of spreading the virus. Outdoor spaces and gardens also offer tranquility and an escape from the current pandemic situation. Properties that can offer buyers ample outdoor space will be high in demand and sought after versus properties such as apartments that offer little to no green space.
Wellness: In line with the outdoor space trend, buyers are also looking for properties in areas that have access to outdoor recreation areas, such as national parks, walking trails and rail trails. Homes that also offer good light and ventilation to allow maximum airflow to help keep fresh air circulating, and lessen the risk of airborne viruses to remain inside are also a growing priority, making their way onto many buyer’s must-have home features lists. Making sure properties have air filtration systems or large windows to allow a breeze to circulate within a home will also be high on people’s checklists.
Workspaces: As we continue to work from home, many consumers are making buying decisions with having spaces to create home offices, and spaces for children to attend school virtually making these top priorities when it comes to must haves for homes in 2021. Whether this is a guest bedroom, a space off the kitchen, a finished basement or finished attic space, having these additional rooms to act as home offices & remote learning spaces are becoming an increasingly big priority for consumers, especially families. Properties that can immediately offer a home office space will be hot on consumer’s radars.
Natural Surfaces: As research shows that COVID-19 has the shortest life span on natural surfaces such as copper and unlacquered brass and bronze, interior design experts expect to see an increased interest in consumer’s moving back to these metals for surfaces on tables and countertops.
If you’re ready to shift your lifestyle and ring in the New Year with a new living situation in the Mid- Hudson Valley, make sure you reach out to your local UCBR REALTOR®. REALTORS® have a wealth of knowledge and education to help keep the guesswork out of buying a home, and make sure you find exactly what you are looking for. For more information, check out our website on why using a REALTOR® is the best way to find your dream home.
