SELLERS GUIDES
Top 10 Home Trends for 2021
These top 10 trends will not only add comfort but might even add extra value to your home.
ZOOM ROOM: A Zillow survey found a desire for a home with a dedicated office tops the list of reasons why Americans working from home say they would consider a move if they were to 1. continue working remotely at least occasionally.
“HOMECATION” AMENITIES: Pool was the top Zillow keyword search term in 2020. Waterfront and dock also landed in the top 10. Additionally, homeowners want to create a luxury experience at home, upgrading to a spa-like bathtub or a relaxing rain shower.
INTERGENERATIONAL LIVING: According to Generations United, about one in six Americans currently have multigenerational households. In 2020, the share of young people moving back home reached all-time highs as millennials and Gen Z—particularly renters—moved in with their parents.
GOURMET KITCHENS: With stay-at-home orders, many brushed up on their culinary skills, which has spawned a desire for gourmet kitchens.
BACKYARD OASIS: A Zillow survey from a Harris Poll found that 41% of people say they value a large outdoor space as a result of social distancing recommendations.
SMART AND SAFE TECH: With a desire to lessen the number of germs in the home, buyers are increasingly looking for items like touchless appliances and faucets, self-cleaning toilets and more.
SMALL CITY LIVING: With more opportunities for working remotely, buyers are looking into smaller, more affordable communities and open spaces.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS AREAS: If you don’t feel safe going to a gym, having an area in your home dedicated to your health and wellness is ideal.
PET-FRIENDLY LIVING: Pet adoptions increased in 2020, so homebuyers and renters are looking for more pet-friendly features, such as pet shower or dog wash area.
NEW CONSTRUCTION: More than a quarter of buyers who bought a new-construction home did so to customize home features,
while 37% chose new construction because everything in the home was new and never used, according to a 2020 Zillow survey.
9 Ways to Prepare for a Showing
Tomorrow’s market will likely be a mix of in-person and virtual showings. Here’s how you can make the best of either type.
Declutter. Clutter is a major distraction when buyers are viewing a home. You want them to focus on all the great features of the house, not look at the stack of mail cluttering the kitchen counter.
Depersonalize. Remove items like framed family photos and memorabilia. It’s hard for a buyer to picture living in the home if they see photos of you everywhere.
Remove all signs of your pet. In the same way that you should depersonalize, tuck away your pet’s toys, bowl and bed. Not everyone is a pet person.
Turn on lights and open doors. Turn on all the lights and open all doors before your Realtor walks through to show your home.
Open blinds. Natural light is an essential when filming a home. Open the blinds and let as much light in as possible so the camera picks up all the beautiful details of each room.
Plan the route around the house. Clear a route around the home that shows off each room and is free of trip hazards.
Think about your prospective buyer. Be sure to tell your Realtor some personal stories or unique details about the home so they can relay it to prospects, whether live or by video.
Tackle outdoor spaces. Prune any overgrown landscaping, cut back tree branches and mow the lawn.
Clean up the front entrance. The walkway to your property and the front entrance are your home’s first impression. Power wash outside, touch up paint in the entryway and clear out any dirt and grime that has collected around the edges.