Homebuyers' preferences have changed in the years since the pandemic, and their searches reflect that. Things like less open floor plans, dedicated workspaces, and wellness facilities are just a few of the things that catch their attention. Sellers who pay attention to these trends may have an easier time receiving offers from homebuyers in 2025.
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Experts advise sellers to consider the following if they want to sell their homes in 2025.
Desired features and upgrades
Kori Sassower, founder and principal agent of The Kori Sassower Team, said buyers appear to be looking for homes with newer roofs and updated windows and mechanical systems.
She also said large family rooms, higher ceilings, lots of windows and oversized kitchens with one or two islands are important. Additionally, she noted that natural colors are coming back and some homeowners are using them to tone down the modern farmhouse look that was very popular in 2020-2024.
Emily Waldmann, a real estate agent with Douglas Elliman, said she sees a return to some formality in the spaces, including a separate dining room.
“We’re also seeing buyers moving away from the more open floor plans,” she noted. “Many gravitate toward a living space geared toward socializing and entertaining, separate from where they might watch TV, and a butler's pantry or kitchen that's somewhat removed from the entertaining spaces. Each of these reflects the trend of hosting and hosting guests again in the post-pandemic period.”
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Energy efficient homes
“Energy-efficient homes will continue to be very important to buyers,” Sassower said. “With inflation hitting buyers from all angles, the opportunity to achieve lower energy bills will be very attractive to buyers.”
Remote Work Friendly Homes
Sassower explained that fewer open floor plans and more meaningful spaces have been the biggest change since remote work. She said one or two home offices are essential as people need the ability to work at home and have privacy.
“Many households have two parents working remotely while their preschoolers host playgroups in the house,” she explained. “For the home to function well, a separation between work and leisure is necessary.”
Wellness amenities
Waldmann said wellness facilities will continue to trend well into 2025.
“Many buyers ask the question, 'Where can I put a sauna or cold bath?' whether it's indoors or outdoors,” she said. “Sauna and cold plunge facilities are in high demand, and many buyers prefer to locate them within the home, depending on how they plan to use them.”
Waldmann explained that some people incorporate a sauna or cold bath into their morning routine and prefer it outside of their master bedroom/bathroom. Another option is to set up the sauna or cold plunge pool outside the pool so that it can be used socially.
“Incorporating wellness amenities into a home is a trend that we see continuing to grow, and for many buyers, this is an important factor in the type of layout they are looking for,” she said.
Additional notes for sellers
Sassower said small changes can have a big impact when preparing your home for sale.
“Consider brightening up your walls with a fresh coat of paint and replacing the light bulbs with bright white ones to create a unified look,” she suggested. “In the kitchen, a new backsplash or countertop can drastically change the look of the room.
“Also, improve your outdoor spaces. Make sure the front of your home is visible and not obscured by trees and bushes. Removing some of this foliage will not only enhance the exterior, but will also allow more natural light to penetrate through the windows and brighten the interior of your home.”
Sassower said it can also be helpful to ask a home staging expert for advice.
“Investing a little money up front can result in significantly higher profits when you sell.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Buyers are looking for real estate trends in 2025, experts say