millennial | Lake of the Woods Real Estate Blog

Millennial homebuyers approach home purchases very differently from their parents and grandparents. A modern generation is busy, environmentally conscious, and tech-minded. However, some current housing preferences echo past generations, such as updated bathrooms and kitchens. Still, they have many other features on their priorities list. Here are the home features that millennial homebuyers want.

Low maintenance

Nowadays, people are busier than ever before, so they don’t want to spend their free time keeping up with home issues. More and more millennial homebuyers are looking for homes that require little or no maintenance and home amenities that are quick, efficient, and long-lasting. Popular low maintenance materials are hardwood floors, granite countertops, etc. This generation requires something that looks modern and something easy to wipe up and mop down quickly. Many millennials are families with young children, so they need something convenient more than anything else. They will look for a new roof, new windows, and high-efficiency HVAC systems.

Updated kitchen and bath

Brand-new fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom are essential for millennial homebuyers. Many of them have limited budgets, so their savings will go towards a down payment and furniture. That’s why home updates are critical to them. They need a sense of comfort, but they also opt for “trendy” designs. A kitchen that fits a millennial’s needs is stylish and updated with integrated appliances. Two sinks, lots of cabinets, and a big kitchen island for food preparation and serving will catch the eyes of modern homebuyers.

Renovated kitchens and bathrooms not only catch the eye of a young homebuyer, but they are also among features that make the home sell faster, in case they decide to do it later.

Renovated kitchen and bathroom are among the home features that millennial homebuyers want.

Modern and smart amenities

Millennials look for tech-savvy homes and high-functioning amenities, such as dishwashers, washers, and dryers. Home automation and voice devices pique their interest. They are a generation that grew up with technology, and it will always be an integral part of their lives, integrated into their homes. The ability to interact with a home from a smartphone is becoming common. Automated security, smart heating and cooling, and smart lights are among the home features that millennial homebuyers want.

Energy efficiency

Millennial homebuyers focus on environmental sustainability and decreasing energy costs. That’s why green homes are so popular among modern homebuyers. Energy-efficient features are very important for an environmentally conscious generation. A Home with energy-efficient appliances, double-paned windows, LED lights and a programmable thermostat is something they wish for. They are ready to pay more because they know energy-efficient features save their money in the long run. They will eventually save a lot on utility bills.

Home office

Working from home is increasingly common, so working from the kitchen table is not good or a long-term solution. Millennial homebuyers seek designated office space, where they can be concentrated on work tasks, away from any household distractions. Professional couples who make a living from the home list a home office among their top priorities. Even if the homebuyers don’t work from home, in the well-connected world we live in, it’s good to have a nice and comfy place to sit and focus on daily chores or just relax. Some prefer to play computer games, some will pay the bills online, and everybody writes emails and video chats with their friends. That’s why a home office is a crucial part of what young professionals are looking for in a house.

A home office should also have enough adequate outlets to power up necessary mobile devices. Good wireless service and the internet are an absolute must when it comes to home features that millennial homebuyers want.

Millennial homebuyers seek designated office space as more and more people work from home.

Open concept

In recent years open spaces have become prevalent features – a kitchen well-connected with other areas instead of a formal dining room. Modern home buyers want to cook, socialize and watch TV or listen to music, all at the same time. An open concept is a trend that will continue to be popular for generations to come because of the modern way of living. Open spaces encourage family gatherings and entertaining; they are both social and practical.

Laundry Rooms

Millennials wish to have a separate, well-defined laundry room, with some shelving or a folding table. No more stumbling over piles of laundry. Home laundry is one of the top home features for 2021.

Storage matters

Millennials are looking for separate storage spaces, such as:

Spacious closets
A spacious garage
A walk-in pantry

Rooms need to have space for some creativity and expansion; they need to be multi-functional. If a millennial is not satisfied with current home conditions and has enough money for some updates, they will decide to do some basic renovations to make a new home more up to their needs and lifestyle. If the house doesn’t have as much storage space as it should, a homebuyer may decide to make some changes.

Before renovations, renting a storage unit is an excellent option to keep their belongings out of the way. No matter how minor the remodel, it will imply some dirty work and require clear space. So, they can simplify the process by doing this. While their items lay safely in a secured storage unit, the renovation process can go smoothly and stress-free.

Outdoor spaces

Functional outdoor living spaces rate high on the homebuyer’s priorities list. A simple patio may not be enough for a modern generation’s needs. Today’s homebuyers wish to have a pool, outdoor fireplace, comfy lounge chairs, and even a cozy hammock where they can take an afternoon nap or read a good book. This trend is popular both for the cities with mild weather as it is for those who have only a few precious summer months.

Homebuyers want to have functional outdoor living space for relaxing with their friends and family.

Pet-friendly home

A large number of millennials own at least one dog or a cat. They are looking for houses with backyards, sturdy fencing, and shade trees where their pets will be happy.

Enough space for a family

At the top of most millennials’ list of must-haves, you will also find – enough space for starting a family. They want their home to be comfortable, safe, and kid-friendly.

Dealbreakers

There are few dealbreakers for millennials when it comes to buying a home. Those are usually the features that come with the risk of needing more cash to fix later. A list of dealbreakers includes leaky roofs, foundation issues, or mold, pest, and insect infections. That’s why a home inspection is crucial to make the right choice when buying a home.

Conclusion

Home features that millennial homebuyers want are essential to the real estate industry. So, when marketing your home to millennials, think about all these factors. Understanding homebuyers’ needs may significantly help someone sell the house quickly, which is in everybody’s interest.

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

Image Sources:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-and-gray-painted-house-in-front-of-road-1396122/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/kitchen-and-dining-area-1080721/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/wood-coffee-desk-working-5155218/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-plates-on-table-238377/

Nowadays, Millennials are the fastest-growing generation of consumers in Virginia and the whole of the US. If we look at the statistics, we learn that those born between 1980 and 2000 are tough to sell to. However, one of every three homebuyers is a millennial. And the figure is set to explode in this decade. Therefore, the only thing you really need to know is what Virginia young professionals are looking for in a house if you want to expand your buyer pool and interest them into considering your property.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know. Firstly, it’s important to mention that there is more than one approach here. Young professionals are aware that there are many reasons why buying a vacation home in Virginia is a great investment. Therefore, you can try to appeal to those looking for a holiday home. Or, you can stick with people who want to live here full time.

Whichever way you choose, it shouldn’t be hard to use the information we’re about to give you. So, sit back and learn what you need to concentrate on.

Updated kitchen and bathroom

We all want to buy a house that has a new kitchen and bath fixtures. However, this seems to be much more important for young professionals than anyone else. As the experts explain, these people are budget-conscious buyers, which is why this is crucial to them.

Most of their budget goes toward down payment and furnishing. And with the kitchen and bathroom being the two most expensive parts of the home to update, they don’t want or can’t afford to deal with them.

On the other hand, you need to be careful with remodeling these two features. Unlike a new roof or plumbing, these fixtures are a matter of taste. So, you can’t be sure that the potential buyers will like it. But, if you manage to do something they like, it won’t be long before you need a reliable moving company like Allstate Moving and Storage to relocate you out of your, now sold, house.

http://copywritingtest.wpsupervise.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/jimmy-dean-my1mDMraGf0-unsplash-300x200.jpg — Kitchen and bathroom fixtures should be new when selling to millennials, but try to concentrate on the functionality. Alt tag: A man and a woman in the kitchen talking about what Virginia young professionals are looking for in a house.

Good location

Young buyers have experienced some things that their parents didn’t when they were the same age. And “these things” include high gas prices and high-volume traffic. These are the reasons why they tend to see location a lot differently from their parents.

In cities, they are looking for places that are in close proximity to public transport and pleasant for walking. However, in rural areas, the priority is on entertainment options. So, it certainly helps that there are many exciting things to do in Orange County, Virginia. Remember that rural areas are usually attractive for buyers with children. Therefore, make sure to stage your house correctly because people looking at it should be able to imagine themselves living there as soon as they walk through the door.

Low maintenance

The next thing on our list of what Virginia young professionals are looking for in a house is low maintenance. What this means is that low-upkeep features like wooden floors and granite countertops are the things that can get you a sale. Anything that is relatively hassle-free and still attractive is always a great bonus with this generation.

Take a look at this example to understand better what we’re on about. You see, when you’re moving locally in Virginia, you always make sure your belongings arrive safely to a new location, right? Well, the younger generation you’re selling to would probably rather dispose of everything they already have and buy new things when they get to a new house. Millennials grew up watching their parents spend weekends repairing things and doing chores, and they want to avoid that at all costs. They don’t want to do that stuff, and you should provide them with that opportunity.

http://copywritingtest.wpsupervise.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/margo-brodowicz-TJgn1_dcE1g-unsplash-300x200.jpg — Wooden floors are much more resistant and easier to clean; that’s why young buyers love them. Alt tag: Dog sitting on the floor.

Home office

According to US Census data, more than 13 million Americans work from home. And if you factor in all the recent developments regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, it’s clear that this number is a bit higher nowadays. Additionally, it seems that the trend of working from home won’t stop any time soon, so it’s clear why having a home office is so important for many buyers.

These rooms have vast appeal. However, it’s also essential to present them in the right way. Most agents will point out that you can use this room as an office or other flex living space, especially if it’s still staged as a bedroom. If you want to give yourself the best chance of selling, read our tips for showing your home to potential buyers. You’ll find lots of good advice in that article.

Energy efficiency

Since energy costs are on the rise, and there’s a growing interest in protecting the environment, young professionals are very often interested in buying green homes. However, the interesting thing is that they’re not alone.

These days both young buyers and buyers in general are at a constant lookout for energy-efficient homes. If the house is not yet set for the energy efficiency they’re after, buyers will usually factor in the cost of conversion.

On the other hand, it’s important to mention that most buyers still focus on insulation levels, seasonal energy-efficiency, and other factors. So, make sure not to rush with green-washing your home just yet. Explore your local market and find out what kinds of holes you need to fill with your offer.

http://copywritingtest.wpsupervise.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/vivint-solar-_XxvXRdacDo-unsplash-300x200.jpg — Although it’s not first on the list, when you ask yourself what Virginia young professionals are looking for in a house, energy efficiency comes to mind. Alt tag: Solar panels on the roof of a house.

Other important factors

Of course, there are many more things you should think about, so here are some additional assets most millennial buyers are looking for:

Technological capabilities. The important things here are the internet and cell service. Forget about landline phones and cable.
Proper staging. Many potential buyers watch real estate TV shows, so they’ll expect a higher staging level when they arrive to see a house.

As you can see, when it comes to what Virginia young professionals are looking for in a house, there are quite a few things to consider. Remember that these are bonuses. Ideally, you’ll have them all, but your home still can sell without much trouble, even with just a few features.

Meta: Find out what Virginia young professionals are looking for in a house. Learn how to stage it and which things you should focus on the most.