What features are home buyers searching for?
Here’s the most popular home feature per state according to Realtor.com
What is the most popular home feature among home buyers? Across the U.S., people swoon over fabulous pools, stunning water views and storage space. Here we looked at keyword home search data in each U.S. state to determine regional must-have features when searching for a home.
According to the data, Mainers want to go “upta camp,” a local term used for a cabin or cottage. Oklahomans are looking for storm shelters and California loves solar power. In Hawaii, where real estate prices are sky-high and leaseholds are part of the for-sale market, home shoppers are searching for “fee simple” homes, to ensure they own the land and the building in their little piece of paradise. Additionally, D.C. residents want to be near the Metro (its local public transportation system), Pennsylvanians want parking and in New York, where outdoor space can be hard to come by, residents would love to have a balcony.
Expanded Space and Inter-generational Living
Topping the list of most popular home features are the makings for man-caves, she-sheds, workshops and granny pods. Popular search terms in this category include in-law apartment, barn, ADU (accessory dwelling unit), and casita. Residents in 13 states including Arizona, Idaho, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington all want alternative living spaces. Whether buyers are pursuing some extra rental income, or are looking for a work space, or prefer being in close proximity to their relatives, separate spaces are a top must-have item.
Valuing the Privacy of a Country Life
Unsurprisingly, people in many states love their privacy — acreage, fenced yard, room for horses and a country setting all make the top searched feature list. Home shoppers in six states — Alaska, Iowa, Illinois, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming — all want room to roam and some real separation from the neighbors.
Avoiding the Stairs
With a large number of baby boomers reaching retirement age, America has fallen out of love with having to climb stairs. Residents in nine states — Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Dakota, Ohio, Rhode Island and Virginia — don’t want anything to do with multi-level homes. Top searches in these states include first-floor master, ranch, rambler and single level.
The Great Outdoors and Local Getaways
For some, the old adage rings true that real estate is all about location, location, location. In Arkansas, Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee and West Virginia having local getaways with beautiful views topped the must-have list. Home buyers in these states are searching for a lake view, canal, dock, lakeshore and river access as their favorite features. For others, it’s all about looks. For example in Connecticut and New Hampshire, states with a lot of older homes, people are looking for contemporary style, South Carolinians love traditional brick facades and Texans prefer a modern aesthetic.
Visit Realtor.com to see the most popular feature in every state.
Methodology
The top features were derived from realtor.com® home keyword search data between April 2019 and December 2019, generating a list of twenty features per state. The most searched for term from each state was selected, omitting the responses that appeared consistently across states.
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Work at West + Main Homes.
