The #1 Feature Today’s Home Buyers Want

Home sellers and listing agents across the country spend a great deal of time and energy trying to determine what home buyers want. They pour over magazines and read blogs to learn what is the #1 feature they can add or enhance to ensure home buyers find their home irresistible.

The National Association of Home Builders’ released a 2019 home trend and buyer preferences report which cited a surprising and very practical answer – laundry rooms. In the report, 91% of those surveyed stated that having a separate laundry room was essential in their new home.

The association surveyed over 4000 home buyers and asked about features which ranged from outdoor kitchens to master suites and spa-style baths. While these features were well received, the overwhelming response to what was most important in the home design is the laundry room.

Laundry rooms have become so popular, that home builders are finding ways to increase their size and utility in home developments. Home buyers stated that homes with laundry chutes which lead to the room was their idea of the perfect home. These home buyers were willing to forgo trendier amenities like wine cellars, dog runs and outdoor fireplaces in order to hide piles of dirty laundry.

Home buyers can be finicky and mysterious to home sellers and their agents. What this trend demonstrates is that staying with home features which provide convenience and ease of use is more important to home buyers than fancy features and expensive upgrades.