“Today, more and more people are working remotely, and that’s not just because the current pandemic is prompting businesses to operate virtually.”
For years, we’ve all heard about the most desirable home features buyers are looking for, from upgraded kitchens to remodeled bathrooms, master suites, and more. The latest on the hotlist, however, might surprise you: home offices.
In a recent article by George Ratiu, Senior Economist with realtor.com, he notes how listings with an office are selling quickly:
“As more companies have been embracing remote work, buyers are driving demand for houses with home offices higher. Homes featuring the term ‘office’ are selling 9 days faster than the overall housing inventory.”
Today, more and more people are working remotely, and that’s not just because the current pandemic is prompting businesses to operate virtually. According to the same piece and the most recent data available, the number of employees working at home was fairly steady from 1997 – 2004 but has been climbing ever since (see graph
Clearly, the work-from-home population is growing, and technology is making it possible. Just last month, according to an article on Think Google, searches for telecommuting hit an all-time high, and that’s certainly no surprise given our current situation.
People all over the U.S. are looking for answers on how to be most effective at home, and it’s making the ideal workspace more and more desirable. In fact, best practices from seasoned work-from-home professionals, like Chris Anderson, Senior Account Executive at HousingWire, tout that having a dedicated space is a must for productivity.
With today’s increasing demand for home offices, it’s a great feature to highlight within your listing if you’re selling a house that may meet this growing need. From bright natural light with large windows to built-in bookshelves or a quiet and secluded atmosphere, whatever makes your office space shine is worth mentioning to buyers when you’re ready to list your house.
Ratiu concludes:
“For housing, the continued increase in the share of remote workers implies that demand for homes with offices or dedicated work spaces will continue to increase. The current coronavirus pandemic offers a dramatic indication of the fact that companies and employees will have to develop plans and clearer policies for remote work beyond the current crisis.”
Bottom Line
Remote work may become more widely accepted as this current crisis teaches businesses throughout the country what it takes to function virtually. So, what seems like a business challenge today may be more of the norm tomorrow. With that in mind, if you have a home office, your house may be more desirable to buyers than you think.
To view original article, visit Keeping Current Matters.
If Your House’s Price Is Not Compelling, It’s Not Selling
Work with a local real estate agent who’s going to be honest with you about how you should price your house.
Why More People Are Buying Multi-Generational Homes Today
According to the latest data from NAR, cost savings are the main reason more people are choosing to live with family today.
When Is the Perfect Time To Move?
No matter when you buy, there’s always some benefit and some sort of trade-off – and that’s not a bad thing.
That’s just the reality of it.
One Homebuying Step You Don’t Want To Skip: Pre-Approval
A preapproval means you’ve cleared the hurdles necessary to be approved for a mortgage up to a certain dollar amount.
The Truth About Credit Scores and Buying a Home
You don’t need perfect credit to buy a home, but your score can have an impact on your loan options and the terms you’re able to get.
What To Save for When Buying a Home
Planning ahead and understanding the costs you may encounter upfront can make buying a home less intimidating and allow you to take control of the process.