Young professionals want to buy homes that don’t need work, and are ready to move in, as-is. The most notable requirement that has been observed by this age group is that they have certain ”must-have” requirements on their lists.
This generally includes a home with brand new kitchen and bath fixtures. The reasoning for this is that they have tighter budgets. See: How Millennials Are Transforming the Homebuying Process – US News.
Buyers love to see open floor plans. This is because an open kitchen space that can easily transition from a kitchen to a TV room. Younger owners love to entertain and cook. They can easily have friends over and be cooking while having a conversation with them. This has become extremely important. Know in advance that young buyers are very attracted to open floor plans over-compartmentalized houses.
In regards to home officers, it is important to take note that more and more Americans are starting to work from home, and that trend is expected to climb. This is why offices are so important to young professionals.
Young buyers want safe locations. This is because many younger buyers are purchasing before they are married, and many of them are women. They do not want to live in a dangerous area. On top of the fact, that younger buyers have learned that certain locations have higher utility prices than others. Read: Ten Ways to Entice Home Buyers Under 35 – ABC News. Because so many of them have learned through renting, they want homes that are low on costs, and want properties that are close to public transportation.
Most young buyers look for homes that are low-maintenance features. This includes wanting wood floors over carpet, and granite countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms. These are sought after because they obviously, are more attractive, but also because they stain less easily, so they don’t require replacing.
Buyers want to hear about cell service and Internet, not cable and telephone. In some cases, a house’s appeal can be increased or diminished because of the strength of a mobile carrier’s signal or its Internet service provider options. While cellphone and Internet services are out of the seller’s hands, sellers should expect their agent to be prepared to field questions on that front. For more information: What Younger Buyers Look For.
With energy costs on the rise and growing interest in protecting the environment, young buyers are conscious of buying homes that are green. And actually, these days, it is not just young buyers that are looking for energy-efficient homes. It really is everyone. Buyers factor non energy efficient costs into the consideration of the home.
Young buyers tend to get caught in a trap when gauging the affordability of condos or town homes. The asking price often fits their limited budgets, but HOA dues and the possibility of large assessments can sink the purchase. When it comes to condo buildings, younger buyers are looking for properties with no special assessments. They want to maximize their monthly housing budget by finding a property with low monthly assessments.
Younger buyers start their searches online. The home must have professional photography that shows the home in its best light, or they will move on before ever stepping foot in the door. While younger buyers look to the internet first and foremost when searching for a home, realtors are the second most common resource for finding a home.
I am a “young professional,” and I have not bought a home yet, but I will agree with the article on my expectations/requirements out of the first home I will buy. Stainless steel appliances and granite countertops are a must. I want to live in a decent location, and definitely want an older floor plan. Being in this demographic, I can tell you that we don’t expect to be moving into a mansion, but for what we can afford, we do expect to have newer appliances, a good neighborhood, and a home that doesn’t need any work done to it.
I love town homes. I think they’re convenient, they’re always close to the “hot” areas, and I feel safer in them. I rent at the moment, I don’t buy. But when I do buy, I plan to buy a new construction town-home. I think financially, they’re the smartest move.