Nate’s Notes: Home Buyer Preferences During the Pandemic
We have made it just over a year since things first shut down here in the Midwest due to the pandemic. A lot of things changed for so many people during that time period. For us in the building world, we have seen preferences change in what our clients want out of their homes.
Driven by great interest rates and an extremely short housing supply, we are seeing many home buyers decide to pivot towards a new construction home. Home buyers are looking for a new home that provides them with the features that they did not know they wanted until they had to spend an extended amount of time inside their current homes. The tiny flaws that did not seem to matter as much are now glaringly obvious, such as the tiny pantry, lack of separate space for kids while parents are working or the absence of a backyard oasis when you just can’t be in the house anymore.
Some of the main spaces that we are seeing as priorities for many of our home buyers include:
Outdoor Space: Nice weather is finally here! An area for kids to play, gardening and outdoor gatherings is essential.
Office: Many people have now shifted entirely to remote working or learning. Having a dedicated space for these activities has been trending towards a must-have.
Large Kitchen: Less time spent going out to eat means more time in the kitchen, so this one is increasing in demand. It’s time to work on those chef skills!
Home Gyms/Flex Space: Whether it’s for working out, a place dedicated for kids or just a hobby room, having that one extra space dedicated for these activities that can be closed off from the main areas is gaining popularity.
If you can relate to these space constraints, take a look at our Hawthrone floor plan. This versatile floor plan offers six bedrooms, room for an office or flex space, a large kitchen with a spacious pantry and an optional four stall garage where we occasionally include a sports court. We currently have three of these planned for the Omaha area, one for Sioux City, and two for Sioux Falls.
Watch our website for more information to come!
Nate Blaeser
Nate Blaeser
Vice President, Operations