From large bedrooms to modern kitchens, these current home trends are in high demand in Austin, Texas

 

The home buying process is a long and personal process. It is also a long-term commitment, so buyers should have a good idea of what they want in a home before seeking one. Homebuyers today have their own style and feature preferences for a new home, whether it is the amount of space in a home or its various attributes. However, there are some recent trends that have influenced almost every prospective homebuyer’s wishlist. Check out some of these features that are currently in high demand in the Austin real estate market.

 

1. A neighborhood with amenities

 

When choosing where to live, homebuyers want easy access to some of their favorite places. Whether it is a grocery store they frequently visit or a department store where they love to shop, this can be a determining factor in deciding where to lay down roots. Luckily, Austin has plenty of wonderful neighborhoods that are surrounded by fantastic restaurants and local stores and that offer fun activities for everyone to enjoy. The variety of neighborhoods will suit just about anyone’s interests.

 

2. Modern architecture

 

Minimalism has been a popular lifestyle choice in recent years. This style is simple, clean, and modern. There are numerous homes in Austin that have either been recently built or updated to represent a minimalistic and contemporary style. The architecture of these homes incorporates simple design elements with materials such as steel, concrete, stone, and glass.

 

3. Walk-in closets

Walk-in closets are a necessity for many homebuyers and renters. Having a sizable walk-in closet provides benefits beyond simply having more space for your clothes. It is a private space for getting ready or taking some time to unwind after a long day. Having this space also makes it easier to manage and organize your wardrobe in a stylish space. Homes with walk-in closets are more likely to sell quickly.

 

4. Number and size of bedrooms

 

Tastes vary when it comes to the size and number of bedrooms that are needed in a home. Fortunately, there are a variety of options available in the Austin real estate marketplace. Big families may want a house with three bedrooms or more, while younger couples may go for two or fewer bedrooms and focus instead on other features. Not only do the number of bedrooms matter, but the size is also often critical. Homes come with a variety of bedroom sizes, from grandmaster bedrooms to child-size bedrooms. Ensuring there is enough room for you and your family is a big factor in selecting the perfect home.

 

In addition, some buyers may have a preference for how many bedrooms are on each floor of the home. For example, with multi-story homes, buyers may prefer having all the bedrooms on the same floor, while others may opt for the opposite. Bedrooms can also serve as a space for other uses, such as a home office, an exercise room, or a study. Figure out what your home needs are and discuss them with your realtor so they can factor in those requirements when showing you potential homes.

 

 

Whether your household is large or small, having a spacious home is important. Serious buyers have a general knowledge of how much space they are looking for and know the amount of square footage they need, along with the number of rooms needed. Going to open houses usually gives buyers a better idea of what seems cozy and what seems cramped when it comes to the amount of space in any given home. Make sure to attend plenty of open houses to get a feel for what works for you.

 

The size of the home typically reflects either the number of people who are going to be currently living in the space or any future plans to have more people residing in the home. A smaller house may be suitable for just you and a significant other, whereas a bigger house is needed for a family or a couple hoping to start a family in the near future. These plans and circumstances often determine the space requirements of potential buyers.

 

In addition to having a sufficient number of rooms in the house, people like to have additional storage space. A garage offers the extra space many homebuyers are seeking and is seen as a necessity depending on the space, or lack thereof, of the driveway. The type of garage depends on the buyer’s intentions. Looking for an attached or detached garage? How much space is needed for cars and extra items? Speak with your realtor about those issues so that you can determine what works best for you.

 

6. Updated kitchens

 

The one-room that has the biggest impact on a home choice is always the kitchen. Having an updated kitchen is a feature many cannot forgo when searching for a home. The cost of having to replace old appliances can add up, so buyers prefer acquiring homes with already updated kitchens. Most of the homes for sale in Austin come with fully remodeled kitchens with stainless steel appliances, which is the most in-demand appliance style. Many of these kitchens also come with backsplashes made of ceramic or porcelain tile in cool color tones.

 

Not only do homebuyers appreciate updated kitchens, but they also crave substantial kitchens. Spacious kitchens offer enough room for family households to eat, do homework, and enjoy quality time together. Open-floor kitchens are also popular. These types of kitchens allow for easy transitions between rooms in the house. Households with children often prefer eat-in kitchens so everyone can spend time with each other while sharing meals together.

 

7. Relaxing backyards

 

For those planning on expanding their current living situation, a big bonus to purchasing a home in Texas is having a backyard to relax in. Most yards come fenced, so if you are a pet owner or have small children who need a safe space to play outside that is within your eyesight, having a fenced backyard is a must.

 

Numerous homes have backyards that already come with several fun extras, such as hot tubs, pools, swing sets, and built-in grills. Having these features already here will make the home even more useful and attractive to homebuyers.

 

When considering a backyard, ask yourself a few questions. Do you want a big or small yard? Are you willing to invest in keeping up with the landscaping for a larger yard? Or would you prefer a smaller yard that requires little maintenance? When choosing the ideal type of backyard, consider the optimal lot size, the features you would like to already be in place, and how much you will be willing to pay to maintain it.

 

8. Energy efficiency

 

One of the most appealing features a home can have is its energy efficiency. Plenty of buyers are willing to pay more for an eco-friendly home. This includes energy-efficient appliances along with energy-saving heating and air-conditioning systems. Having proper insulation in the home is another big priority. Sellers should ensure that the home comes with high-efficiency insulation in the attic and garage, as well as the rest of the home.

 

There is a growing interest in having a lifestyle that helps protect the environment and wildlife. Accordingly, these features tend to be prioritized in the home-searching process. Having an energy-efficient home not only helps improve the environment but also helps lower utility bills and saves money in the long term.

 

9. Hardwood floors

 

These days, hardwood flooring is the preferred design choice over other types of flooring, such as carpet or porcelain tile. Not only is it aesthetically appealing in various types of rooms, but it is also easier to clean and lasts a long time. It is also ecologically friendly as wood is a renewable resource. Almost every home in Austin is built with hardwood flooring throughout the home.

 

 

Most homebuyers in Austin have a checklist of items they are shopping for. Some of these features are more important to some than others. So, it is important for realtors to identify homes that match their clients’ needs. Your goal is to find a home that will satisfy your needs and check off some of the major items on your list. Determine in advance what you need and what you are willing to compromise on, and discuss this with your realtor so they can find the best options for you. Starting your homebuying journey can be overwhelming, but knowing what to look for and knowing what to ask can help ease the process. If you are interested in starting your home buying process, connect with Umlauf Properties Group today to check out homes for sale in Rollingwood, Westlake Hills, or Lakeway.