Selling your home in Florida? Make sure you know what homebuyers in Florida are looking for in 2023 so that you can sell your home for top dollar. Below, we’ll take a look at the top features and amenities homebuyers in the Sunshine State are after.
What Florida Homebuyers are Looking for in 2023
Outdoor Living Space
Buyers want to enjoy the warm temperatures and sunny days that Florida has to offer. A 2021 National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) survey of recent and prospective home buyers found that the two most-wanted outdoor features were front porches and patios. Other desirable outdoor living spaces include four-season rooms, firepits, barbecue areas, decks, and she-sheds. Shaded backyards also help homeowners stay cool and comfortable during hot Florida summers.
Laundry Rooms
The 2021 NAHB survey also revealed that a laundry room was tied for the most wanted feature in a home. It’s not too big of a surprise considering the average American family does approximately 300 loads of laundry per year.
A designated laundry space can make doing laundry less cumbersome while keeping the house extra tidy. Homeowners want a space where they can wash, dry, fold, hang, iron, and organize their clothes. Shelving, cabinets, counter space, laundry basket storage, a spot for a drying rack and a utility sink make for great laundry space. Buyers also prefer having their washer and dryer on the first floor.
Car Garage
Florida homeowners want to park their vehicles in the garage—not on the street or in the driveway. Homes with car garages are appealing for many reasons. They keep cars cooler during those hot summer months. And, they offer protection from poor weather. Finished garages are even more appealing to potential buyers. They may offer storage space for bicycles, kayaks, and beach necessities. If a home lacks an in-home office or gym, a section of a finished garage could be the perfect work-from-home or work-out spot.
Pool
Most homebuyers in Florida, especially in South Florida, want a pool. Whether it’s a community pool in a condo or homeowners association community or a private pool, having access to a pool is high on the Florida homebuyer’s list. It makes sense considering the state’s temperate climate makes using a pool a year-round activity. Private pools especially are a great way to stay cool, entertain, and keep the kids busy during the summer.
Screened-in pools impress buyers even more, keeping pesky bugs out and safely separating the pool area from the rest of the backyard.
Office Space for Working from Home
The work-from-home trend took off out of necessity during the pandemic. Many companies continue to offer their employees the opportunity to work from home or on a hybrid work schedule. That makes in-home office space a highly sought-after feature for Florida homebuyers.
Energy-Efficient Home
Rising energy costs put a strain on many Florida households. Individuals and families moving to Florida or within Florida want energy-efficient homes. Not only are they better for the environment, which many Americans care about, but they help keep your cost of living down once you own the home.
Energy-efficient features that Florida homebuyers want in 2022 include:
- ENERGY STAR-rated windows
- ENERGY STAR-rated appliances
- Energy-efficient hot water heaters
- Proper insulation
- LED lights
- Cool roofs
Walk-In Pantry
One of the most-desired kitchen features for buyers across the country is a walk-in pantry. Walk-in pantries make buying in bulk, organizing non-perishable goods, and keeping a kitchen tidy a lot easier.
Modern Kitchen & Bathrooms
Buyers in Florida want updated kitchens in their home. Small kitchens with non-stainless steel appliances and bad lighting are out. Potential homeowners want bigger kitchens with newer appliances, a double sink, a sitting area, a walk-in pantry, and plenty of counter space and storage.
Similarly, bathrooms with wall-to-wall carpeting, aged pastel tile, ornate vanities, and limited storage space aren’t on the top of a buyer’s wishlist. Instead, buyers in Florida want clean, modern bathrooms with neutral color schemes, updated fixtures, matching hardware, ample storage space, and plenty of light.
Open Floor Plan
Open floor plans keep couples, families, and friends connected. Parents can more easily keep an eye on their children as they cook meals or clean dishes. And, party hosts can interact with guests while preparing the meal and refilling beverages.
Buyers prefer a variety of open layouts. The NAHB survey of recent and prospective home buyers found that 85 percent want an open plan between the kitchen and dining area, 79% between the family room and kitchen, and 79% between the dining room and family room.
Exterior Lighting
You might not think of exterior lighting as being high on a buyer’s wishlist, but it is. It’s tied with the laundry room for the most wanted feature with 87 percent of those surveyed saying it’s essential or desirable. Exterior lighting makes a home appear safer, more secure, and more beautiful. It’s also practical. Buyers can enjoy their yard at all times of day without needing to carry around flashlights or stick solar lights in the ground.
Exterior lights are great for improving resale value too. Studies show that outdoor lighting can help increase a home’s value by nearly 20 percent.
Final Thoughts on What Florida Homebuyers are Looking for in 2022
Most homebuyers go into the home buying process with a long list of must-have and desired features. If you’re selling your home in Florida, you can’t please every buyer that comes to your open house. However, you can make smart improvements and renovations to attract the right buyer and receive a great offer on your home. Before making any major upgrades to your house, talk with your realtor. They can make suggestions specific to what buyers in your market are looking for.
