Top 2024 Features Buyers Want in a New Home: Insights from Waterford Realtors

As we step into 2024, homebuyers are no longer satisfied with just four walls and a roof—they want a living space that’s equipped with modern features, enhances their quality of life, and accommodates their evolving lifestyles. At Legacy Realty Group, we’ve been helping buyers find their dream homes in Waterford, WI, for years, and we’ve noticed that certain features are quickly becoming must-haves in today’s real estate market. Whether you’re planning to buy or sell a home, knowing what buyers are looking for can make all the difference. In this post, we’ll explore the top home features buyers are clamoring for in 2024, and why they’re so important for the Waterford real estate market.

The Rise of Smart Home Technology: Convenience and Control

One of the most significant trends in 2024 homebuying is the integration of smart home technology. In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king, and homeowners want their homes to reflect that. From controlling lights with a voice command to managing home security through an app, smart home features have become essential for many buyers.

For Waterford homebuyers, who often value safety and community, smart home security systems are particularly appealing. Buyers want peace of mind, and features like video doorbells, motion sensors, and smart locks provide just that. Beyond security, smart thermostats that can learn your schedule and adjust temperatures to save energy are also popular. Imagine adjusting your home’s temperature on your way back from the store, ensuring that it’s cozy by the time you arrive—this is the kind of future buyers in 2024 are ready for.

But it’s not just about convenience. Smart home technology also offers energy savings, which brings us to another major trend: sustainability.

Energy Efficiency: Going Green in Waterford

With rising utility costs and growing environmental concerns, energy efficiency is top of mind for many buyers in 2024. Homes that prioritize eco-friendly features not only help reduce a homeowner’s carbon footprint but also offer long-term savings on energy bills. For Waterford residents, where winters can be harsh and summers warm, energy-efficient homes provide year-round comfort without breaking the bank.

What kinds of energy-efficient features are buyers in Waterford looking for? Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular, as are high-efficiency HVAC systems that use less energy to heat and cool the home. Insulated windows and doors are also in demand, keeping the warmth inside during the winter and the heat out during the summer. Additionally, buyers are looking for energy-efficient appliances, from refrigerators to dishwashers, that minimize electricity and water use.

Incorporating these features isn’t just good for the environment—it’s good for your wallet. Homes with energy-efficient upgrades often sell faster and at higher prices, making them a smart investment for homeowners looking to list their properties in 2024.

Open Floor Plans: Spacious and Functional

While open floor plans have been popular for years, they continue to be a highly sought-after feature in 2024. Buyers love the spaciousness and flow that an open layout provides, and it’s especially appealing to Waterford homebuyers who may be looking for a place to entertain friends and family.

In an open floor plan, the living room, kitchen, and dining areas flow together, creating one large, unified space. This layout makes a home feel bigger and more airy, which is ideal for families or anyone who enjoys hosting guests. An open layout also offers flexibility; whether you’re having a family dinner or a holiday party, the space adapts to your needs.

During the pandemic, many people had to make do with cramped spaces while working from home, which is why the open floor plan is even more attractive in 2024. Buyers want the ability to create multifunctional spaces, so that a living room can serve as a playroom, a workspace, or a home gym.

Outdoor Living Spaces: Bringing the Inside Out

One of the trends that saw a significant boost during the pandemic—and is here to stay—is the desire for outdoor living spaces. In 2024, homebuyers are looking for backyards that serve as an extension of their indoor living areas. In Waterford, where nature is all around, having a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy is more appealing than ever.

Features like decks, patios, and fire pits are especially popular. Buyers want to enjoy the beauty of their surroundings without leaving home, whether they’re hosting a summer barbecue or roasting marshmallows over the fire on a cool autumn evening. Some buyers are even looking for full outdoor kitchens, complete with grills, sinks, and refrigerators, to take outdoor entertaining to the next level.

Additionally, with Waterford’s scenic landscapes, gardens and green spaces are highly desired. Whether it’s a small herb garden or a larger vegetable plot, buyers are placing more value on homes with space for sustainable living and outdoor enjoyment.

Home Offices: Adapting to Remote Work

With the rise of remote work, having a designated home office has become a top priority for buyers in 2024. In Waterford, where families are looking for homes that offer both comfort and functionality, a home office can be a major selling point.

Buyers want a space that’s quiet, private, and equipped with plenty of natural light to keep them productive throughout the day. This trend isn’t just for people who work from home full-time—many buyers are also looking for flex spaces that can serve multiple purposes, like a home gym, guest room, or study area for kids. Having a room that can adapt to the changing needs of a household is an attractive option for many buyers.

Kitchen Upgrades: The Heart of the Home

The kitchen is still considered the heart of the home in 2024, and buyers are more particular than ever about what they want in this crucial space. Waterford homebuyers are looking for kitchens that are not only functional but also a place where they can gather with family and friends.

Large kitchen islands with seating, walk-in pantries, and high-end, energy-efficient appliances are some of the most desired kitchen features in 2024. Buyers also want modern finishes, like quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and smart fridges that help keep food fresh longer. With many people spending more time at home, the kitchen has become a place for both cooking and socializing, making it a focal point for homebuyers.

Wellness Features: Promoting Health and Well-Being

In 2024, wellness features are gaining popularity among buyers who want their homes to support a healthy lifestyle. This includes everything from air filtration systems to home gyms. Buyers are also interested in homes with natural lighting, large windows, and spaces that promote relaxation and well-being.

Some buyers are even looking for homes with indoor plants or wellness rooms, designed specifically for yoga, meditation, or home workouts. As health and wellness continue to be important, homes that cater to these needs are likely to remain in demand.

Flex Spaces: Adaptability is Key

Finally, flexibility is a major theme for 2024 homebuyers. Whether it’s a growing family or someone who needs to work remotely part-time, buyers are looking for homes that can adapt to their changing needs. Flex spaces—rooms that can serve multiple purposes—are highly sought after.

A flex space might be a room that serves as a guest bedroom, home gym, or even an art studio. Buyers want the freedom to transform these spaces to fit their unique lifestyles, and homes that offer this adaptability are often at the top of their wish lists.

Why Choose Legacy Realty Group for Your 2024 Home Search in Waterford

At Legacy Realty Group, we know what buyers in Waterford, WI, are looking for in 2024. Whether you’re buying or selling, our team is here to guide you through the real estate process and ensure that your home meets the needs of today’s market.

If you’re ready to find your dream home with the top 2024 features in Waterford, WI, contact Legacy Realty Group today. Let us help you make your move stress-free and exciting with our personalized real estate services.