The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot about the world, including the process of buying or selling a home. Even after the vaccine is rolled out and life returns to some semblance of normal, listing a home will never be the same. Here are some of the changes to expect when you talk to a realtor in Maricopa County, AZ.
Moving to warmer year-round climates
Social distancing has changed the way we engage with our environment, especially because the only way to safely see others during a pandemic is outside and at a distance. That means that as a seller, your Arizona home could be a lot more valuable. Arizona’s year-round mild-to-hot weather offers a lot of opportunity for outdoor activity.
Many people move south as they age, hoping to get away from snow and rain to live in warmer climates. Expect that trend to continue even as the pandemic winds down—should another global outbreak occur, most people want to ensure they have opportunities to spend time outdoors, even during the winter.
Proximity to entertainment may not be a priority
In addition to outdoor activities, buyers aren’t prioritizing proximity to downtown areas and entertainment as much as they used to. As the ability to go out and socialize has been inhibited, people are finding other ways to stay connected to entertainment and their loved ones. Whether that will change as the pandemic ends is anyone’s guess—but some experts predict there will be less of an emphasis on city centers and entertainment in the future.
Remote working offers location flexibility
One of the biggest trends from the COVID-19 pandemic is the rise of remote work. If, as many people have predicted, remote work continues even after the pandemic, home buyers will have the luxury of choosing where they really want to live, not where they have to live for their job. Although not every job can be done from home, a significant chunk of the workforce has discovered it is entirely possible to keep business booming remotely. This will likely carry over and make quieter neighborhoods or even rural areas more appealing to buyers in general.
Bigger houses, quieter neighborhoods
Finally, if there’s one thing the pandemic has taught us, it’s that our homes are simply not equipped for multiple people working from home or attending school remotely. There has already been a demand for bigger homes in quieter neighborhoods, which are more conducive to togetherness (forced or otherwise) than smaller spaces in city centers. (Could this be the end of the popularity of open floor plans, too?)
When you’re getting ready to sell your home, all of these factors will likely have an impact on how much you’ll be able to sell for and how many buyers will be interested. Be sure to talk to your local real estate agency in Maricopa County, AZ to find out what buyers in your area are looking for. Call Ellen White Real Estate today to learn more or arrange a consultation.
