Wouldn’t it be great to get a glimpse into the minds of homebuyers, to really see what’s most important to them?
IKEA’s annual Life At Home Report polls tens of thousands of people to gather a sense of their priorities when it comes to their home. The results showcase the features that can really sell a home in the future. Let’s dig in!
Home is where the heart is
The old saying “home is where the heart is” rings truer than ever with today’s homeowners. When asked, the majority of survey respondents (48 percent) defined their home as the space “where I have my most important relationships.” In an era where experiences tend to mean more than things, that makes a lot of sense. In fact, 43 percent of respondents told IKA that “things that enable them to do what they love are most important.”
For realtors, don’t skimp on the details when it comes to house features that enable those interactions and those opportunities to make memories.
A large deck or yard, a wide-open living room, even a spacious kitchen, can be the source of that emotional attachment for today’s buyers.
Sensory overload
In an age of overstimulation, homebuyers are looking for a sense of peace and quiet when they walk through the front door. 18 percent of respondents found their homes to be too bright. Respondents from certain regions said that reducing ambient noise would improve their quality of life. 40 percent of respondents reported their home having a distinct smell. 46 percent of respondents found it frustrating, to the point where it causes weekly arguments.
Balancing senses can be tricky. You want to evoke the right feelings without overdoing it.
Focusing on a home’s strengths in these areas can take a sale above and beyond the usual pitch. Senses that reinforce an emotional sense of a place, like smells and sentimental belongings, can really cement a decision for potential buyers.
21st Century teched-out abode
Nobody likes a family movie night interrupted by Netflix buffering the movie due to a poor connection. 32 percent of those surveyed agreed that reliable wifi beat out a social space as a necessity for their home. As the internet brings more entertainment mediums into the home, this isn’t surprising.
These are just a few of the great insights to be found in the report. Even if your time is short, set aside an hour to flip through the rest of the report. You won’t regret it.
#HomeSweetHome
