The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every industry. Job and financial changes coupled with the push to stay home and attractively low-interest rates have to lead to a record-setting real estate boom. Homes are selling at an unprecedented pace, with the average home listing in the United States selling in two weeks or less. This is great news for sellers, but buyers are facing a competitive market.
Goodbye city living.
The adoption of remote working has motivated people to leave city life behind in favor of living in the suburbs. The suburbs have higher home sales growth than urban areas. Buyers are more willing to commute now than they were pre-pandemic since they may only need to be at the office one or two days a week. Buyers are looking for specific amenities in homes. An ample living room, a comfortable outdoor living space, a spa-like master bath, and a dedicated home office are all popular amenities that help a home sell faster.
A log cabin is a great option for a second home, a personal vacation rental, or rental property that allows buyers to earn passive income. Asheville, North Carolina boasts beautiful long-range mountain views and is the perfect setting for a log cabin home. Ashe County Real Estate offers the finest selection of log cabins for sale in NC. You can browse listings of log cabins based on architectural style, acre lot, and amenities. The real estate broker can make your mountain dream come true with valley views, a gated community, a private setting, and easy access to outdoor activities. Whether you want a stone fireplace, hardwood floors, an open floor plan, a covered porch, cathedral ceilings, or uninterrupted mountain views, a log home is a perfect option.
A focus on carbon footprint reduction.
New technologies are emerging that help reduces the carbon footprint of commercial and residential properties. The real estate industry is looking for ways to invest in designs that foster energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. There’s also a focus on using healthier, more sustainable materials.
A home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is responsible for a lot of energy consumption. Air leaks that allow warm air in and cool air to escape (and vice versa) results in more energy usage to keep different rooms throughout the entire home comfortable. One of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency is to keep up with the regular maintenance of your HVAC system.
A ductless system is a great option for an attic or porch renovation into a living space because it doesn’t require extended ductwork. Ductless air conditioners are a great alternative to traditional HVAC systems. The expert technicians at Airmax Heating & Cooling Inc can explain all the reasons you need a ductless mini-split in your home. They specialize in the installation, repair, and maintenance of air conditioning, heating systems, heat pumps, ductless systems, and commercial HVAC systems. The certified technicians can also provide indoor air quality solutions that effectively remove allergens, pollution, contaminants, dust, dander, and more.
Live videos and virtual tours are becoming the norm.
The real estate industry is seeing the widespread adoption of video for marketing, touring, leasing, sales, and asset management. Live videos are replacing in-person home tours as they are a safe and convenient way to preview a home before deciding to see it in person. 3D virtual tours allow buyers to tour a home and get a feel for it without having to set foot in the home itself. Virtual tours are paving the way for safer connections between buyers and sellers while speeding up transactions.
Segal & Morel offers easy and convenient virtual custom home tours in Easton, PA. Virtual tours allow you to view luxury homes at your own convenience without the need for an appointment. Virtual tours are a great way to get a feel for floor plans, unique features, square footage, and craftsmanship. Once you can envision your life in your new home, you can arrange an in-person viewing if you’d like, although you may decide it’s a great place just based on the virtual tour.
Safer, sustainable buildings.
A key technology trend that will continue long after the pandemic is building safer commercial buildings. This includes the use of special HEPA air filters with UV lights for indoor air quality, touchless entry, and automated sanitization measures. Smart access control is the best investment property owners can make toward more efficient buildings. Consumer expectations are shifting, and people are seeking short-term and mid-term properties that limit human interaction.
Keyless entry systems support contact-free experiences, particularly in apart-hotels that lack common areas and feature in-unit amenities. Investing in energy-saving designs and healthier materials helps builders comply with stricter sustainability regulations. This is especially important given the trend of spending more time at home. Property developers and builders are focusing on building interior spaces that balance aesthetic and high functionality, such as the rise of the new home office.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted all aspects of life, but it has paved the way for innovation. The adoption of suburban living, a focus on reduced carbon footprint, virtual tours, and safer, sustainable buildings are just some of the innovations in real estate.