NAR Survey of Home Features that are Most Important to Buyers

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) conducted a survey of home buyers who purchased a home in the period from late 2005 to early 2007. The survey gathered information about those features that buyers considered very important when searching for a home and whether or not those features were present in the home they purchased.  The information gathered from this survey provides insights into the priorities of home buyers and can help home sellers evaluate the desirability of their homes when preparing to market their home for sale.

The highlights of this survey are summarized below:

- When searching for a home, the most desired features were central air-conditioning, an oversized garage, a walk-in closet, and a backyard or play area. The most desired rooms/spaces were garages, family rooms and laundry rooms.

-Repeat buyers placed more emphasis than first-time buyers on almost all home features

-Home buyers that purchased a home without a desired feature or room would be willing to pay extra for central AC, two or more full bathrooms and hardwood floors.

-Over 90% of recent home buyers thought energy efficiency was an important consideration when searching for a home to purchase

MOST DESIRED HOME FEATURES (Ranked “Very Important” by Buyers)

Central AC                              1                              

Oversize Garage                      2

Walk-in Master Closet              3 

Backyard/play area                   4

Cable/satellite TV-ready            5

High-speed Internet Access       6

Separate showers in main bath    7

Patio                                          8

Fencing                                      9

Another key finding from the survey was that nearly four out of five home buyers worked with a real estate agent to purchase their home.  I specialize in the purchase and sale of residential property in the western suburbs of Boston including Wellesley, Weston and Needham. I have helped many families determine their favorite location and find their new dream home. I am available to help with all your real estate needs.  Please contact me for a complimentary home evaluation.

 Elyse Marsh, Realtor 

Pinnacle Residential Properties

 Office: 781-237-5000

 Cell: 617-803-3571

 email: emarsh@prphomes.com

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