The 2 Surprising Things Homebuyers Really Want
In a market where current inventory is low, it’s normal to think buyers might be willing to give up a few desirable features in their home search in order to make finding a house a little easier. Don’t be fooled, though – there’s still an interest in the market for some key upgrades. Here’s a look at the two surprising things buyers seem to be searching for in today’s market, and how they’re impacting new home builds.
Homebuyers Are Not Giving Up Their Garages
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recently released an article showing the percentage of new single-family homes completed in 2018. The data reveals,
- 64% of new homes offer a 2-car garage
- 21% have a garage large enough to hold 3 or more cars
- 7% have a 1-car garage
- 7% do not include a garage or carport
- 1% have a carport
The following map represents this breakdown by region:
Evidently, a garage is something homebuyers are looking for in their searches, but that’s not all.
Homebuyers Are Not Giving Up Their Patios
Patios are on the radar for buyers as well. Community areas are often common amenities in new neighborhoods, but as it turns out, private outdoor spaces are quite desirable too. NAHB also found that,
“Of the roughly 876,000 single-family homes started in 2018, 59.4% came with patios…This is the highest the number has been since NAHB began tracking the series in 2005.”
As shown in the graph below, the number of new homes built with patios has been increasing for the past 9 years. Clearly, they’re a desirable feature for new homeowners too.
Bottom Line
Homebuyers are looking for garage space and outdoor patio living. If you’re a homeowner thinking of selling a house with these amenities, it appears buyers are willing to spring for those key features. Let’s get together today to determine the current value and demand for your home.
Forecast Signals Confident Buyers, Steady Prices by Late-2025
Slide 1 Total home sales in 2025 are forecast at 4.74 million units. Slide 2 Mortgage rates expected to finish 2025 at 6.5%, dipping to 6.1% by 2026. Slide 3 Forecast revisions are modest, keeping housing sales stable despite economic uncertainties. Slide 4 Fannie Mae...
Multifamily Housing Starts Surge 21% in Q2 2025
Multifamily housing starts reached 109K units in Q2 2025, with 102,000 built-for-rent, ↑ 21% yearly. Rental units made up 94% of multifamily starts, far above the long-term avg of 80% and the historical low of 47% during the 2005 condo boom. Condo construction starts...
The 8 best real estate markets in the country right now
WalletHub ranked 300 U.S. cities to identify the strongest housing markets in 2025, considering factors like home-price appreciation, foreclosure rates, affordability, job growth, and new home construction. With rising mortgage rates and a seller-friendly market,...
Are 2027 Trends Favoring Long-Term Gains?
Home prices are projected to rise 4% in 2027, reaching 10.8% cumulative growth since 2024. Experts forecast continued moderate gains in 2027, following slower increases in 2025 and 2026.
Utah: Hottest Spots for New Home Builds
Utah is one of the top states in the country for new home builds. Utah ranks No. 4 nationally, building 18.6 new homes per 1,000 existing.
Utah: Among States With High Home Values by 2030
Slide 1: "Utah’s Silicon Slopes drive home prices toward $673K by 2030." Slide 2: Limited housing and zoning challenges keep prices rising fast."
4 Smart Ways To Find a Reliable Real Estate Agent
Homebuyers and sellers can benefit from working with reliable real estate agents, as 89% of recent homebuyers chose to do so. To find a trustworthy agent, consider these strategies: 1. Research recent property sales in your area to identify active agents. 2. Call...
5-Year Forecast Favors Buying Over Renting
Buying isn’t just a home — it’s a wealth-building move for your future. Example: Buy a $300K home with 5% down = $82K equity in 5 years.
Do New Roofs Save Money and Energy?
Impact-resistant shingles and metal roofs extend roof life while safeguarding against costly storm damage. Solar-compatible roofs allow easier renewable energy adoption, even for homeowners not installing panels yet. Cool roofing systems lower household cooling bills...
Smart Steps to Buy Your First Home
Start with patience, flexibility, and assembling a trustworthy Real Estate team from day one. Work with a reliable realtor to avoid rushed or financially risky buying decisions. Compare lenders to find strong pre-approval options, like a pre-underwritten mortgage....
