September 23, 2019
Home sellers and listing agents across the country spend a great deal of time and energy trying
to determine what home buyers want. They pour over magazines and read blogs to learn what
is the #1 feature they can add or enhance to ensure home buyers find their home irresistible.
The National Association of Home Builders’ released a 2019 home trend and buyer
preferences report which cited a surprising and very practical answer – laundry rooms. In the
report, 91% of those surveyed stated that having a separate laundry room was essential in
their new home.
The association surveyed over 4000 home buyers and asked about features which ranged from
outdoor kitchens to master suites and spa-style baths. While these features were well
received, the overwhelming response to what was most important in the home design is the
laundry room.
Laundry rooms have become so popular, that home builders are finding ways to increase their
size and utility in home developments. Home buyers stated that homes with laundry chutes
which lead to the room was their idea of the perfect home. These home buyers were willing to
forgo trendier amenities like wine cellars, dog runs and outdoor fireplaces in order to hide
piles of dirty laundry.
Home buyers can be finicky and mysterious to home sellers and their agents. What this trend
demonstrates is that staying with home features which provide convenience and ease of use is
more important to home buyers than fancy features and expensive upgrades.
