This days it sometimes feels like we all received Dorothy’s wish at the end of the Wizard of Oz:

…. Toto, we're home! Home! And this is my room - and you're all here! And I'm not going to leave here ever, ever again, because I love you all! And -Oh, Auntie Em, there's no place like home!

As we all know, this will end. And I find myself wondering if people’s criteria for evaluating homes will change. Think about it, this is the first time in generations the entire household is spending more time at home and all together! This time is likely revealing both the strengths and limitations of everyone’s current spaces! Few examples:

• My cousin converted their pool shed into a small sanctuary away from their 4 (wonderful) teenage children. The pool shed is now complete with bar, comfy chairs and a TV. It isn’t Cheryl’s State Farm “chichi-er” she shed yet but I expect it will get there soon.

• A client who tested positive for COVID-19 is quarantined away from her young family in their walk-up attic. This was bonus/guest room space when they purchased the home, but now that space is serving a critical function to keep everyone safe.

• My neighbor is rediscovering the joys of the family pool cabana - converting it into her private sanctuary to listen to music and enjoy her beverage of choice.

• Adapting in even a smaller household. There are only 2 of us in my home however we definitely had to adapt. We balance who has “the office” (small guest room) each day. Now we have the office and dining room table as work spaces. If there were more people living in my home, this would have required a LOT more space creativity!

So what housing trends will change when this ends? Will we go back to life and business as usual? Here is my trend forecast:

1. Open Concept will fade from the must-have list. People will be looking for more options for family separation.

2. Larger homes (aka “McMansions”) will increase in popularity again after falling out of fashion with today’s younger buyers.

3. Buyers will move to the suburbs in droves. They may even seek more rural locations to can afford larger homes and yards. Those living in micro-style apartments will look to move out of the cities faster than anyone else!

4. Walk-scores will increase in importance. Today’s buyers already value a home’s convenience to shopping and walk to restaurants as a key criteria. Looking ahead buyers will also be seeking usable sidewalks, parks and walking trail access directly from their own homes.

5. Return of the “Rec Room” !?! Homeowners will finally take on those long-deferred projects to add or improve multi-purpose rooms in out of the way spaces such as finished basements, garages, lofts and attics. And homes with these updated & finished spaces will be more desirable.

6. Invest in outdoor spaces - homeowners are already spending more time this spring than ever getting their yards and gardens revitalized. Once this ends, homeowners will continue to improve the usefulness and quality of their outdoor spaces with Victory Gardens, Zen garden sanctuaries, and areas for kids to play. And buyers will start to assign more value to well-designed outdoor spaces.

What home features do you think will trend once this ends? Love to hear your thoughts!

Stay home. Stay well. #hometogether