The Southern Maryland real estate market is full of attractive options, all with their own character and charm. So, with so many appealing options on the market, how do you choose? Here are a few of the top features buyers are looking for that may make your search a little easier:

A Home Office

These days, more people are working from home rather than making a long commute to an office space — and because of that, home offices are at the top of the list of amenities that homebuyers want. Having a space dedicated to work allows you to stay focused and productive during your work hours, and it also allows you to close the office door at the end of the day to preserve your work/life balance. If you work from home, think about adding a home office to your wish list.

A Spacious and Updated Kitchen

Whether you have a big family or you enjoy entertaining friends — or both, having a spacious and updated kitchen that includes a dining area is a big plus. Many of the homes that sell the fastest have an open floorplan with a large kitchen, dining area, and living area all in one large space. This particular floorplan is perfect for entertaining as well as for family time. Make note of the kitchen amenities like top-of-the-line appliances, the material of the countertops, as well as the storage space. This will help you weed out the houses that don’t make the grade.

Energy Efficiency

The Southern Maryland winter can be rough, as can the summers. So, finding an energy efficient home can save you money on heating and cooling bills in the long run. When touring potential homes, check to see if the windows, appliances, and HVAC system are energy efficient models. Doors and windows should have a tight seal as should the HVAC ventilation systems. Your Realtor or the listing agent should be able to get you information about which structural materials were used and whether or not they’re efficient in preserving heat and air conditioning.

The Bathrooms

I’m sure you have some idea about the number of bathrooms you’ll need, but do you know which type of bathroom you want? Will one sink in the master bathroom suffice or do you need two? Do you want a soaker tub and a stand-up shower? Would a built-in dressing table or an attached walk-in closet make your life easier? These questions are things you should think about before exploring your options.

The Location

Location is probably the most important amenity a home can have. As a homebuyer, it’s important to do some research and decide on the location that best suits your needs. Would you prefer some seclusion, or do you want to live in a neighborhood that has restaurants, bars, and shops in walking distance? Many buyers are looking for easy access to main roads and freeways, and an above all else, an area that’s safe.

The Outdoor Spaces

While you may not be looking for acres of land, most buyers want their own little slice of outdoor space. Think about the outdoor activities you do at home and how much space you’ll need. Then think about which outdoor activities you’d do if you had more space. Do you commonly entertain outdoors at home, or would you if you could? It all depends on you and your lifestyle but having a wish list of amenities can help you narrow down your list of homes to see.

 

 

With so many options on the market, it’s good to know ahead of time what you’re looking for. Once you know that, you’ll have an easier time recognizing your dream home when you see it.

If you’d like to talk more about home features to look out for, or if you need a recommendation for an experienced local Realtor or need to get pre-approved for a mortgage, please get in touch. I’m always happy to help.