How More Time at Home Affects Home Buying
Americans are spending more time at home than ever before. This trend has quietly grown for decades, driven by technology, lifestyle changes, and the rise of remote work. Then, in 2020, the pandemic lockdown accelerated the shift dramatically. Even after restrictions ended, many people continued to stick with home-centered living. Remote and hybrid work schedules are common and many people choose to cook, exercise, and relax at home more than they did before the pandemic. This long-term shift is reshaping what people want from their homes and how they search for them.
More time at home means buyers are paying closer attention to how a home functions. A property is no longer just a place to sleep and eat. It is often a full-time living space, a workplace, a fitness center, an entertainment zone, and sometimes even a multigenerational household. Because of this, home design trends and real estate marketing have changed significantly, and buyers are thinking carefully about how well a home will support their day-to-day lives. The New York Times has highlighted this shift in a chart showing the steady rise in time spent at home long before the pandemic and how those numbers never returned to pre-2020 levels.
Choosing a Home That Fits Your Life
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will make. The best purchase is one that will meet your needs for the next seven to ten years or possibly much longer. Since buying, selling, and moving involve significant time, expense, and disruption, selecting a well-suited home upfront can save thousands of dollars and help you build stronger long-term equity.
The key is to look beyond what you need today and consider the life you expect to live in the coming years. Homes that can adapt to change tend to serve buyers well and maintain their value.
Important Considerations When Choosing a Home
Think about the space you need right now and how your needs may evolve. Questions to consider include:
- Will the home comfortably support your current lifestyle?
- Do you anticipate changes in your household, such as children, aging parents moving in, or adult children moving out?
- Do you need dedicated space for specific activities such as woodworking, painting, music, fitness, or remote work?
- Does the home offer flexibility? A room that serves as an office today could be a nursery, guest room, or hobby space later. A walkout basement could become a workshop or separate living quarters.
- Is the layout suited to aging in place or multigenerational living? Even if those needs are years away, choosing a flexible floor plan can protect your investment.
Real-Life Examples That Show Why Planning Ahead Matters
Growing families: A couple planning to have children in the next few years should think ahead. Choosing a home with an extra bedroom or a finished basement ensures room to grow. Until then, the space can serve as a home office, guest room, or personal retreat.
Empty nesters: Parents with teenagers may be ready to downsize, but not too much. A slightly smaller home may be ideal, knowing that within a few years their children will move out and they will want a more manageable space without unnecessary maintenance or carrying costs.
Retirees: A couple nearing retirement often prioritizes a home that will serve them well as mobility needs change. A first-floor family room with an adjacent bathroom could become a future bedroom. Single-level living, wide hallways, and minimal steps add long-term comfort and accessibility.
Remote or hybrid workers: Someone working from home part-time or full-time needs more than a corner desk. A dedicated office with privacy, natural light, and storage can make a major difference in productivity and quality of life.
Hobbyists and creatives: Whether someone enjoys exercising, woodworking, crafting, music, or gardening, the right home can support those activities without requiring costly renovations. Basements, detached garages, sunrooms, or large yards offer endless flexibility.
Why This Matters in Today’s Market
Because people now use their homes for more purposes than ever before, buyers who focus only on short-term needs may quickly outgrow a property. That can lead to expensive moves, additional closing costs, and disruption that could have been avoided with more careful planning. Homes that offer flexibility generally hold their value better, appeal to a broader range of future buyers, and provide more comfort and functionality over time.
The Takeaway
Talk with your exclusive buyer’s agent about choosing a home that will support both your current lifestyle and your future plans. A knowledgeable agent, especially one who works solely for home buyers, can help you think through long-term needs you may not have considered. Your agent can guide you toward homes that adapt well over time, helping you make a smart financial decision, maximize your investment, and enjoy a home that truly fits your evolving life.