More time being spent at home means finding more ways to enjoy and expand one’s environs. From pools to porches, office spaces to outdoor entertaining areas, our gathering of East End real estate insiders and experts share their insights into what homeowners are looking for among the many amenities available on the North Fork and in the Hamptons.
Covered porches, living rooms with indoor/outdoor features, in-home gyms, home offices.–Dawn & Frank Bodenchak, Sotheby’s International Realty
What are the key amenities buyers and homeowners are most desiring in a property right now? We’re seeing a demand for multiple options for home offices, separate living spaces and outdoor amenities. Buyers are focusing more on the properties features, rather than where it’s located.–Tim Morabito & Nicole Weiss, Compass Real Estate
The “amenity” people are asking for these days is “one more room.” The world has turned. Demand for homes outside the metropolis is significant. People are telling us that they want a home with that extra room–for an office or just a getaway during an extended stay.–Keith Green & Ann Ciardullo, Sotheby’s International Realty
I find the number one request is acreage. Buyers want space and options for their families, the ability to customize a house for their specific needs. If a home does not already have a separate guest house, buyers want the acreage to add one. Outdoor entertaining spaces have become as important as the main kitchen. To be honest, what people considered to be an amenity, such as a media room, is now considered essential. Buyers want everything now. Their weekend getaway now needs to be a true sanctuary.–Enzo Morabito, Douglas Elliman Real Estate
House designs, like clothing, change with the times. What was fashionable yesterday is just that–yesterday’s news. Modern, flat roofs, floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the outside in, decks on the roof overlooking wide expanses. That is what many buyers are looking for in today’s market. At the high end, recreational amenities both inside and out are in high demand. Gyms, movie theaters, gas fireplaces, pool rooms inside. For outside, infinity pools and spas, pool houses with outdoor TVs and a sunken tennis court, The list is neverending.–Alan Schnurman, Saunders & Associates
The trend of maximizing outdoor living with covered porches that include outdoor kitchens and living rooms has grown exponentially–especially now that we are being encouraged to dine outdoors and socialize outside. You can double the size of your entertaining space by smartly utilizing your outdoor living spaces.–Judi Desiderio, Town & Country Real Estate
Buyers looking now are focused on a stylish, comfortable and safe haven. A good kitchen with adjacent family room is very appealing and suits many for all those family dinners prepared and enjoyed at home. In addition, great outdoor space is very important to city dwellers. It offers a sense of freedom and relief to see the sky and green gardens to those otherwise confined to an apartment.–Pat Petrillo, Sotheby’s International Real Estate
I have seen some changes in the post-NY Pause marketplace in what buyers are looking for. A pool was always on a wish list, but now it has become almost mandatory. Buyers are also considering houses with more bedrooms than before, with the idea of making a home office or two out of extra bedrooms. Open floorplans are still on most secondary homebuyers’ wish lists.–Thomas McCloskey, Douglas Elliman Real Estate
