The popularity of remote work isn't going away. While some jobs require time spent with customers or co-workers (or bosses!) surveys show that both employers and employees are more productive when they work from home with a flexible schedule.
If you are listing your home for sale, why not tap into this market of home buyers, people who want a property where they work remotely.
Maybe you think your home isn't the kind that a remote worker would seek out. But you'd probably be wrong. There are a few simple requirements to satisfy these buyers.
Check your connections
Fast, safe, and reliable internet connectivity is a must for a remote working setup.
If your home was built after the 1980s you have adequate power outlets to support the electric demands of a typical home office. Although some rural areas of America are without internet service, almost all U.S. homes now have access to it.
If your home is even newer, it's probably equipped with the latest smart home technologies that ensure consistent, high-speed internet service. If your home is a large one, you can employ boosters or mesh Wi-Fi systems networks to make sure work sessions aren't interrupted.
Make sure your listing agent has the right facts about your internet service options.
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| An office that has curated shelving with "shelfies" gives buyers the message that this is a space where they can have video chats. Photo: Just A Girl |
Brag about amenities
Don't worry if your home doesn't have an open floor plan. People who work from home prefer a space that makes it easy to concentrate, be productive, and schedule Zoom calls uninterrupted. Your MLS should mention it if one particular room is private, quiet, or has a relaxing view.
Remote and hybrid workers looking for a home to buy want to unwind and they might miss features that they grew accustomed to when they worked for an on-site company, perks like a fitness room, swimming pool, sauna room, and a coffee bar. People between the ages of 20 and 29 are the most likely to move, and these are the people who would really appreciate your perks!
If space allows in your home, you can stage a fitness area in a den, basement, bedroom, or garage.
Even a small bathroom can be staged to look spa-like and luxurious. And I've blogged about staging a coffee bar.
These workers still need to have easy access to public transportation or major highways. They may not have to commute daily, but they usually need to or want to travel for business or leisure. So, your MLS listing should give distances to nearby transportation options.
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| If a pool is part of your property, make sure your listing shows it at its best. Include an image of any pool that is part of your community or complex. |
Stage an office
If you want to take a bite out of the WFH buyer market, it's essential to suggest that your home has space for a home office. I've blogged about how to stage a home office.
Remote and hybrid workers often need a Zoom room or space for conference calls, interviews, presentations, and team-bonding events. Fortunately, staging a good Zoom room is similar to staging any home office. They both should be uncluttered, stylish, and interesting, especially the background of a space used for meetings and FaceTime.
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| A corner of one bedroom can be staged to suggest that your house can accommodate a space for working from home. Photo: Coastal Living |
Other qualities of the well-staged home office are good lighting (either natural or artificial), an interesting desk, some storage areas, and a comfortable but chic chair.
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| Staging essentials for the office: decor props to give the room some details and textures, a simple color scheme, and some greenery. Photo: Sanctuary Home Decor |
Get the look, get the book
Statistics from Zillow suggest that the demand for homes that are WFH-friendly will continue to be important and that buyers are willing to pay more for homes that offer features that remote and hybrid workers want. In fact, listings that include the term "home office" get more views. So, don't miss out on this important market.
Get more advice on making your home the one that stands out, the one that checks all the boxes on buyers' wish lists. Download my homestaging eBook now and begin prepping your home for the real estate market today!
