Despite a general consensus (at least throughout much of America) that bigger is better, I am finding that home-buyers who are buying property in South Florida are actually leaning toward less space, cozier environments… more charm.
What I’m finding that buyers ARE looking for is :
1) An extension to their indoor space … The overwhelming majority of buyers here in South Florida want utilizable, covered, outdoor living areas that are well-defined and elegantly pulled together. They are looking for clean lines, and comfortably appointed outdoor sitting areas, with splashes of color, greenery… in other words, a blatant declaration that they are now living in the tropics. Since many are exchanging snow shovels for sunscreen and flip-flops, they are looking forward to residing somewhere with 365 days of sunshine (interspersed with occasional/ frequent rain showers that allow Florida to stay GREEN)…. and wanting to revel in that outdoor life. Buyers relocating to South Florida want functionally-elegant outdoor space. They expect covered patios, pergolas, chickee huts, porches, over-sized umbrellas, retractable awnings … All of these lend themselves to SELLING A HOUSE. Outdoor spaces resonate big-time with these buyers.
2) Many buyers expect water-features (whetherit be a pond/swimming pool/fountain/lakefront,oceanfront, inter coastal waterway or waterfront living of some sort).
2) Smaller homes with minimal clutter … is a high demand ticket in Miami. The previous trend was for expansive living areas … extra space to ‘grow into’…. and high air-conitioning bills. Buyers are now tending to go with fewer rooms, and less acreage. They want functionality, comfort, clean lines … but with sufficient storage.
3) Stone and hardwood flooring have displaced carpeted surfaces. Equally popular now are cork, slate and bamboo floors, and glass tile.
4) High-end appliances are expected (stainless steel!) … Cement, quartz or granite surfaces in the kitchens and baths are likewise ‘required’.
5) Fruit trees/ tropical plantings/outdoor privacy/shaded areas/summer-kitchens or outdoor cooking areas/bar-be-ques are all pluses.
6) Increasingly inclined toward a GREEN ECO-FRIENDLY TREND, Miami home-buyers are looking for what’s being referred to as “WALKABILITY”. Miamians want the option of leaving their car at home (Green-friendly: improve the environment… save on gas). They want to be able to wander out to pick up a loaf of fresh bread, have a ‘latte’, wander through the bookstore, or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. They want access to walking/biking paths, tennis courts and golf, community parks (dog-parks too… which are numerous in South Florida), and fresh outdoor markets that are open throughout the cooler months on weekends.
Thank you for following our MiamiRealEstateCafe.com blog. Any time you, or someone you know, is looking to buy or sell property in South Florida, we would love to help you. You are welcome to contact me, or my team, at 305- 793-1365 or 305-632-0164 anytime. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, we are more than happy to work with you.
