First-Time Homebuyers’ Biggest Want is a Laundry Room

While many first-time buyers have been struggling to find a home in today’s fast-paced market, they still know what they want in their first property.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, 83% of prospective first-time buyers said a laundry room was either an essential or desirable feature, and 81% each said the same about  a ceiling fan, as well as exterior lighting. In the kitchen, 80% of buyers want a double kitchen sink (side by side), 80% want hardwood flooring across the house and another 80% are looking for a walk-in pantry. The report found that first-time buyers are much less likely than buyers in general to prioritize green products. In general, across all buyers, ENERGY STAR-rated windows were the fourth most wanted feature and ENERGY STAR-rated appliances were ninth. However, these two didn’t even make the top 10 for for first-time homebuyers. Instead, first-time buyers reported they wanted water filtration, security cameras and a kitchen table space, all of which did not make the overall top 10 among all buyers.

First-time buyers were also pretty clear about what they don’t want. Forty-six percent are not interested in an elevator and 42% do not want to live in a golf course community. Another 41% do not want glass walls and 40% are not into cork flooring. Bamboo flooring is a no-go for 36%, while another 36% said a pet washing station is not something they want in their first home. Thirty-five percent said they do not want a daycare center in their home, 34% have no use for a wine cellar and 34% do not want a roof partially or completely covered by plants. Finally, 32% want an excuse to send family to a hotel; they said they do not have any interest in an in-law suite.