Realtors® Reveal: How Remote Work Impacts Homebuying

Approximately 34.3 million Americans worked remotely for pay as of April 2025, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Of those, more than half worked remotely for all of their working hours, while the remaining were remote for some but not all. 

While remote work may not be at its pandemic peak anymore, these numbers do highlight the fact that many people continue to work from home now, whether entirely or on a hybrid schedule.  

Further, the National Association of Realtors® 2024 Migration Trends Report cites that for 43% of Realtors®’ clients last year, job location did not play a role in their purchase decision, as they were working remotely. 

So, how is remote work impacting homebuying in Pennsylvania? 

Greater Lehigh Valley 

“As president of the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors® Association, I’ve seen firsthand how remote work has significantly reshaped homebuyer preferences, not just nationally, but right here in the Lehigh Valley,” Michael Bernadyn shares. 

“Buyers today are prioritizing space and flexibility more than ever. With the ability to work from home, many are seeking properties that offer dedicated home offices, additional bedrooms or finished basements that can double as workspaces. Outdoor space has also become a higher priority, offering a change of scenery during the workday.” 

“Perhaps most notably, remote work has opened the door for more buyers to consider locations like the Greater Lehigh Valley,” he adds. “We’re seeing increased interest from people relocating out of larger metro areas – especially from New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia – because they can now live where they want, not just where they work. Our region offers the best of both worlds: more home for your money and a strong quality of life, all while staying connected to major hubs via easy transportation.” 

“In short, remote work hasn’t just changed where people work – it’s changed how they live and what they value in a home. Our local market continues to evolve to meet that demand,” Bernadyn concludes. 

Metropolitan Pittsburgh 

“As the professional work landscape has evolved, the criteria for primary residences has also shifted,” Michelle Senko, president of the Realtors® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh, agrees. “Many clients now look for one – if not two – dedicated rooms to serve as in-home office spaces. Buyers are favoring homes that offer a balance of comfort and functionality. Adaptable layouts, quiet work areas and outdoor spaces are essential, while location preferences have grown more flexible.” 

Delaware, Chester and Montgomery Counties 

Michael Howell, president of Tri-County Suburban Realtors®, adds, “Remote work has fundamentally reshaped what today’s homebuyers are looking for. Buyers are prioritizing larger homes with dedicated office spaces, reliable high-speed internet and flexible layouts that support both work and daily life.” 

“We’re also seeing a growing willingness to move beyond traditional urban areas in favor of suburban or rural areas that offer more space and an improved quality of life,” Howell notes. “As a result, homes that were maybe once considered second homes or vacation properties are now being purchased as primary residences. This shift has opened up new markets and changed how we, as Realtors®, approach buyer needs in a post-pandemic world.”