It’s not a secret that the way we work has drastically changed in recent years, and it has been accelerated by the pandemic. Remote work has become the norm for many companies, and experts predict that it will continue to be popular for years to come. In fact, by 2025, it’s projected that 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely, which is a 417% increase compared to the pre-pandemic years. This shift in the way we work has not only impacted our daily routine but has also changed the way we think about homeownership. In this blog post, we will explore how remote work has transformed the home buying scene and how it can help overcome some of the challenges that homebuyers face today.
First and foremost, remote work has made the location less of a factor when it comes to choosing a home. If you no longer have to be tied to a physical office, you can be a little more flexible when it comes to where you live. Many homebuyers are trading in their city apartments for homes in the suburbs or even in rural areas. Not only are homes often more affordable in these areas, but the lifestyle that comes with them can be attractive, including larger outdoor spaces, quieter surroundings, and proximity to nature. Additionally, if you’re able to work remotely, you’ll no longer need to concern yourself with a long commute to work. That can open up many possibilities when it comes to choosing a location and can also help alleviate some of the stress and time that comes with a long commute.
Another way that remote work has impacted the home buying scene is that it has given homebuyers more time to browse and consider their options. With remote work, we no longer need to take time off work or adjust our schedules to meet with a real estate agent or attend an open house. Instead, we can browse online listings on our own time, narrowing down our search before deciding to visit a property in person. This added flexibility has not only made the home buying process easier but has also helped to virtualize the house hunting process by providing virtual house tours and online open house events.
The flexibility that remote work provides has also changed how homebuyers approach the home buying process. No longer are homebuyers rushing to find a home before starting a new job. Remote work has allowed homebuyers to find a home they love first and foremost, focusing on what works for their lifestyle and family before considering the commuting logistics. Additionally, since remote work is here to stay, homebuyers don’t have to be concerned about future commuting changes impacting their lifestyle.
Finally, remote work has provided homebuyers with the opportunity to have a home office. With remote work requiring fewer in-person meetings, having a dedicated workspace in your home has become essential. By having a home office, you no longer have to worry about working from a dining room table or making do with the corner of a couch. Furthermore, having a home office can be beneficial come tax season, as having a dedicated workspace can help reduce your taxes.
In conclusion, remote work has changed the way we approach the home buying process. With homebuyers no longer being tied to a physical location or work, homebuyers have had greater flexibility in their home search. Remote work has given homebuyers the time to consider their options, virtualize house hunting, and approach the process from a more lifestyle-focused perspective. Finally, remote work has provided homebuyers with the opportunity to have a home office, which has become a necessary feature in today’s workspace reality. Remote work may have been a response to unforeseen circumstances, but there is no doubt that it has had a positive impact on the home buying process.