Millenials - What do you look for in a new home?

[missmeli0501]

Actual property:

1. I detest carpet. I love hardwood.
2. Central air
3. Bigger community spaces, even if that means smaller bedrooms.
4. I'd rather have updated bones than cosmetic new things...like updated roof, plumbing, windows, HVAC, etc.

[usamathman]

Wood floors

Large bathrooms

Updated kitchen and appliances

Central Air

Yard with minimal landscaping needed

[ForYourLungsOnly]

Originally Posted by lexsali

Millenials are the generation aged 18-36 right now.

If you are in this age range, please tell me what are the top 5 things you look for when buying a new home.

I am interested to see if Millenial preferences really are so different from other generations, regarding real estate.

Thanks in advance!

My rough list kind of depends on where I would be purchasing the home.

If in the city:

1) No larger than necessary. Layout and function is better than size. (2-3 bedrooms for an eventual 3-4 person family; only me and one other right now)

2) Outdoor space, be it a small backyard, rooftop, or deck (depending on the type of building).

3) I enjoy older stock homes that have been cared for/updated for modern convenience (while maintaining character).

4) Location. Must be a neighborhood that I enjoy, since while in the city I consider my immediate neighborhood just as much my "home" as I do my physical living space.

5) Nice natural lighting

If I decided to buy a home in SW Michigan so I could enjoy nature/land while being relatively close to the Chicago

1) Again, not too big, but if in the country I'd prefer to have a separate shed/small garage/work space to brew beer and do some woodworking

2) At least one half to one acre of land, surrounded by woods (not suburban tract homes)

3) Again, older home with character that has been updated/cared for

4) Must be within driving distance of a small town that has interesting amenities/small downtown area (think Saugatauck, Grand Haven, etc.).

5) For both, good school district since I do plan on having a kid or two eventually.


*Of note- Some general things I look for is hardwood flooring, higher ceilings, brick, wood, and/or stone exterior (no vinyl), and nice appliances.

[ForYourLungsOnly]

Originally Posted by lexsali

It's interesting that no one mentioned resale value, or getting a good deal on the price. I wonder why?

I think a lot of younger buyers are concerned with being "house poor", and many are looking at smaller/more reasonable sized quality houses as opposed to 6 bedroom McMansions the previous generation obsessed over. Focusing on the cost millennials need to pay NOW for a home may trump thoughts of resale value (though its not ignored), given the fact that many are paying monthly student loan payments that equal or exceed a second mortgage that older generations just didn't have to deal with.

[Soccernerd]

1) access to high caliber community schools. Preferably within walking distance to elementary and middle.
2) 5-6 bedrooms
3) "fair price" and good resale (kinda hard considering we plan on staying in our house for 30 years or more)
4) three car garage
5) unfinished basement or at least one that has been tastefully finished
6) upgraded kitchen that we find tasteful

[gladhands]

Originally Posted by ForYourLungsOnly

My rough list kind of depends on where I would be purchasing the home.

If in the city:

1) No larger than necessary. Layout and function is better than size. (2-3 bedrooms for an eventual 3-4 person family; only me and one other right now)

2) Outdoor space, be it a small backyard, rooftop, or deck (depending on the type of building).

3) I enjoy older stock homes that have been cared for/updated for modern convenience (while maintaining character).

4) Location. Must be a neighborhood that I enjoy, since while in the city I consider my immediate neighborhood just as much my "home" as I do my physical living space.

5) Nice natural lighting

If I decided to buy a home in SW Michigan so I could enjoy nature/land while being relatively close to the Chicago

1) Again, not too big, but if in the country I'd prefer to have a separate shed/small garage/work space to brew beer and do some woodworking

2) At least one half to one acre of land, surrounded by woods (not suburban tract homes)

3) Again, older home with character that has been updated/cared for

4) Must be within driving distance of a small town that has interesting amenities/small downtown area (think Saugatauck, Grand Haven, etc.).

5) For both, good school district since I do plan on having a kid or two eventually.


*Of note- Some general things I look for is hardwood flooring, higher ceilings, brick, wood, and/or stone exterior (no vinyl), and nice appliances.

#4 was a BIG priority for me, before I had kids. I’m a West Town or Logan Square type, but I’m probably going to be in Lincoln Park or North Center if/when I move back.