What homes are in demand this spring?

With the first day of spring behind us and statewide vaccinations around the corner, a more “normal” life in the Bay Area seems to be coming out of its long hibernation. So are home buyers.

Spring is typically one of the busiest seasons for San Francisco real estate, but in the wake of a pandemic, it’s hard to imagine what this years’ buying frenzy will look like now that 2020 has reshaped how we think of home sweet home. What kind of homes are selling fastest in 2021? What neighborhoods are in demand? Has COVID19 irreversibly revamped what most home buyers are looking for?

We took these questions to the experts.

According to San Francisco Realtor Nicholas Sprangler, suburban, singlefamily homes will be the holy grail of Bay Area real estate, as commuting has become a thing of the past for many buyers.

“Based on the current market activity, the most desirable real estate segment is, without a doubt, the singlefamily home market, particularly those with outdoor space,” Sprangler said. “My most recent singlefamily home received 39 offers, including my client’s, after just nine days on the market.”

Sprangler added that home prices are more evenly distributed throughout the Bay Area than he has seen before.

“Values from all over the Bay Area are starting to blend as people know they are not going to be going into the office every day and feel more comfortable living further away,” Sprangler said.

With the decline of commuting comes a new priority: the home office. Many companies are keeping workers at home even after vaccinations are fully distributed, so choosing a home now comes handinhand with choosing a workspace. Oakland Realtor Reva Tolbert says she notices her clients scoping out quiet, private nooks more than they once did.

“The shelterinplace orders have caused buyer prospects to seek out homes that offer potential areas inside where they can carve out a space that allows privacy for working, study, or fitness,” Tolbert said.

Sellers are getting creative with showcasing these spaces. Tolbert said she has been “very impressed” with the innovated home office and home gym set ups she’s seen in garages, dining rooms, and even sunrooms.

Though “Location! Location! Location!” may continue to be the Realtor’s slogan, Tolbert says her clients are less interested in location than space since 2020.

“It’s been surprising to me that, while buyers are still smitten with homes with views, such as the gorgeous ones we have in East Bay, they will usually forgo a good view if they can find a home with more space.”

Be that as it may, Luxury Real Estate Agent Neal Ward doesn’t see apartment life in San Francisco becoming a thing of the past. Rather, he sees San Francisco coming to life in big ways this year, as the allures of the city will be all the more enticing after living without them.

“Now that our city is settling down and vaccines are rolling out, we have seen an incredible surge of buyer enthusiasm across all property types. Elevator buildings are slowly starting to pick up steam, and we anticipate a strong recovery from those buildings,” Ward said.

‘The location of San Francisco – along with its endless beauty, amenities, and opportunistic mindset – will never change. What made San Francisco incredible many years ago continues to be deeply woven into the fabric of our city.”

Shutterstock