New Homebuying Trends and How REALTORS® Can Help

Louisiana REALTORS® • February 10, 2025

The real estate industry is evolving as consumers' priorities shift in response to lifestyle shifts, technological advancements, and environmental awareness. Current trends indicate a growing need for flexible areas, smart home technologies, and energy-efficient designs as the needs of today's homes evolve.


Multifunctional Spaces in the Home

As remote work and hybrid schedules have grown in popularity, people's use of their homes has evolved. Buyers are increasingly drawn to properties with multipurpose amenities, such as gym centers, home offices, or multipurpose rooms. Open floor plans are still popular, but it's becoming more and more crucial to designate spaces for solitude and concentration.


Smart Home Integration

Modern technology has a significant impact on home-buying decisions. Smart thermostats, security systems, and voice-activated devices are no longer regarded as luxuries but as requirements. These advancements draw tech-savvy customers to houses by increasing convenience, safety, and energy efficiency.


Sustainability and Energy Efficiency for Your Home

Environmental concerns are driving up interest in homes with solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and sustainable building materials. Buyers are favoring homes that adhere to eco-friendly principles in an effort to reduce their environmental effects and, eventually, save money on electricity costs.


Suburban Appeal for Homebuyers

Because purchasers are looking for greater space, outdoor living alternatives, and quieter neighborhoods, the epidemic has changed the desirability of suburban and rural locations. Nowadays, many homebuyers, especially families, place a high value on large yards, gardens, and a close closeness to nature.


Home Customization and Personalization

Properties that let buyers modify and alter their living areas are becoming more and more valued by buyers. The option to customize a home to suit specific requirements and preferences is quite alluring, whether it is through new building, remodeling, or adaptable plans.


Prospective homebuyers and sellers can successfully navigate the market by being aware of these trends. In today's changing real estate market, conforming to these new preferences can provide you a competitive edge, whether you want to sell your house or buy your ideal home.

CONSUMER RESOURCES
By Louisiana REALTORS® May 23, 2025
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on Buyer’s vs. Seller’s Markets. This guide explains how knowing whether conditions favor buyers or sellers can help consumers make smarter, more confident decisions when buying or selling a home. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Buyer’s vs. Seller’s Markets Estate Planning Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction Understanding & Protecting Yourself from Title Fraud Buying Land and Building a New Home Deeds and Titles Thank you for continuing to engage with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients so that they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Please remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover assistance programs.
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Louisiana REALTORS® successfully hosted their annual Spring Into Action Legislative Conference in Baton Rouge on May 6-7, 2025. The two-day event provided REALTORS® the latest in industry changing issues while engaging in conversations with the state’s legislators and their peers. The conference kicked off with a pre-conference Appraiser Day hosting education devoted to that specialty. That evening, the LARPAC fundraising event celebrated Cinco de Mayo with the 80s cover band The Spazmatics and both live and silent auctions. The next day, REALTOR® Day, began with a breakfast expo with tabletop one-on-one discussions with partners of the real estate industry. Attendees then took part in education sessions on fair housing, code of ethics and professionalism. After a luncheon full of legislative updates from Louisiana REALTORS®, Senate President Cameron Henry, Jr. and NAR President Kevin Sears, attendees braved the weather and headed to the Capitol to advocate to lawmakers about the key issues impacting the real estate industry. The conversations continued at the Legislative Reception later that evening. From in-depth legislative updates to face-to-face meetings with our elected officials, this event brought our community together to amplify our voices and shape the future of real estate. Other conference highlights included a reception for our YPN members, local leadership forums and governance meetings. On Wednesday, Misty Ingersoll was elected as the 2026 Secretary/Treasurer and Marsha McGraw-Barbera was elected as NAR Small Board rep by the LR Board of Directors. Additionally, the following were elected to their 2026 positions by means of acclamation: David Favret, President-Elect; Kyle Straughn, Region I RVP; Tim Castle, Region II RVP; Leslie Victory Ortego, Region III RVP; Sabrina Pierre, Region IV RVP; Cindy Dyer, NAR Medium Board; David McKey, NAR State Allocated Specialty Director. Congratulations to Eloise Gauthier on receiving the REALTOR® of the Year Award! Louisiana REALTORS® looks forward to hosting REALTORS® from around the state at the Fall Governance Meetings and Installation, October 6-8, 2025, at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge. Take a peek of a quick recap on the day in the video and below! We would like to thank our sponsors La Capitol Federal Credit Union , Guard Home Warranty , realtor.com , The CCIM Institute Louisiana Chapter , CRS and Women's Council of REALTORS® Louisiana for their generous support in helping make this conference happen!
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