A lot has happened since the pandemic, and the effects of this historic, global event are still being felt in every category of life, from family, finances, and work to the real estate market. No one knows better than the experts at Simple Real Estate how lifestyle changes like remote work, family time, and mental health are reshaping what people are looking for in a home. So, what are the two spaces we’ve seen buyers demand more and more this year? Easy: outdoor living spaces and home offices. Keeping this in mind, if you are looking to sell your home soon or if you’re going to do some updates that you hope will give you a return on your investment in the future, you may want to consider focusing on one of these two areas. In today’s blog, we’ll explore both and help you decide which one you should focus on to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to selling. 

The Importance of a Home Office

Despite some employees being called back to the office, data shows that remote and hybrid work schedules are still going strong in 2025. With the onset of remote work, buyers are demanding more from their home offices than simply a desk in the corner of a spare room. They’re seeking a dedicated room where they can complete their work in peace, complete with sound-proofing, natural light, and Zoom-friendly backdrops. We’ve seen some pretty cool and popular features during our house hunts around the Sacramento and Bay Area regions, like built-in shelving, high-tech setups, and dual work stations. Many of these flex spaces can be found in new builds and can be customized to buyers’ preferences, but sellers can also convert spare bedrooms into impressive and desirable home offices. 

The Rise of the Outdoor Oasis

Just as the pandemic saw a huge rise in work-from-home situations, it also connected people to the great outdoors and increased their desire to incorporate nature into living spaces. We’ve definitely seen that trend pick up in Northern California in the last few years. More and more, buyers are craving an outdoor space for wellness, entertaining, and relaxation. If you’re going to be upgrading your home, you may want to consider things like covered patios, outdoor kitchens, firepits, and gardening space. The good news is that the weather in the Sacramento and Bay Area regions provides ample opportunity for soaking up the sun and breathing in beautiful fresh air. Whether you have a new build with a customized yard or an established home with a large lot, upgrading your backyard is likely to attract future buyers. 

While buyer preferences are continually evolving, a great real estate agent knows exactly how to find the right balance between past and present trends. So, what features matter most to you when looking for the perfect home? Reach out and let us know! Whether you’re dreaming of a chic office or a poolside retreat, we’ll help you find your perfect match.