Homeownership remains one of life's most monumental transactions, and today buyers are approaching that life goal with new expectations, said Ginger Wilcox, president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. High barriers to entry have created a generation of buyers who know what they want and won't settle for less. These insights can help sellers and agents make design and presentation choices that resonate with modern buyers who are eager but increasingly discerning.
The expiration of the National Flood Insurance Program during the recent federal government shutdown has put coverage for millions of homes at risk, affecting home closings and buyers in flood-prone areas. An analysis in Miami and Tampa shows that homes with lower flood risk have seen faster price appreciation over the past decade, highlighting changing buyer preferences. Market trends indicate a shift toward prioritizing flood risk data in home-buying decisions, with younger buyers leading the change.