What Homebuyers Are Looking for in 2026

There’s no denying the process of selling a home has only gotten more complicated. Still, it’s comforting to know that the main priorities of homebuyers haven’t changed all that much. So, if you’re considering selling your home in 2026, meeting the needs of today’s homebuyers isn’t as challenging as you might think.

Here’s what homebuyers will be looking for when touring homes for sale in 2026:

Location, Location, Location

Talk about one thing that definitely hasn’t changed. Location remains a huge priority for homebuyers, especially families.

Access to good schools is paramount. When families relocate to South Florida, they often choose their new home’s location based on its proximity to the school their children will be attending, as well as the availability of grocery stores like Publix or Whole Foods and big-box retailers like Costco. If multiple highly-rated schools are within minutes of your home, expect more attention from potential buyers.

Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods

Starting a family hasn’t gotten any cheaper, so new families are extra budget-conscious, and understandably so. That means expanding their options into more accessible and family-friendly areas offering a wider range of real estate. In other words, lots of up-and-coming neighborhoods could see a big boost in demand, particularly those that offer the same advantages as their more expensive counterparts, like access to good schools and major transportation hubs.

Homes in Good Shape

Another thing that hasn’t changed: People want homes that are clearly in good shape. So, it’s certainly worth the effort to make sure there’s nothing about your home that would give potential buyers the opposite impression. When someone looks at your home from the outside, does your exterior look put together? Or are there cracks in your walkway, bushes that need trimming, or a front door with faded paint?

Next, apply the same concept to your interior. Are there cracks or scratches in your floors? A door that doesn’t close properly? These may seem like minor issues but they really stand out in a potential buyer’s mind. Fixing them will also make your home look surprisingly more luxurious.

A Warm and Inviting Vibe

Lastly, potential buyers want to see homes that look warm and inviting. They want to feel a real sense of life so they can imagine their family living there. One simple way to accomplish this is ensuring you have high-quality lighting throughout your home, as bright rooms and plentiful natural light are big draws for potential buyers. Lighting is especially important in the kitchen, so you may consider replacing your lighting (either with better bulbs or replacing some light fixtures entirely) if they don’t make the space bright enough.

You can also make your home more inviting with little things like setting the table, adding fresh linens to your bathroom, and placing a vase of flowers on the kitchen table. Better yet, go the extra mile with a bowl of fresh fruit! Believe it or not, little details like this have influenced countless buyers to choose one home over another.

Are you ready to put your Miami home up for sale? If so, the Kern Team is happy to walk you through each step of this process. We’ll tell you exactly what buyers are looking for and help you maximize your home’s value before selling. Get in touch with our team and let’s start this journey together!