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recent survey by Bright MLS sheds light on what prospective homebuyers are looking for in a property. The top-rated features include move-in readiness and the right number of bedrooms, while commute time is a key consideration. Buyers are willing to compromise on home size and neighborhood preferences.

    The survey of nearly 700 buyers revealed that 56% consider move-in readiness "very important," with another 38% saying it's "somewhat important." However, almost 55% are willing to compromise on this feature, which may be necessary for first-time buyers who can't afford a turnkey home.

    Having the right number of bedrooms is also crucial, with 53% of respondents prioritizing this feature. A garage and primary bedroom with en-suite bath are also highly valued by nearly half of the respondents. In contrast, overall home size ranks fourth in importance, but buyers are willing to compromise on size, with 75% saying they'd purchase a smaller home if needed.

    Interestingly, the kitchen is not as high a priority for buyers, with only 25% prioritizing an upgraded kitchen. This may be a consideration for sellers when marketing their listings. Additionally, home offices and outdoor spaces, which were highly valued during the pandemic, have lost some of their luster, with only 19% and 31% of respondents respectively considering them very important.

    When it comes to location, commute time is the top concern, with 54% saying it's "very important." Walkability and school quality are also highly valued by buyers. While location isn't a deal-breaker for most buyers, they're determined to stick to their budget, with only 39% indicating they'd consider stretching themselves financially to buy a more expensive home.