Lots of time at home in isolation because of the coronavirus pandemic has led many to re-examine their concept of home, family and safety… inspiring an increase in multigenerational living, home cooking and growing their own food.
The 2008 housing crash also saw an increase in multigenerational living, but that motivation was most often financial. In 2020 the reasons for coming together are more often to combat loneliness and provide support and care if needed.
A good example is people I am currently working with. My buyers are selling their condo to buy a house for more room… for an office, more personal space, and a back yard for their dog to run and play.
But the sellers of the house they are buying are selling so they can buy a bigger house with room for her mother to move in with them… not because of financial reasons but because she is alone and the isolation during the pandemic shutdown was really hard on her.
The pandemic is bringing generations of family together…
- Providing both emotional and physical support
- Helping working parents with care for their children
- Relieving their retired parents of boredom and isolation
Among the many hobbies people are adopting during pandemic boredom, one is searching for a new home. In a recent survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors the top four thing that buyers said were important to them in a new home following the pandemic were…
- Home office
- Space to accommodate family ( older adult relative, baby, pet)
- Larger house for more personal space
- Yard for growing fruits/vegetables
Gardening and growing your own vegetables is great for bringing generations together on so many levels.
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – shensrud@homesmsp.com
