Changing the way we think about real estate usually happens very slowly, sometimes over a few generations. Basically, we adapt to new needs and likes but at the same time we benefit from the customs and experiences of the generations before us.
Think About Real Estate Priorities
I was thinking about this a lot the last couple of weeks – not only because I have a lot of time sitting at home – but mainly because my priorities seemed to have changed.
Storage Space
I live in a spacious apartment but now preparing for the lock-down I found myself running low on storage space for food items.
I ended up piling up water bottle and canned food in the living room. I was reminded of the basement in my grandmother’s house where they use to store foods for winter time when there wouldn’t be much fresh fruits and vegetables available – that would come in handy right now.
I also thought of those nice old-style apartments in Berlin, they would always come with a “Speisekammer”, – literally meaning food chamber – that’s a pantry, a small room in the kitchen dedicated to shelf-stable food storage. I loved to hide in one of those when playing hide and seek with my friends who lived in one of those apartments.
I think that’s one of those things I really would like to have now and I’m sure in my next home I will make sure I have a pantry.
Practical and clean
I always hated clutter, now I hate it even more. Since the coronavirus I became very minimalistic and I just love it, every day more. It looks tidy and is just so easy to clean and disinfect. I only kept some decoration that is actually serving some purpose, like mirror or a clock.
Another thing that is on my wish list for my next home is a sink beside the entrance door. A place where you can wash your hands straight away when you come in. It just seems to be the perfect place and you can make washing your hands a little entering-the-house-ritual.
Outside space
Another thing I find to be great in this time is some sort of outside space – being it a garden or just a balcony. It can be great for many things, drying the cloths, grow some vegetables or just letting the sun shine on your belly… Especially when spending several days or weeks at home some space like this can make all the difference. Houses with garden are just great when you have to stay at home.
Flexible
One thing COVID-19 teaches us is that our house should be flexible. Within a couple of days some people found themselves in a new situation where they maybe had to quarantine someone of the family or set up a home office. This is very challenging for many. An en suite guest room can be a good solution as you can turn it into your temporary office or where you can quarantine yourself if necessary. An en suite guest room is a bedroom with adjoined private bathroom.
Back to the Basics – think about real estate
Altogether, with everything that happened in last few weeks, it definitely already changed my view of real estate. It all comes back to the basics – a warm, practical, clean shelter with enough storage space for necessities and last but not least for our mental health, some space outside.
What do you think, will the covid-19 change the way we think about real estate? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.