Appealing to Remote Workers

The impact remote workers are having on real estate isn’t just theoretical. In 2022, an estimated 10.5 percent of remote workers relocated within their state, while another 4.3 percent moved to a different state. In many cases, these workers are leaving cities or states with a high cost of living, like California and New York, to lower-cost rural and suburban areas.

If you’re selling your home, you may be able to take advantage of this trend by focusing your marketing efforts and customizing your listing to appeal to remote workers.

Increased Demand for Suburban and Rural Homes

Remote workers have the luxury of not being tethered to expensive urban centers. Instead, they are looking for homes in suburban, exurban and even rural locations where they can enjoy larger properties, lower costs and a better quality of life.

For home sellers in these areas, this shift is a major advantage. While demand for urban homes may fluctuate, suburban and rural markets have seen increased interest from buyers who want more privacy, yard space and square footage for the same or lower price than a city condo.

If your home is in a suburban or rural setting, highlight its spaciousness, tranquility and affordability in marketing materials. Mention amenities like parks, hiking trails, community centers and local attractions that enhance the lifestyle for remote workers who no longer need to live near their offices.

Home Office Spaces Are a Top Selling Point

With more buyers working from home permanently or in hybrid roles, a dedicated home office has gone from a nice-to-have to a must-have. Many remote workers are looking for properties with at least one space that can function as an office, whether it’s a spare bedroom, den, finished basement or even a large nook.

Sellers can increase appeal by staging a flexible and functional home office setup. This doesn’t require major renovations—simply adding a desk, office chair and shelves to a room can help buyers visualize the space as a workspace. If possible, emphasize natural lighting, quiet surroundings and ample outlets—all features remote workers prioritize.

Fast and Reliable Internet Is Non-Negotiable

For remote workers, internet speed and reliability are just as important as the number of bedrooms or the kitchen layout. Many jobs require video conferencing, large file transfers or cloud-based applications, making high-speed internet a necessity. If your home is in an area with fiber-optic or gigabit-speed service, highlight that in your listing.

Even if your home has everything a buyer wants, slow or unreliable internet can be a dealbreaker. Providing information upfront about available speeds and providers can reassure potential buyers that they’ll have the connectivity they need.

More Buyers Are Prioritizing Work-Life Balance

Many remote workers, particularly young professionals, have gravitated to this modern mode of employment for lifestyle reasons. They demand a work-life balance that leans heavily toward the “life” side of the equation. This means they are often particularly drawn to homes that feature:

• Proximity to outdoor spaces like parks, hiking trails and beaches
• Wellness-focused amenities like home gyms, pools and meditation spaces
• Entertainment areas such as patios, outdoor kitchens and game rooms

If your home includes features that encourage a better work-life balance, be sure to emphasize them. A spacious backyard, a well-designed patio or nearby retail and fine dining may be strong selling points for buyers who value a peaceful, enjoyable environment while working from home.

Sellers should also market nearby amenities that support physical and mental well-being, such as fitness centers or farmer’s markets.

Flexibility in Home Layout Matters

Remote workers often appreciate adaptable spaces that serve multiple functions, including home offices, workout areas and playrooms. If your home has a flexible layout, highlight its versatility. Buyers are increasingly interested in:

• Bonus rooms that can function as offices, guest rooms or hobby spaces
• Finished basements that offer private, distraction-free workspaces
• Soundproofed rooms or quiet areas ideal for video calls and deep focus work

Even if your home doesn’t have an obvious office, showcasing creative ways to use existing space—such as a well-lit corner in a living room or a loft—can help buyers envision how they’ll make the home work for them.

Smart Home Features Appeal to Remote Workers

Tech-savvy buyers working remotely appreciate homes equipped with smart technology that enhances convenience and security. Features like:

• Smart thermostats (Nest, Ecobee) to improve energy efficiency
• Keyless entry and security systems that allow remote access

These upgrades don’t just make daily life easier—they also add value to a home by offering remote workers more control over their work environment. A seller can highlight these features as ways to improve productivity, comfort and security while working from home.

Proximity to Co-Working Spaces and Community Hubs Can Be a Selling Point

While many remote workers prefer to work from home, some still enjoy access to co-working spaces, coffee shops and community hubs. These locations offer an alternative workspace when working from home becomes isolating.

If your home is near a co-working space, library or coffee shop, be sure to mention it in your listing. Many buyers appreciate having the option to work outside their home occasionally while still avoiding a traditional office commute.

More Buyers Are Open to Unique Locations

Because remote workers can live anywhere, many are choosing locations based on climate, cost of living and lifestyle rather than job proximity. This has increased demand for homes in:

• Warmer, sunnier climates (Florida, Arizona, Texas)
• Affordable housing markets where buyers can get more for their money
• Recreational destinations near mountains, lakes or beaches

For sellers in areas that weren’t historically "job hubs," this presents an opportunity to attract new interest from out-of-state buyers looking for an ideal remote work location.

Reach Motivated Buyers Faster With 72SOLD

Using a marketing approach that reaches qualified and interested buyers quickly allows our home selling experts to attract competitive offers while minimizing time on market. If you want to sell your home fast without sacrificing the equity you’ve built, fill out the form on our website to get our price for your home.