The ‘Zoom Town’ Boom: Vacation Homes on the Rise

Would you rather work from a cramped, studio apartment in the city with another building as your window view or take your Zoom calls from a spacious home surrounded by trees and mountains or an ocean with plenty of natural light? For many, that decision is an easy one.

The popularity — and necessity — of remote work arrangements in 2020 has sparked more interest in working from vacation destinations, or what some are calling “Zoom towns1.” Exclusive areas like Cape Cod, Aspen and the Hamptons as well as lesser known places such as Missoula, Montana and Truckee, California are becoming hot spots for those working from home and provide plenty of opportunities for socially distanced outdoor activities. High-end second homes that are drivable from major cities are also on the rise2, with homeowners wanting somewhere they can escape — whether to vacation or to work. Rental appeal3 of second-homes can be an important factor, with many buyers opting to rent when the home is not in use.

Whether it’s considered a vacation property or a second home, here’s what buyers and renters are likely to want:

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More space

Although some people are fine if their second home is a small cottage that offers just enough space to work and enjoy the outdoors, others want at least two more bedrooms4 to accommodate family and friends. That means the kitchens should be spacious enough to entertain large groups as well, especially with many restaurants either temporarily closed or offering limited seating.

Forget a kitchenette, buyers want a fully-equipped kitchen. According to a survey by Airbnb5, a full kitchen is among the list of top 10 sought-after amenities for vacation homes. Consider commercial-style appliances such as the KitchenAid® Commercial-Style Gas Range, which provides extra room for multiple dishes. A spacious refrigerator is equally as important for keeping a second-home fully stocked. The Whirlpool® Counter Depth 4 Door Refrigerator has four compartments to help keep fresh and frozen groceries organized and accessible as well as pull-out freezer shelves to store large items.

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Multiple laundry rooms

Before the pandemic, second homes were often used as weekend getaways, but now homeowners are staying for longer periods of time. Therefore, they need laundry appliances that can accommodate longer stays and larger groups, which means one laundry room may not be enough. Homes with multiple laundry rooms6 are attractive to buyers who plan to have visitors throughout their stay.

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A private home office

A home office is imperative6 for second homes, and possibly two or more depending on how many people are in the home at one time. A strong WiFi network is also a top priority for remote work or school. A panel ready undercounter refrigerator can blend seamlessly into an office space and keeps beverages and snacks cool throughout the work day.

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A premium coffee set up

Whether vacationing or prepping for a video call, coffee is a hot commodity. At-home coffee consumption has increased significantly8 since the pandemic. Americans are also drinking more premium coffee9 than ever before, with espresso-based beverages booming in popularity. A built-in coffee system gives homeowners the ability to brew premium coffee right in their own kitchens.

For additional details about our appliance offerings, contact a sales rep today. Keep up with other trends and news in your industry by visiting The Trade Channel page.

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