The way Americans work has undergone significant changes in recent years, with remote work taking center stage. According to experts, this trend is expected to remain popular for the foreseeable future, with projections indicating that by 2025, 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely. This represents a staggering 417% increase compared to the pre-pandemic era, when there were only 7 million remote workers.

For those looking to purchase a home and who work remotely either full or part-time, this shift in work dynamics can be a game-changer. It offers a solution to some of the challenges posed by today's affordability and housing inventory issues.

Embracing remote or hybrid work gives you the opportunity to rethink your approach to finding a home. With the elimination or reduction of daily commuting, living in close proximity to your office may no longer be a top priority. By considering moving to the suburbs instead of the city, you can broaden your range of affordable housing options. Fannie Mae's recent study highlights this possibility.

“Home affordability may also be a reason why we saw an increase in remote workers’ willingness to relocate or live farther away from their workplace . . .”

If you're considering a move, having the flexibility to choose your location can greatly increase your chances of finding an affordable home. Collaborate with your real estate agent to expand your search to include areas with a lower cost of living. By casting a wider net, you'll have a better chance of finding a home that fits your budget.

Expanding your search to include more affordable options can not only increase your chances of finding a suitable home but also provide you with the opportunity to get more features for your money. With the current shortage of homes for sale, finding a property that meets all your requirements can be challenging.

By widening your search parameters, you'll have a larger pool of options to choose from, making it easier to find a home that truly aligns with your lifestyle. This expanded search may lead you to homes with more square footage, diverse architectural styles, and a wider range of neighborhood amenities that were previously out of reach.

In the past, living close to work was highly desirable but often came at a high cost. However, the shift to remote work has changed this dynamic. With the freedom to work from home, you now have the flexibility to choose where you want to live without the burden of long daily commutes. This change allows you to prioritize finding an affordable home that also fulfills your dream home aspirations.

Bottom Line

Remote work offers more than just flexibility in your job; it also provides an opportunity to expand your horizons when searching for a home. With the ability to work from anywhere, you are no longer confined to a specific location. This newfound freedom allows you to explore a wider range of options in your home search. Connect with a local real estate agent who can guide you through this process and help you discover how this flexibility can lead you to your dream home.