Mortgage Research Network Podcast

Welcome to the Mortgage Research Network Podcast. We bring you the latest mortgage and real estate news 3 times a week. The audio is AI generated, but content is fact-checked by me, Tim Lucas, editor of MortgageResearch.com and a former mortgage professional. And with me is Craig Berry, a mortgage originator with 25 years experience. Craig, The future of housing is about to look radically different. By 2026, experts predict that features like backyard apartments and EV charging stations will be as essential as indoor plumbing. And the numbers behind this shift are pretty mind-blowing.

Tell me more about these predictions. What's driving such dramatic changes in what homebuyers want?

Well, let's start with the ADU, or accessory dwelling units that are becoming the next big thing. Real estate experts are saying they might be the difference between selling quickly and sitting on the market. And here's what's fascinating. Even traditionally strict cities like New York are loosening their zoning laws to make these units more accessible.

I've heard stories of these popping up in neighborhoods. Are people mainly using them for rental income?

That's part of it, but the data shows something even more interesting. Multigenerational buying hit an all-time high in 2025. 17% of home purchases were for multigenerational households according to the National association of realtors. People are using these spaces for everything from grandparent suites to home offices to rental units.

Speaking of modern necessities, what about all this EV charging infrastructure? It seems like that's becoming a huge factor.

Oh man, the numbers on that are WILD. In 2024, electric vehicles made up more than 10% of total car sales. That's 1.6 million cars. And get this. real estate agents are saying that having an EV charger already installed could actually be the deciding factor between two similar houses.

Even though installing one only costs around $2,000?

It's not just about the cost. it's about the hassle factor. Nobody wants to deal with electrical panel upgrades and installation headaches when they're already juggling a move. Plus, some older homes need significant electrical upgrades to handle the additional load. As a buyer, you know all that has been dealt with already once you see that charger hanging in the garage.

You know what else seems to be changing dramatically? The whole concept of smart homes.

Right. and it's not enough anymore to just have a Ring doorbell and a smart thermostat. Buyers want truly integrated systems where everything works together seamlessly. We're talking about whole-home automation that controls security, climate, lighting, and entertainment, all from one central dashboard.

That must be pretty complicated to set up though, right?

That's exactly why having it pre-installed is becoming such a selling point. And here's what's really key. buyers want systems that aren't locked into one specific ecosystem. The flexibility to mix and match different brands and platforms is crucial.

Well, that makes sense. And I imagine the whole work-from-home trend is still influencing things too?

Oh, you better believe it. The latest Gallup data shows that as of August 2025, 52% of workers are on hybrid schedules, and another 26% are fully remote. That's completely transformed what people expect from a home office space - we're talking proper soundproofing, professional-quality lighting, and dedicated internet infrastructure.

And what about energy efficiency? That seems to be getting more attention lately.

The numbers on that are pretty compelling. According to the 2025 realtors sustainability report, 72% of real estate professionals say utility bills and operating costs are a top priority for their clients. And check this out. energy star certified homes are valued 2% to 8% higher in most markets.

So what specific features are buyers looking for on the energy front?

Everything from solar panels and high-efficiency H-vac systems to upgraded insulation and heat pumps. But what's really interesting is how buyers are approaching these features. they're actually calculating potential energy savings as part of their monthly housing costs.

That's fascinating how practical people are getting about these features. What about outdoor spaces?

Even more important now than during the pandemic. Real estate experts say that even the smallest patio or private yard can reduce time on market by about 10 days. People are viewing outdoor spaces as legitimate living areas now, complete with outdoor kitchens and workspace options.

So it sounds like flexibility is really the key to everything?

Exactly right. The whole concept of a "starter home" is evolving. People are looking for homes that can adapt to different situations, whether that's accommodating family changes, work situations, or new technologies. And the infrastructure requirements are intense, from robust Wi-Fi and sufficient electrical capacity to USB outlets and Cat6 ethernet wiring.

That's quite a shift in what people consider essential in a home.

And here's what's really going to be interesting to watch. Homes without these features might actually see longer market times and lower offers. It's not just about comfort or convenience anymore. These features are becoming crucial factors in home valuation and marketability.

So what's your take on the biggest takeaway from all this?

I think we're seeing a fundamental shift in how people view homes. They're not just looking for a place to live, they're looking for a space that can evolve with their needs over time. Whether that's through ADUs, energy efficiency, or smart home integration, the focus is on future-proofing their investment.