It is typical during the home-touring process to show prospective buyers the various community amenities within proximity to the property in question. While these may seem secondary or even tertiary to the home itself, research shows that such features hold considerable sway over the homebuyer than realtors might realize. These amenities range from basic aspects of community life such as schools, stores, community parks and restaurants to community pools, libraries, fitness centers, and water parks. Indeed, those who live nearby neighborhood amenities feel a greater sense of connection, trust and safety – realtors should strive to highlight a home’s closeness to amenities whenever possible.    

Amenities Create a Greater Sense of Trust  

When given the option, buyers are willing to pay a higher price for a property near these features, and not only for convenience. Research reveals that people with easier access to communal gathering spaces like community clubhouses, sports courts, and community playgrounds have a higher sense of connection with their neighbors and thus greater feelings of trust. Living near amenities like cafes and green spaces increases neighborliness, social trust and overall positive attitudes toward the community. For example, 74% of residents living in a very high-amenity area feel comfortable walking alone at night. Likewise, most people living in high-amenity areas trust their neighbors, but trust decreases in low-amenity areas.    

Access to Amenities Reduces Loneliness

Since the pandemic, there has been an increase in loneliness, especially among the younger generations. And without communal gathering spaces, it becomes easier to stay inside one’s own bubble. However, studies show that having access to community amenities lowers social isolation and helps residents develop a sense of comfortability to ask for social support when times get rough. Regardless of whether people live in cities, suburbs or small towns, or other demographics such as social class, education, gender and race, researchers found they had a stronger sense of belonging, solidarity and connectedness in high amenity areas. Case in point, Americans in high-amenity areas are more likely to start a conversation with a stranger. 

Using Amenities to Your Advantage

As a real estate agent, you must understand the value of community amenities and communal gathering spaces, and even though your clients don’t know the research behind the importance, homebuyers will have a natural draw toward the neighborhoods that do. Of course, some people value particular amenities higher than others, so it’s up to you to know which ones are most popular. Nevertheless, no matter the climate, most agree a community pool is at the top of the list, followed by fitness centers, community playgrounds, dog parks and app-based access control systems. Moreover, it is essential to remember that facilities do not have to be physically present, as a neighborhood’s community can also exist through online workshops, message boards or Facebook groups.

Realtors should never underestimate or overlook the significance of amenities – furthermore, homebuyers should contact NMC for assistance finding a home with optimal community features.