What Today’s Buyers Are Looking For in a Home
Real estate is always evolving, and so are buyers’ preferences. According to the 2024 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the types of homes being purchased—and the reasons behind those choices—are shifting. At Realty ONE Group Esteem, we help buyers in Kansas City make smart, informed decisions based on the market, lifestyle needs, and what truly adds value long-term. 
These 2024 home buying trends offer valuable insights into what today’s buyers really want—and how sellers and agents can meet those expectations.
You can view or download the full 2024 report here.
New vs. Existing Homes: What Buyers Are Choosing in 2024
📍Why it matters:
Buyers who chose new homes did so primarily to avoid renovations or major issues with plumbing and electrical systems (42%). On the flip side, buyers choosing resale homes believed they offered better value for their budget (31%).
In the Kansas City area, many buyers are balancing affordability with convenience—making move-in-ready existing homes especially appealing in high-demand suburbs like Olathe, Lee’s Summit, and Overland Park.
Detached Homes Still Reign Supreme
📍What this means for the market:
Space, privacy, and long-term value continue to drive demand for single-family properties. In Kansas City, that often means homes with backyards, garages, and room to grow—especially in suburban areas.
Senior Housing and Buyers Over 60
Among buyers over 60 years old:
📍Why it matters:
Seniors aren’t just downsizing—they’re right-sizing. While some opt for age-restricted communities, many still want traditional single-family homes, close to shopping, healthcare, and family.
Realty ONE Group Esteem agents help older buyers in Kansas City find homes that balance independence with accessibility.
Home Location: How Far Are People Moving?
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The median distance between a buyer’s previous home and their new home is 20 miles
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That’s down from 50 miles in 2022, but still above pre-pandemic trends
📍The takeaway:
Many buyers are staying local—but looking for neighborhoods that better match their evolving priorities. Whether that’s shorter commutes, better school options, or access to nature, buyers are still moving—but often not too far.
What Buyers Value Most in a Neighborhood
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood, these were the top priorities:
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59%: Quality of the neighborhood
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45%: Proximity to friends and family
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36%: Overall affordability
📍Why this matters in Kansas City:
From the walkability of Waldo to the family-friendly parks in Liberty, buyers are balancing community feel, connections, and cost. Our agents help them explore neighborhoods that match their lifestyle goals—not just their commute.
How Old Are the Homes Buyers Are Purchasing?
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In 2024, buyers typically purchased homes built in 1994
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That’s a shift back toward newer homes after several years where the median age of homes purchased hovered in the 1980s
📍What this signals:
Buyers want fewer headaches—and they’re increasingly leaning toward homes with modern systems, layouts, and fewer deferred maintenance issues. In Kansas City, mid-90s homes strike a sweet spot between character and convenience.
Long-Term Living Plans
📍What this means for buyers and sellers:
This isn’t just about a transaction—it’s about finding a forever home. Buyers are investing not just in square footage, but in community, comfort, and stability.
Final Thoughts on 2024 Home Buying Trends
These 2024 home buying trends reflect a buyer who is thoughtful, practical, and future-focused. Whether they’re buying their first home or their fifth, Kansas City buyers are looking for homes that fit their lives—not just their budget.
At Realty ONE Group Esteem, we help guide that journey—matching people with properties that make them feel at home from the very first showing.
Let’s Talk About What’s Possible
If you’re ready to see what a realtor can do for you, we’re prepared to help. Contact Realty ONE Group Esteem today, and let’s turn your real estate goals into reality—one home, one dream, one life at a time.
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Why Kansas City Clients Choose Realty ONE Group Esteem
When researching Realty ONE Group reviews in Kansas City, clients are often looking for consistency, professionalism, and a brokerage that stands behind its agents. Realty ONE Group Esteem has earned a reputation for client-first service, clear communication, and strong local leadership throughout the Kansas City metro.
Our Realty ONE Group real estate agents in Kansas City are supported by a brokerage designed to help them serve clients at a higher level — with education, accountability, and collaboration. That structure benefits buyers and sellers who want informed guidance, not guesswork, in a changing market.