Football fandom runs very deep. According to new data from Realtor.com, 1 in 5 NFL followers surveyed say that football team loyalty plays an extremely significant role in the home search process. Whether you're a diehard Bills fan looking to move closer to the new stadium, or still cheering for the Giants (we're sorry), there's an undeniable motivation to either live near a popular stadium or create the best possible at-home entertaining space not far from the field. These motivations steer many football-loving home buyers as they consider property investments to satisfy their lifestyle.
The data also highlights that 18% are influenced by specific home features, such as a covered porch or built-in bar, while 20% say the same about house layout or rooms, such as a basement or theater room. 18% vie to be in a specific location, such as a certain city or neighborhood near a stadium.
If you're planning to sell your home in a lucrative football city, remember to optimize your space for game-day enthusiasts.
1. Clean Up Your Porch and Patio Before Selling
"Covered porches/patios for homebuyers (especially football fans) are a must because they provide a separate space to watch games and also host parties," shared Rebecca Donatelli of Elite Sotheby's International Realty (Cleveland, OH). "I live in a MAJOR football town (go Cleveland Browns, unfortunately,) and our fans are die-hard (myself included) on football Sundays. Having an outdoor space, whether it's a covered porch or even a 3-season sunroom (very popular in my area), helps football fans to throw the game on or host a watch party."
Things you can do that'll make a difference:
- Power wash patios, decks, and walkways
- Update paint, stain, and add a coat of weather-sealing if necessary
- Clean stains off awnings
- Arrange comfortable seating to showcase outdoor entertaining possibilities.
- Install more outdoor electrical outlets (it helps potential buyers see the potential, whether it be for an outdoor television and speakers or for a table of slow cookers for the pregame party)
- Install string lights or lanterns
- Add potted plants or seasonal flowers. Landscaping is a major win for many buyers.
- Set up a fire pit with seating to highlight a cozy gathering spot
2. Install a Dedicated Home Theater
"Having a dedicated space with a home theater (or an area to create one) and also some kind of built-in bar is always a bonus for homebuyers, especially football fans," highlights Donatelli. "Basement recreation rooms (even if they don't have a theater room already built-in) are prime for homebuyers who are football fans because they provide a separate space to watch the games." The data highlights that 67% of fans report watching games in a multipurpose environment, while only 29% admit to having a dedicated space in their home for game-day activities. If you have a space that is or could become a dedicated football zone, it could be a major selling point.
Basement or no basement, she adds, "Having an at-home theater system in the home allows buyers to recreate that electric, stadium-like atmosphere. A wet bar/built-in bar is also a huge bonus because it adds the convenience of having beverages readily available for games, and adds the 'bar away from the bar' feel at home."
3. Make Sure Your Listing Highlights Location, Location, Location
"Finding a home that is in close proximity to the stadium is also important to some football fans when they are going through the home-buying process," shares Donatelli. "Our Sunday football scene, whether it's a home or away game, is incredibly vibrant downtown. Whether you want to go to the game or go to a bar/restaurant downtown to watch the game, having easy access to and from the stadium makes enjoying football Sundays that much easier." She also adds that it's an opportunity for a buyer to understand rental potential. If you're selling a home in a prime location, make sure your real estate agent highlights the investment potential from renting it during peak season.
