As 2025 comes to a close, buyer preferences across the Twin Cities are evolving—and fast. With daily boots-on-the-ground experience in Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Chanhassen, Prior Lake, and surrounding communities, the Pauling Homes Team is already seeing clear trends that will shape the 2026 market.

Whether you're thinking about selling in the next year or planning your next move, understanding what buyers value most can help you make smarter decisions and maximize your home’s potential.

Here’s what you can expect buyers to prioritize as we head into 2026.

1. Move-In Ready Homes Continue to Lead the Pack

Buyers entering 2026 want simplicity. Time is limited, labor costs are high, and very few buyers want to take on a project the moment they move in.

Homes with fresh paint, updated lighting, modern flooring, newer appliances, and clean, neutral presentation are consistently receiving more showings and faster offers.

Good news for sellers: Even affordable updates—like swapping outdated fixtures or refreshing wall colors—can significantly boost buyer appeal.

2. Bright, Warm, and Natural Design

Design trends are shifting toward spaces that feel calming and connected to nature. In the western suburbs especially, buyers are gravitating toward:

• Big windows
  
  
• Light-filled floor plans
  
  
• Natural wood cabinetry and beams
  
  
• Warm neutrals and organic textures
  
  

This is especially true in upper-bracket homes, where character, texture, and natural light matter as much as square footage.

3. Flexible Spaces for a Flexible Life

While remote work isn’t what it was in 2020, hybrid living is here to stay. Buyers want homes that can adapt as life changes.

The most-requested flexible spaces going into 2026 include:

• Offices that double as guest rooms
  
  
• Lower levels that serve as gyms, hangout rooms, or creative spaces
  
  
• Loft or landing areas converted into study or work zones
  
  

Homes that offer multi-functional rooms win out over those with rigid layouts.

4. Energy Efficiency and Smart Features Matter More Than Ever

In Minnesota—where heating and cooling make up a major part of a home’s operating cost—buyers in 2026 are paying closer attention to efficiency than in years past.

They’re asking about:

• Age of furnace and A/C
  
  
• Window quality
  
  
• Insulation
  
  
• Smart thermostats
  
  
• LED lighting
  
  
• Utility bill history
  
  

If your home has updated mechanicals or documented efficiency improvements, you’ll have a strong edge with buyers.

5. Outdoor Living That Extends the Home

Outdoor living remains one of the biggest selling points—especially in communities like Eden Prairie and Minnetonka where mature trees and private lots are common.

In 2026, buyers are prioritizing:

• Decks and patios for hosting
  
  
• Flat, usable yards
  
  
• Fire features
  
  
• Screened-in or 3-season porches
  
  
• Low-maintenance landscaping
  
  

Even modest outdoor improvements can make a listing stand out online (and in-person).

6. Convenience and Lifestyle Access

Walkability looks different in the suburbs, but it’s just as important. Buyers want homes that offer quick access to the places and experiences that matter most:

• Parks, trails, and lakes
  
  
• Coffee shops and restaurants
  
  
• Fitness studios
  
  
• Grocery stores and essentials
  
  
• Highly rated schools
  
  

Proximity to lifestyle amenities is becoming a major differentiator, especially for relocation buyers unfamiliar with the area.

7. Trusted Local Expertise Matters More Than Ever

As the market becomes more competitive and fast-moving, buyers want more than someone who can unlock a door. They want local insight, negotiation strength, and an understanding of neighborhood-level trends.

That’s where the Pauling Homes Team shines. Working with buyers every day across the west metro gives us a real-time pulse on what’s happening—not just in the Twin Cities market as a whole, but in the specific neighborhoods buyers are targeting.

Thinking About a Move in 2026?

Whether you’re preparing your home for top-dollar sale or beginning your home search in the west metro, the Pauling Homes Team is here to guide you with clarity, strategy, and experience.

Reach out anytime—we’d love to help you navigate your next chapter.