Buyers casting a wider net in search of their next home

I’m seeing more buyers broaden their home searches beyond metro areas—affordability is a key driver here. In fact, 60.1% of homebuyers are now looking outside traditional city limits, a significant jump from 48.2% before the pandemic. In the priciest markets, more than 90% are searching for options elsewhere. What’s particularly interesting is that affordable Southern regions are attracting strong demand, especially from out-of-market buyers seeking new homes. My background in the Telecom industry taught me the value of careful planning and attention to detail—qualities I bring to every real estate experience, especially as buyer preferences evolve.