Cozy, Smart and Climate-ready: What to Look For When Buying a Home This Fall in Silicon Valley

If you’re on the hunt for a home this fall in Silicon Valley, it’s likely that your criteria extend beyond just price or square footage. The properties that catch the eye now are those that resonate with you—not just in appearance, but in their day-to-day functionality.

This includes how the layout accommodates your lifestyle, the efficiency of the home’s systems, and its readiness for long-term comfort and stability. According to Zillow’s analysis of Fall 2025 listing data, buyers are increasingly prioritizing features that blend calming design with practical resilience. Search terms like “cozy,” “solar,” and “whole-house battery” are cropping up more frequently, indicating a shift in buyer priorities.

If you’re actively touring homes or getting ready to, here are some key aspects to pay attention to as you explore each space, along with a few questions to consider before you schedule your next showing.

Before you tour, ask yourself:

• What matters most in your daily routine?
• Are there features that make life easier, not harder?
• How much work are you willing to take on after closing?
• Do you want something already efficient, or are you open to upgrading?

Layouts that feel calm and easy to live in

Among the most sought-after listings this season are those with layouts that feel natural and easy to navigate—not overly spacious or excessively styled, but grounded and adaptable. Rather than completely open floor plans, many buyers are leaning towards homes with distinct areas. Spaces like dens, built-in benches, and smaller living areas that provide privacy or a retreat are gaining traction.

Zillow reports that the term “cozy” is appearing in listings more frequently this year than in the past two. This trend is also reflected in design choices. Matte finishes, natural wood, stone accents, and earth-toned color palettes are becoming more common.

As you walk through a home, take note of how the layout feels. Can you picture yourself unwinding here at the end of the day? Are there areas to retreat to, or does it feel like one expansive room?

Older charm with updated systems

If you’re exploring a home with original woodwork, vintage tile, or arched doorways, it’s worth taking a closer look behind the walls. Many of this fall’s most competitive listings combine classic features with modern plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or roofing systems.

The ideal scenario is a home that boasts historical charm but functions as if it has already been through a thorough inspection. This includes essentials like working outlets and functional ductwork, as well as newer insulation and modern water heaters.

If you're touring an older property, inquire about when the last major system updates were completed. Aesthetic character can be appealing, but it’s easier to appreciate when it doesn’t come with a lengthy repair list.

Energy efficiency and smart systems that actually work

Features that lower monthly costs or enhance comfort are climbing higher on buyer wish lists. This includes smart thermostats, heat pump water heaters, zoned HVAC, and high-efficiency appliances.

Listings are also highlighting automated lighting, whole-home monitoring, or smart window treatments. If you’re viewing a home with any of these features, ask whether the systems are connected to a central hub or managed independently. Some setups are straightforward and beneficial, while others may involve ongoing subscriptions or complicated apps.

Focus less on the number of gadgets and more on how they enhance livability. Are the systems user-friendly? Have they been well-maintained? Are they compatible with what you already use?

Climate-resilient upgrades

Zillow has noted a significant increase in listings that mention solar panels or whole-house battery storage. These features are particularly attractive in regions where weather disruptions, power outages, or extreme temperatures are becoming more frequent.

You might also come across listings that highlight drainage improvements, rainwater collection, sump pumps, or drought-tolerant landscaping. These upgrades aren’t just about sustainability; they help reduce unexpected maintenance and improve the home’s durability over time.

If you’re touring homes in an area prone to storms, heatwaves, or fire risks, ask whether the property includes any climate-adaptive features. They may not be flashy, but they can make a significant difference in the long run.

Bathrooms, storage, and daily ease

One area where trends and practicality are converging is in the bathroom. Spa-style layouts, especially wet rooms that combine the tub and shower into one open waterproof space, are becoming more common. These setups are easier to clean and more versatile for different household needs.

Buyers are also paying attention to how laundry rooms, entryways, and kitchen storage are organized. Look for layouts that minimize friction. This could mean clean drop zones near the door, ample natural light in work areas, or well-organized utility spaces that don’t feel like an afterthought.

During your tour, consider how your daily routine would unfold in the space. Will you need to rearrange things just to function, or is it already set up for how you live?

What to watch out for

While some homes are standing out for all the right reasons, others are beginning to show signs of over-personalization or deferred maintenance. Highly specific paint choices, lawns that require constant upkeep, or appliances nearing the end of their life cycle are becoming easier for buyers to overlook.

Even some smart systems can turn into a drawback if they aren’t well-integrated or come with hidden costs. If a home seems overloaded with automation but nothing is connected, or the seller can’t explain how it works, that may indicate more hassle than value.

Outdated wiring, inadequate insulation, and older HVAC units are also top concerns. Many buyers are asking about energy bills upfront. If a listing can’t demonstrate how the home performs, it may not be worth pursuing further.

A practical lens for your home search

Buying a home this fall means looking beyond the list of features. It’s about understanding how a space will support you not just at closing, but in the seasons and years to come.

This might involve asking questions about energy performance, grasping what certain upgrades actually do, or distinguishing between cosmetic staging and a home that is genuinely easy to live in.

We help buyers evaluate homes with both lifestyle and logistics in mind. This means identifying which elements are worth investing in and which ones could lead to challenges later. It also means keeping you focused on what matters most for your goals, not just what photographs well.

What are you looking for in a new home? We can help you find it.