Cozy, Smart, and Climate-Ready: What to Look For When Buying a Home on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau This Fall

If you’re on the hunt for a home on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau this fall, you’re likely considering more than just the price tag or square footage. The properties that catch attention now are those that resonate with your lifestyle, not just in appearance but in daily functionality.

This means evaluating how the layout fits your routine, how efficient the home’s systems are, and how well it’s equipped for long-term comfort and stability. According to Zillow’s analysis of Fall 2025 listing data, buyers are increasingly focused on features that blend calming design with practical resilience. Search terms like “cozy,” “solar,” and “whole-house battery” are becoming more prevalent, indicating a shift in priorities during home searches.

If you’re actively touring homes or gearing up to do so, here are some aspects to pay attention to as you explore each space, along with a few questions to consider before you book 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

This season, some of the most sought-after listings feature layouts that feel natural to navigate. Instead of sprawling, overly styled spaces, many buyers are leaning toward homes with defined areas. Den spaces, built-in benches, and cozy nooks that offer privacy or a retreat are gaining traction.

Zillow notes that the term “cozy” is appearing in listings more frequently this year compared to the past two. This trend is also evident in design choices, with matte finishes, natural wood, stone accents, and earth-toned color palettes becoming more common.

As you walk through a home, take a moment to assess how the layout feels. Can you picture winding down here after a long day? Are there spots to retreat to, or does everything blend into one large room?

Older charm with updated systems

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

The ideal scenario is a home that has character but functions like it’s been through a thorough inspection. This includes essentials like working outlets and functional ductwork, as well as updated insulation and modern water heaters.

If you’re exploring an older property, don’t hesitate to ask when the last major system updates were completed. Aesthetic charm can be appealing, but it’s much easier to enjoy when it doesn’t come with a lengthy repair list.

Energy efficiency and smart systems that actually work

Features that help reduce monthly expenses 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 come across a home with these features, inquire whether the systems are connected to a central hub or managed independently. Some setups are straightforward and beneficial, while others might involve ongoing subscriptions or complex apps.

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

Climate-resilient upgrades

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

You might also find listings that highlight drainage improvements, rainwater collection systems, sump pumps, or drought-tolerant landscaping. These upgrades go beyond sustainability; they help minimize unexpected maintenance and improve the home’s durability over time.

If you’re touring properties in a region prone to storms, heatwaves, or fire risks, ask whether the home includes any climate-adaptive features. They might not be flashy, but they can significantly impact your comfort and safety in the years to come.

Bathrooms, storage, and daily ease

A key area where trends and practicality intersect is the bathroom. Spa-style layouts, especially wet rooms that combine the tub and shower into one open waterproof space, are becoming more common. These designs are easier to clean and can adapt to various household needs.

Buyers are also paying attention to how laundry rooms, entryways, and kitchen storage are arranged. Look for layouts that minimize friction. This could mean clean drop zones near the entrance, 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 make it functional, or is it already set up to accommodate your lifestyle?

What to watch out for

While many 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 demand constant upkeep, or appliances nearing the end of their lifespan 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 if the seller can’t explain how it works, that might 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 just the list of features. It’s about recognizing how a space will support you not just at closing, but in the seasons and years ahead.

This might involve asking questions about energy performance, understanding what certain upgrades actually do, or discerning the difference 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 could lead to challenges down the road. It also means keeping you focused on what truly matters for your goals, not just what looks good in photos.

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