Valentine’s Day is a good reminder that knowing what you want and what you won’t settle for matters. That’s just as true in real estate as it is in relationships. When buyers walk into a home, they often sense it immediately. Some features feel like green flags worth leaning into, while ot hers raise quiet red flags that are hard to ignore. Here’s what buyers are paying the most attention to right now across Fresno and Clovis. Green Flag: Layouts That Flow Homes that feel easy to move through make a strong first impression. Buyers are drawn to layouts where kitchens, living areas, and dining spaces connect naturally without feeling crowded or chaotic. Red Flag: Awkward room placement or choppy layouts that interrupt daily routines. Even beautiful finishes can’t always fix a layout that doesn’t function well. Green Flag: Natural Light Bright kitchens, sun-filled living rooms, and well-placed windows consistently create that “this feels right” moment. Natural light affects mood, energy, and how spacious a home feels. Red Flag: Dark, closed-off rooms that rely heavily on artificial lighting and feel heavy during the day. Green Flag: Comfort and Function Buyers are prioritizing homes that work for real life. Functional kitchens, good storage, practical layouts, and low-maintenance features are winning out over bold or trendy design choices. Red Flag: Flashy upgrades that look good online but don’t translate well into everyday living. Green Flag: A Neighborhood That Fits the Lifestyle A home doesn’t stop at the front door. Walkability, parks, schools, nearby coffee spots, and overall community feel are playing a bigger role than ever in buyer decisions. Red Flag: Falling in love with the house but overlooking what daily life in the neighborhood actually looks like. Green Flag: Usable Outdoor Space In the Central Valley, outdoor living matters. Buyers love patios, covered areas, and manageable yards that feel inviting and easy to enjoy, not overwhelming to maintain. Red Flag: Outdoor areas that feel like work instead of a place to relax, especially oversized yards with no shade or structure. Just like relationships, finding the right home isn’t about perfection, it’s about fit. Knowing your green flags and spotting red flags early helps buyers move forward with clarity and confidence. This season has many people reflecting on whether their current home still fits their lifestyle or if it’s time to look for something that aligns better with what they truly value. ...read more read less