Before you sell your home, it’s important to know what features buyers are looking for. That way, you can highlight these features or invest in some home upgrades before listing your house for sale. In this article, Seattle-based Redfin Agent David Palmer shares some of the top features home buyers are looking for. Whether you’re planning to sell your condo in Milwaukee, WI, or your home in Dallas, TX, here are seven home features buyers are looking for.
1. Covered outdoor spaces
A covered patio, pergola, or deck creates a year-round extension of your living space. Redfin Agent David Palmer comments, “One home feature that gets buyers especially excited these days is outdoor space that’s covered. Heated or not, buyers are really excited about that.”
Even in colder climates, buyers see outdoor spaces as the potential for entertaining, relaxing, or dining. Palmer continues, “It may not add as much appraisal value as heated square footage that you’re adding to the house. But having a space where buyers can really enjoy the outdoors is a great benefit to them.”
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2. Energy-efficient windows and insulation
In today’s eco-conscious market, buyers look closely at how energy-efficient a home is. Double-paned windows, proper attic insulation, and sealed crawl spaces can help reduce utility bills and increase comfort. These features are especially important in areas with more extreme climates, like hot summers in the south and cold winters in the Midwest.
If you’ve recently upgraded your home’s windows, it’s important to call these out in your listing. Additionally, a pre-listing inspection can give buyers peace of mind that your home’s insulation is of good quality.
3. Clean, well-maintained attics and crawl spaces
Buyers see a clean attic or crawl space as a sign that your home has been well cared for. “Buyers seeing those clean and in good repair, no rodents, well insulated,” Palmer states, “those are one of the things that a buyer is going to be really excited about. They’re going to realize that you’ve probably taken really good care of the rest of the home.” While these areas aren’t a home feature you’d expect buyers to look at, a dry foundation and tidy attic spaces can indicate fewer problems with the home.
4. Smart home features
Smart thermostats, video doorbells, and integrated lighting systems are features that buyers still look for when buying a home. These smart home features offer convenience, security, and possible energy savings. Make sure to highlight any of these features, as they can help your home stand out from houses that don’t have these amenities.
5. Upgraded kitchens and bathrooms
It’s no surprise that updated kitchens and bathrooms are among the most sought-after spaces in any home. “Another feature that buyers are still excited about is kitchens and bathrooms,” Palmer states, “If they’re on point, buyers are going to be excited about them.” Many buyers are drawn to modern appliances, stylish finishes, and functional layouts.
These rooms also offer some of the best return on investment for sellers. According to a 2024 study by JLC, a minor kitchen remodel on average returns 96% of the investment. A minor kitchen remodel typically includes updating and replacing old appliances with newer energy-efficient models, updating hardware, refinishing or repainting cabinets, and replacing countertops.
6. Functional storage solutions
Built-in shelving, garage storage systems, walk-in closets, and well-organized pantries all appeal to buyers who want to visualize their lives fitting seamlessly into a home. These additions don’t require major renovations, but can make a big impact. Storage solutions are often top of mind for buyers, and may even be the reason they’re looking to move. So, highlighting the storage spaces in your home can help buyers see themselves living in the home.
7. Dedicated home office or flex room
Homebuyers are often looking for extra space in a home, so highlighting a room as a flexible space is key. Whether you showcase the room as an office, home gym, or reading room can help buyers see how they can use the space. Even a small den or converted nook can show your home’s potential to a buyer.
Final thoughts
Buyers’ preferences change over time, so it’s important to know what buyers are looking for before you sell your home. By highlighting the areas buyers care most about, you can help increase your home’s appeal and possibly its final sale price.
>> Read: How to Sell Your House Fast and For More Money