7 Home Features that Buyers are Looking For

When preparing to sell your home, it’s crucial to understand the features that potential buyers are seeking. This knowledge allows you to showcase these attributes or make necessary upgrades before listing your property. In this insightful piece, Seattle-based Redfin Agent David Palmer shares some of the top features that home buyers are currently looking for. Whether you’re selling a condo in Milwaukee, WI or a home in Dallas, TX, here are seven key home features that buyers are currently seeking.

1. Covered outdoor spaces

Outdoor areas like covered patios, pergolas, or decks provide an extended living space throughout the year. According to Redfin Agent David Palmer, buyers are particularly enthusiastic about outdoor spaces that offer coverage. Whether heated or not, buyers value the potential for outdoor enjoyment these spaces provide. Even in colder climates, outdoor spaces are seen as areas for entertainment, relaxation, and dining. Palmer emphasizes, “While the addition of outdoor space may not increase the appraisal value as much as heated square footage, it offers great benefits to buyers in terms of outdoor enjoyment.”

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2. Energy-efficient windows and insulation

In the current eco-conscious market, buyers place importance on the energy efficiency of a home. Features such as double-paned windows, adequate attic insulation, and sealed crawl spaces can lower utility costs and enhance comfort. These aspects are especially valued in regions with 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 advisable to highlight this in your listing. Additionally, a pre-listing inspection can reassure buyers about the quality of your home’s insulation.

3. Clean, well-maintained attics and crawl spaces

Buyers interpret well-kept attics and crawl spaces as indicators of a home that has been attentively maintained. According to Palmer, “Buyers are particularly excited to see clean and well-maintained attics and crawl spaces, free of rodents and well-insulated. These aspects suggest to buyers that the rest of the home has likely been well cared for.” While these areas may not be the first features buyers notice, a dry foundation and organized attic spaces can signify fewer potential issues with the property.

4. Smart home features

Smart technologies such as thermostats, video doorbells, and integrated lighting systems remain desirable to buyers. These features offer convenience, security, and potential energy savings. Highlighting these smart home elements can set your property apart from others that lack these modern amenities.

5. Upgraded kitchens and bathrooms

Modernized kitchens and bathrooms are perennial favorites among home buyers. Palmer notes, “Buyers continue to show enthusiasm for well-appointed kitchens and bathrooms. When these spaces are up-to-date, buyers are impressed.” Many buyers are attracted to contemporary appliances, stylish finishes, and functional layouts. These areas also offer significant returns on investment for sellers. According to a 2024 study by JLC, a minor kitchen remodel typically yields 96% of the investment. This remodel often involves updating appliances, hardware, cabinets, and countertops to enhance energy efficiency and aesthetics.

6. Functional storage solutions

Built-in shelving, garage storage systems, walk-in closets, and organized pantries appeal to buyers seeking seamless integration of their belongings into a home. These enhancements, while not requiring major renovations, can significantly improve a property’s appeal. Storage solutions are top priorities for buyers and may even be the primary reason for their move. Therefore, emphasizing the storage spaces in your home can help buyers envision themselves living there.

7. Dedicated home office or flex room

Buyers often seek additional space in a home, making it essential to highlight a room as a versatile area. Whether presented as an office, home gym, or reading nook, showcasing a room’s flexibility aids buyers in visualizing its potential uses. Even a small den or converted nook can demonstrate your home’s versatility to potential buyers.

Final thoughts

Buyers’ preferences evolve over time, underscoring the importance of understanding current market demands before selling your home. By accentuating the features that resonate most with buyers, you can enhance your property’s appeal and potentially increase its final sale price.

>> Read: How to Sell Your House Fast and For More Money