According to a recent report from Zillow, homebuyers dealing with rising mortgage rates and home prices are looking for certain trending features that will change their home buying decision from “maybe” to “yes.” Some are obvious, such as outdoor pizza ovens and outdoor kitchens, while others signal a growing desire for contemporary style and maximum comfort.
“When a property description highlights a particular home's features and design style, they serve as a signal to buyers that the home is attractive and up-to-date. features that can help you sell your home faster and for more money,” said Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s housing trends expert.
“Conversely, certain features can suggest that the home is older and in need of work, lowering the home's selling price. Features like laminate or tile countertops may be listed in the property description. If you are, you could reduce the value of your home by at least 1%.”
From backyard luxuries to hot features like plant shelves and rounded corners, here's what you should highlight on your list to sell your home faster and for more money.
Top outdoor features on our list
A complete backyard accessory can add as much as $10,000 to a home's sale price, according to a report from Zillow. Exterior makes up 6 of the top 10 things that increase a home's value, with outdoor TV bringing in the highest premium at 3.1%.
Outdoor showers can add up to 2.6%, but there's no need to rush into installing one. Zillow realized that as much as showers are functional, they are coveted for what comes with them: access to pools and beaches.
But it's not just about luxury goods. The buyer wants nothing more than a picket fence that can shorten the sales period by 3.2 days. Perhaps that's because this classic feature is the most charming and timeless way to say “welcome home.”
Main indoor features listed
Home decor trends for 2024 demonstrate the need for comfort and friendliness. Grandma's hand-me-downs and the transition from open floor plans to clear rooms represent two ways she longs for spaces that are welcoming and enveloping. So it makes sense that buyers would be drawn to cozy, rounded edges. Whether it's a kitchen countertop or an arched entryway, the softness of curves can help him sell homes 6.2 days faster than square styles.
Soapstone countertops can help increase a home's sale price by 3%, while matte black fixtures, cabinetry, and other decor can increase the amount by 2.9%. Both show contemporary homes that have been recently renovated and have updated exteriors. Buyers are also looking for terrazzo, whether for floors or countertops. Using trendy materials, he can shorten the sales period by 3.7 days.
If you're entertaining, ditch the wine fridge and opt for a drink center that can keep more than just Pinot and Chardonnay chilled. That way, you can include ice-cold beer and soft drinks on your menu.