Top 5 Surprising Home Features That Sell

If you have ever bought or sold a home, you know that most buyers are looking at certain things: good floor plan, upgrades, yard, perhaps a view. 
Did you know that there a few features of a home not listed above that attract buyers as well? If your home has any of the following amenities, you could be in luck when you go to sell! Read on..

1. Separate laundry room - this may seem like a given, but remember that in a lot of homes, the laundry hook-up is in the garage or basement. A separate laundry room tops the list of the most-wanted home feature by buyers. 

2. Solar panels - solar panels are high on the list of amenities wanted by home buyers. Not only can they cut one’s electricity bill by up to 40 percent, but they can also earn you 21 percent more when you decide to sell your home. From Zillow: "Among just those homes priced in the bottom one-third of all homes, “solar panel” was the most lucrative feature to advertise in listing descriptions, netting sellers of these homes an extra 40 percent over other, more entry-level listings that did not advertise them. "

3. Outdoor Kitchen - who doesn't? Even if you don't like to cook, having an outdoor kitchen, especially a covered space where people can hang out and eat outdoors is a huge plus!

I love this one! It's not ridiculous, but covers the basics. 

We are thinking of doing something similar in our backyard. 

4. Energy Efficiency - goes along the same lines as solar, but here we are talking about dual pane windows, energy-saving appliances and smart thermostats - all of which will save a homeowner money on energy bills. 

5. Shed or Garage Studio - also any extra bonus space! Any space a buyer can interpret as a shop, office, hangout spot for the kids, guest room, or even just extra storage! From Zillow: "Among more typical homes priced in the middle segment of the market, a “shed/garage studio” was the biggest draw, helping net sellers a 24 percent premium."

Just as I was writing this article, I found this interesting infographic about other things 

buyers are looking for in a home. 

Buyers will pay a premium for homes that have the things they are looking for, so if you are considering doing any updates to your home to get it ready to go on the market, consider one of these options. These things are likely to net you the most return when it comes to what buyers are willing to pay for a house. 

As usual, contact me with any questions or comments! 

sarah@sarah-ratliff.com | 530-391-1576