23 Features Home Buyers Will Pay More For

and 6 they want to steer clear from

by Eli King for Roohan Realty | May 6, 2019

Thinking about starting a home improvement project?

Keep in mind that you’ll get the best return on your investment if you consider the resale value of the changes you’re about to make. While your main goal might be increasing your own comfort and enjoyment, circumstances change! It may be in your best interest down the road if your home has features that appeal to the majority of home buyers.

To give you some ideas, here are some of 2019’s top trending features for home buyers.

(Percentages after features indicate the % of survey respondents who rated the feature as “desirable” or “must have” in the 2019 National Association of Home Builders’ What Home Buyers Really Want survey.)

Kitchens

Remodeling cost recouped (average): 72%

Most desired kitchen features:

open kitchen – 84% of buyers want
walk-in pantry – 83% of buyers want
double sinks – 81% of buyers want
table space for eating – 78% of buyers want
center island – 76% of buyers want

Unwanted kitchen feature:

Laminate counter tops – 46% do not want

Bathrooms

Remodeling cost recouped (average): 67%

Most desired bathroom features:

full bath on main floor – 79% of buyers want
linen closet – 78% of buyers want
separate shower and bathtub – 73% of buyers want
double vanity – 71% of buyers want
private toilet compartment – 65% of buyers want

Unwanted bathroom feature:

Dual toilets in master bath – 48% do not want (more to clean!)

Specialty Rooms

Most desired specialty rooms:

laundry room – 91% of buyers want
dining room – 71% of buyers want
great room – 65% of buyers want

Unwanted specialty room:

wine cellar – 57% do not want

Decorative Features

Most desired decorative features:

ceiling fan – 85% of home buyers want
built-in shelving – 67% of home buyers want
gas fireplace – 55% of home buyers want

Unwanted decorative feature:

wood-burning fireplace – 26% do not want

Windows & Doors

Most desired window and door features:

ENERGY STAR® windows – 89% of buyers want
triple-pane insulating glass – 77% of buyers want
entry door with sidelights – 60% of buyers want

Unwanted window/door feature:

aluminum windows – 31% do not want

Exterior Features

Most desired exterior features:

patio – 87% of buyers want
exterior lighting – 85% of buyers want
front porch – 81% of buyers want

Unwanted outdoor feature:

outdoor kitchen – 31% do not want

Our March Madness Home Features Matchup

We ran our own poll on Instagram Stories in March/April, pairing up 16 home features:

The winner, just narrowly beating out outdoor patio after a tiebreaker, was hardwood floors.

Tune in next week for the “secret sauce” to getting the most value from your remodeling project!

23 Trending Home Features Buyers Want

23 Features Home Buyers Will Pay More For