When it comes time to sell your home, the list of potential upgrades that might help you reduce your time on the market and command a higher selling price can be overwhelmingly long—and pricey. But new data released by Zillow might help you narrow your list to the features most appealing to buyers now.
The report identified a series of home amenities and finishes that can drive a sale price that’s as much as 5.4% higher than comparable homes on the market—or about $19,500 more than expected on the typical home.
1. The Cottage Life
According to Zillow, the “I’m coming to the cottage” effect is being felt in today’s housing market, as homes with coastal setting features are driving higher selling prices. The trend is responsible for four of the seven specific home features mentioned in the report.
Among the examples cited are homes with a dock, which are selling for 5.4% above expectations. Those with an outdoor kitchen are getting a 4.4% price bump, and those with an outdoor shower are seeing a 4.3% price bump. An outdoor fireplace also adding 2.8% to the selling price. Even just including the word “cottage” in your listing can boost your price by 3.2%.
"Cottagecore taps into a desire for homes that feel like an escape from everyday life," Amanda Pendleton, Zillow's home trends expert, said in a press release. “Even if the home isn't actually a vacation property, buyers are willing to pay more for features that make everyday life feel like a getaway.”
2. Quartzite Counters
The countertop material buyers are most attracted to right now is quartzite. Per the report, homes with quartzite counters command a 5.3% higher selling price. This beat out other popular countertop materials like quartz, soapstone, and marble.
The stone’s popularity is likely due to its stunning appearance and durability. “Buyers want kitchens that look beautiful in photos but can also handle real life,” the report read.
3. Making It Personal
Contrary to the long-held belief that personalized homes are harder to sell, buyers today are also looking for character in homes that align with their passions. As a result, custom and bespoke finishes are boosting prices by about 3%.
According to the report, personalized details like a gourmet kitchen (3% price increase) or a golf simulator (2.7% price increase) are also resonating with buyers.
4. Move-In Ready
While not tied to a specific feature, the report also found that today’s buyers prefer turnkey properties over fixer-uppers by a wide margin. Turnkey and renovated homes are selling for 2.2% more than similar homes, while fixer-uppers are going for 14% less.
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