“Renovating a home with the right features can not only recoup the cost—it can help you sell your place much faster,” advises Jessica Lautz, managing director of survey research at the National Association of REALTORS®. “That means a quick transition into your dream home.” But which amenities are in highest demand?
Hardwood flooring remains the biggest draw among buyers of all generations, according to a new realtor.com® analysis of popular home features. Listings with hardwood floors have appreciated 14.8 percent since 2015, the analysis shows. “The first thing buyers look at are the floors ... and when they take in beautiful hardwood, their eyes light up,” says Zelda Sheldon, a sales associate with Village Real Estate Services in Nashville, Tenn.
Realtor.com® looked at 40 of the most common home features and analyzed applicable listings to find which homes sold in the fewest number of days. For this study, researchers used days on market as an indication of demand for a home feature. The following were the top features uncovered in the survey:
- Smart-home features (smart thermostats, refrigerators, and locking systems)
- Finished basements
- Patios
- Walk-in closets
- Granite countertops
- Eat-in kitchens
- Hardwood floors
- Laundry rooms
- Open kitchens
- Front porches
- Dining rooms
- Energy Star appliances
- Two-car garages
- Fireplaces
- Security systems
