Today’s home sellers may be able to command higher prices due to recent increases.
Certain luxury features may help sell your home for more money or faster than expected, according to new research from Zillow.
The real estate website evaluated 271 design terms and features included in almost 2 million home sales in 2022. Those that came out on top may add up to about $17,400 on a typical U.S. home.
Two chef-friendly features topped the list of those that helped sell homes for more — steam ovens, which helped push prices up 5.3% over similar homes without them, and pizza ovens, which increased prices by 3.7%.
Other features included professional appliances terrazzo "she sheds,” soapstone quartz a modern farmhouse hurricane or storm shutters and mid-century design.
Zillow also looked at which features helped sell homes faster than expected.
Doorbell cameras topped that list
followed by soapstone open shelving heat pumps fenced yards mid-century hardwood walkability shiplap walling or siding gas furnaces.
Moreover, some more unique features — like she sheds, spaces dedicated specifically to female home dwellers and their hobbies — may make it so it takes a bit longer to find a buyer who appreciates the amenities.
However, the features are signals of perceived qualify a buyer associates with a nice home right now.
For buyers, there’s not as many listings to choose from as homeowners do not want to give up their ultra-low interest rates, she noted.
Homes that are well priced and well marketed are going to find a buyer very quickly today. There are a lot of people who want to remodel because they are locked into low interest rates and have no intention of leaving their property.
At the top of homeowners’ wish lists are ways to maximize the square footage of their home such as basement remodels or attic or closet conversions. Adding home offices is also very popular as people continue to live hybrid lifestyles.
Some improvements also stand to provide a 100% or more return when a home is put on the market.
The top of that list includes hardwood floor refinishing, which not only makes a home look more beautiful but also makes it more marketable.
Zillow’s research found certain features may actually hurt a home’s resale value. That includes tile countertops or laminate flooring or countertops. Walk-in closets may also negatively impact a home’s value, as buyers may prefer to use the space for other purposes.
Call us at (480) 205-2234 to get more information on current mortgage rates. | 
