What buyers are actually paying more for right now
Not all upgrades are created equal.
Recent Zillow data shows certain home features that increase home value can push sale prices up by as much as 5.4% or roughly $19,500 on a typical home.
And it is not just about size or location anymore.
Today’s buyers are paying a premium for homes that feel finished, personal, and easy to live in from day one. The difference shows up fast. Some listings attract multiple offers, while others sit.
Here is what is making the difference.
Lifestyle Features Buyers Are Paying a Premium For
The biggest price jumps are not always tied to square footage. They are tied to how a home feels.
Zillow data highlights a clear trend: buyers are paying more for homes that feel like an everyday escape.
Top-performing lifestyle features:
- Dock: +5.4%
- Outdoor kitchen: +4.4%
- Outdoor shower: +4.3%
- “Cottage” style listings: +3.2%
- Waterfront location: +3%
- Outdoor fireplace: +2.8%
What this means: Buyers are not just purchasing a property. They are buying a lifestyle.
Spaces that suggest slow mornings, outdoor gatherings, and a break from daily stress are commanding stronger offers.
Strategic takeaway:
- Already have these features? Highlight them clearly in your listing
- Do not have them? Focus on staging and photography that helps buyers picture the lifestyle
High-Impact Upgrades That Add Value Without Guesswork
Some upgrades consistently outperform others, and the gap is wider than most sellers expect.
Kitchen upgrades leading the market
- Quartzite countertops: +5.3%
- Quartz: +3%
- Soapstone: +2.7%
- Marble: +1.9%
- Onyx: +1.6%
Quartzite is standing out because it balances durability and upscale appeal, something buyers are prioritizing.
Customization is driving stronger offers
- Custom features: +3.2%
- Bespoke finishes: +3%
- Gourmet kitchens: +3%
- Golf simulators: +2.7%
What is happening here: Buyers are gravitating toward homes where the work is already done and the space feels intentional, not generic.
Strategic takeaway: If you have invested in upgrades, do not bury them in your listing. Call them out clearly and position them as move-in-ready advantages.
Why Move-In-Ready Homes Are Winning
There is a growing divide between updated homes and fixer-uppers.
Current pricing trends:
- Turnkey homes: +2.9%
- Remodeled homes: +2.2%
- Fixer-uppers: -14%
That gap is significant.
Why buyers are choosing move-in-ready:
- Renovation costs are unpredictable
- Buyers prefer rolling costs into their mortgage
- Immediate usability is more valuable than potential
Strategic takeaway:
- Updated home? You are in a strong negotiating position
- Not updated? Pricing and presentation become critical
Timing and Presentation Still Matter
Even with the right features, execution matters.
Key data point: Homes listed in late May sell for about 1.7% more, roughly $6,000 on average.
But timing alone is not enough.
What drives results today:
- High-quality listing photos
- Clean, well-staged interiors
- Virtual tours and clear floor plans
- Strong feature descriptions
Buyers are forming opinions before they ever step inside.
What This Means for You
The market is not just rewarding homes. It is rewarding prepared homes.
The strongest offers are going to sellers who:
- Highlight lifestyle appeal
- Showcase upgrades clearly
- Present the home as move-in ready
- Launch with a strategy, not guesswork
If you are thinking about selling, the first step is not listing. It is understanding how your home stacks up against what buyers are paying for right now.
We will walk through your home with a buyer’s lens, identify what is working and what is not, and determine where you can increase your final number without over-improving. Reach out when you are ready for a clear, honest game plan.