If you’re thinking about selling, this is where things get interesting.
Not all upgrades are created equal.
According to recent Zillow data, certain home features can push your sale price up by as much as 5.4%.
That’s nearly $20,000 on an average home.
And it’s not coming from square footage.
It’s coming from how the home feels.
Table of Contents
- Lifestyle Features Buyers Pay More For
- High-Impact Upgrades That Add Value
- Move-In Ready vs Fixer Upper
- What This Means for Sellers
- FAQ
Lifestyle Features Buyers Pay More For
Right now, buyers are not just buying a home.
They’re buying a lifestyle.
Zillow’s data shows the biggest price increases are tied to how a home makes people feel:
- Homes with a dock: +5.4%
- Outdoor kitchens: +4.4%
- Outdoor showers: +4.3%
- “Cottage” style homes: +3.2%
- Waterfront properties: +3%
- Outdoor fireplaces: +2.8%
This isn’t random.
Buyers want homes that feel like an escape.
Something that slows life down… not speeds it up.
That emotional connection is what’s driving higher offers.
High-Impact Upgrades That Add Value
Some upgrades are outperforming others in a big way.
The kitchen is still king.
But the materials matter more than most people think.
- Quartzite countertops: +5.3%
- Quartz: +3%
- Soapstone: +2.7%
- Marble: +1.9%
There’s also a shift happening…
Buyers are paying more for homes that feel custom.
- Custom features: +3.2%
- Bespoke finishes: +3%
- Gourmet kitchens: +3%
- Golf simulators: +2.7%
This is no longer about “good enough.”
It’s about standing out.
Move-In Ready vs Fixer Upper
This is one of the biggest gaps in the market right now.
Move-in ready homes are winning.
- Turnkey homes: +2.9%
- Remodeled homes: +2.2%
Fixer-uppers?
They’re selling for about 14% less.
And it makes sense.
Most buyers don’t want a project.
They want something done… finished… ready.
Especially in today’s market, where costs are already stretched.
What This Means for Sellers
If you’re selling, this matters more than ever.
You don’t need to do everything.
But you do need to be intentional.
Ask yourself:
- Does my home feel complete?
- Does it photograph well?
- Can a buyer picture their life here?
Because that’s what drives offers today.
Not just price per square foot…
But emotional connection.
Timing matters too.
Homes listed in late May sell for about 1.7% more on average.
But strategy before listing matters even more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What home features add the most value?
Outdoor living spaces, waterfront features, and high-end kitchen materials like quartzite.
Are outdoor upgrades worth it?
Yes. Features like outdoor kitchens, showers, and fire pits are driving higher offers.
Do buyers prefer move-in ready homes?
Yes. Turnkey homes consistently sell for more than fixer-uppers.
Should I renovate before selling?
It depends. Focus on high-impact updates that improve how the home feels and shows.
Final Thoughts
Buyers are telling us exactly what they want.
And they’re willing to pay for it.
If your home already has these features… highlight them.
If it doesn’t… focus on presentation and strategy.
Because in this market, how your home feels matters just as much as what it is.
Hi, my name is Garrett Pancheri. I am a Realtor with Living in Idaho at LPT Realty. Our team has helped over 1,000 families buy or sell homes across Idaho, and we specialize in helping sellers position their homes to stand out and maximize value.
If you’re thinking about selling in Nampa, Boise, Meridian, or anywhere in the Treasure Valley, I’ve got you.