When you walk into a house that feels just right, you know it. The kitchen gleams. The backyard calls to you. Something about the space just works.
That feeling? It’s worth money. Real money.
We talked to real estate agents who see this every day. They told us which home features make buyers reach deeper into their pockets. The answers might surprise you.
1. Outdoor Spaces That Feel Like Extra Rooms
The top spot goes to outdoor living areas. Think decks, patios, screened porches, and outdoor kitchens.
“Buyers consistently pay a premium for well-designed outdoor spaces that flow naturally from the indoors,” says Casey Gaddy, a senior agent at Keller Williams Empower in Philadelphia.
The key word? Flow. The best outdoor spaces don’t feel tacked on. They feel like natural extensions of your home.
Since more people work from home now, these spaces matter even more. A screened porch becomes your morning office.
A deck turns into your evening escape. A backyard with an outdoor kitchen hosts weekend dinners with friends.
Tiffany Sears, lead broker at The Sears Group, remembers one client who paid over budget just to get a home with both a screened porch and an open deck. The outdoor spaces sealed the deal.
The lesson? If you’re selling, invest in your outdoor areas. If you’re buying, know that these features are worth the extra cost. You’ll use them more than you think.
2. Updated Kitchens and Bathrooms
No surprise here, but it’s number one for a reason.
Fresh kitchens and bathrooms make buyers pull out their checkbooks. High-end appliances, custom cabinets, and modern tile all add value.
“A few extra dollars on high-end appliances, custom cabinetry, and fresh tile go a long way,” Gaddy explains.
But here’s the real reason buyers pay more: peace of mind.
Updating a kitchen or bathroom costs a fortune. Buyers know this. When they find a home with these spaces already done, they can skip months of construction dust and budget stress.
“Renovating those areas means a buyer can simply move in and not think about updating those spaces,” Sears says.
It’s the “move-in ready” mindset. Buyers will pay extra today to avoid the headache tomorrow. Smart ones know that a renovated kitchen now is cheaper than a renovation later.
3. Views and Thoughtful Design Details
The final feature isn’t practical. It’s emotional.
A good view can push a home’s price up by 10% or more, according to Gaddy. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking at a city skyline, a lake, or just a really beautiful backyard. Views sell homes.
In Los Angeles, Courtney Poulos from ACME Real Estate sees buyers pay premiums for elevated design. Custom cabinets with special hardware. Unique countertops. Bold bathroom colors.
“The upgrades buyers value the most are the ones they could not do themselves,” Poulos notes.
This makes sense. Anyone can paint a wall. Not everyone can design a kitchen that makes guests stop and stare. When buyers see something special, something they couldn’t create on their own, they’re willing to pay for it.
What This Means for You
If you’re selling, focus on these three areas. Your outdoor spaces, your kitchen and bathrooms, and any special design features you have. These are your selling points.
If you’re buying, know what you’re looking at. When you find a home with great outdoor living, updated main spaces, and beautiful details, expect to pay more. Other buyers see the same value you do.
The good news? These features aren’t just expensive. They’re actually worth it. You’ll use them. You’ll love them. And years from now, when it’s your turn to sell, the next buyer will pay you for them too.
Home isn’t just about square footage anymore. It’s about how you live. And buyers are willing to pay for a life that’s easier, more beautiful, and more fun.