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In many parts of the country, home prices are still climbing, and inventory remains historically low. But the Federal Reserve has cut rates twice this year, and with more cuts expected, home sales and mortgage refinancing could soon pick up. That also means sellers will need to up their game in a more competitive market.
Fixing that leaky shower or replacing an aging roof could make all the difference. We’ve rounded up the top 13 features today’s buyers want most, according to a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) survey. Some updates are quick and inexpensive DIY projects, while others require more time, money, and professional help, a challenge in the midst of ongoing labor and material shortages.
Overall, buyers are opting for smaller homes with design touches important to them, like a master bath on the main floor or a front porch. Buyers want to have plenty of comfortable, well-lit outdoor space. They also value nearby parks and walkability.
Want a higher sale price? Invest in the right upgrades
As the housing market continues to rebound, would-be sellers should think twice before skipping out on areas of their homes in need of serious upgrades. Home buyers are willing to spend more on homes with higher-quality finishes in sought-after neighborhoods. Ensure your home is in top condition to get the most attention and the highest possible price.
With a few exceptions, you’re unlikely to recoup all your remodeling costs when you sell. According to Remodeling magazine’s 2025 Cost vs. Value report, sellers were estimated to recoup 18% to 268% of the cost of the 23 projects considered in the report. For example, the average cost of a mid-range bathroom remodel is $26,138 (up from $24,424 in 2021). You’d recoup about $18,613 (74%) of that amount within a year.
The cost of doing nothing to your home can be far greater than the small loss you’ll incur on any home improvement project. “Getting stuck in time with your home isn’t a smart move and is rarely rewarded financially at sale time,” said Compass broker Brian K. Lewis. “In fact, it may cause your house to linger longer on the market longer. As a result, you’ll likely have to pay ongoing mortgage, maintenance, and staging costs.”
If you want to get the most bang for your buck, focus on features that most home buyers really want to see and that you’ll enjoy for as long as you live in the home. Home improvements can be expensive, but the right upgrades could help you command a higher sale price when it’s time to move.
If you’ve built up equity, consider using a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a cash-out refinance to reinvest in your property and boost its long-term value.
Use the tool below to explore and compare today’s top home equity loan and HELOC offers to see how much you could borrow from your home’s value, powered by Bankrate:
Selling your home? Here are the 13 home features buyers want most.
1. Laundry room
- Cost of laundry room addition: $8,000 to $30,000
- Minimum cost of a laundry room renovation: $1,300
More than anything else, homeowners want a dedicated laundry room where they can hide the dirty clothes and stack the clean ones until they get put away. A separate laundry room tops the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) list of most-wanted home features by buyers.
If you don’t have an existing laundry room and want to add one, the basement is usually the easiest (and cheapest) place to put it. The utility lines are already there, and in many cases, the basement is unfinished, so you won’t have to demolish anything first.
If you’re investing in a new washer and dryer, look for Energy Star-certified models that will save you energy and money. Add good lighting and a utility sink, where you can wash out or presoak heavily stained or dirty items. Depending on your budget and space, you can add stock or custom cabinetry, a folding table or countertops.
2. Patio
- Small patio (about 49 sq. ft.): $250 to $2,500
- Medium patio (about 144 sq. ft.): $750 to $7,200
- Large patio (400+ sq. ft.): $2,000 to $20,000
In today’s housing market, outdoor living spaces have become one of the most coveted outdoor home features.
It’s important for homeowners not to neglect the backyard area when prepping for resale, says Mike McGrew, chairman and CEO of McGrew Real Estate, a Lawrence, Kansas-based realty firm.
“When most buyers see a house with a really nice backyard, they start to envision themselves sitting outdoors with friends having drinks,” McGrew adds. Also, outdoor areas offer more living space without the cost of a large-scale home addition.
With the popularity of home renovation reality shows, many buyers have come to expect the eye-catching exterior features. The more expensive the home, the more buyers desire exterior features, such as an outdoor kitchen or fireplace.
Because patios are generally made of concrete or pavers, they tend to cost less than a wood deck or porch to construct and are generally easier to maintain, say, with powerwashing versus periodic staining and resealing or painting. However, their resale value will likely be less than a deck or porch.
3. Energy Star windows
- The average cost to replace windows is $7,359
- Most homeowners spend between $3,443 and $11,839
- About $750 per window, with a range of $300 to $2,500 per window
Would-be buyers looking to lower utility bills will be drawn to properties with Energy Star-qualified windows and appliances. If you don’t already have these features, including new windows, examine your remodeling budget and decide what you’ll need to spend to upgrade.
Be sure to check the Department of Energy website for federal and local rebates and other offers.
Energy Star-qualified windows have two or three panes of glass with vacuum-sealed spaces filled with air or inert gas between panes, sturdier weather stripping than regular windows, and improved framing materials — all of which reduce undesirable heat gain and loss in the home. They can trim heating and cooling costs by 12%.
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