These 10 Features Help Homes Sell Faster, Say Agents

Curb Appeal: The Power of First Impressions

A well-kept exterior is often the first thing buyers notice, and real estate agents emphasize its importance. According to a 2023 National Association of Realtors (NAR) report, homes with enhanced curb appeal can sell for up to 7% more than similar homes with a neglected exterior.

Freshly painted doors, tidy landscaping, and clean walkways signal to buyers that the property is well cared for. Even small touches like updated house numbers or bright flowers create a welcoming atmosphere.

Agents say that buyers form opinions within seconds of arriving. If the outside looks inviting, they're more likely to want to see the inside.

Simple weekend projects, like power-washing siding or planting shrubs, can make a big difference. Curb appeal is not just a “nice to have”—it’s a proven way to attract more offers and higher selling prices.

Updated Kitchens: The Heart of the Home

Kitchens are often called the heart of the home, and agents say they’re one of the first rooms buyers inspect closely. In 2023, Zillow found that homes with updated kitchens sold 10% faster than those without.

Modern appliances, stone countertops, and functional layouts are top features that excite buyers. Even modest upgrades like new cabinet hardware or a fresh backsplash can transform the space.

Open-concept kitchens are particularly sought after, as they create a feeling of space and connection. Buyers imagine cooking, entertaining, and living in these spaces, which makes them emotionally invested.

Real estate agents suggest that a kitchen renovation, even on a small scale, often pays for itself at closing. Neutral colors and clutter-free counters also make the space feel move-in ready.

Energy-Efficient Features: Going Green Sells

Energy efficiency is no longer a bonus—it’s a major selling point. According to a 2023 Redfin survey, homes with energy-efficient features like double-pane windows, smart thermostats, and solar panels sold 20% faster on average.

Buyers are more aware of rising utility costs and want homes that help them save money. Features such as LED lighting, Energy Star appliances, and high-efficiency HVAC systems are now high on the checklist.

Agents report that energy certifications or recent upgrades are often highlighted in listings and attract more viewings. People also see these features as a sign of a modern, responsible homeowner.

With climate concerns growing, energy efficiency can be the deciding factor for eco-conscious buyers.

Open Floor Plans: Space That Flows

Homes with open floor plans consistently sell faster, according to multiple agent surveys. The NAR found in 2023 that listings boasting open layouts received 24% more showings than those with closed-off rooms.

Buyers love the airy, flexible feel that open plans provide. They allow for easy entertaining, better lighting, and a sense of togetherness, which appeals to families and entertainers alike.

Open spaces can make even smaller homes feel bigger and brighter. Removing a non-structural wall or widening a doorway can create this effect without a full remodel.

Real estate agents say that buyers often mention open layouts as a “must-have,” making it a key feature to highlight in listings.

Fresh Paint and Neutral Colors: Ready to Move In

A fresh coat of paint is one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to make a home feel new. Agents unanimously agree: neutral, light colors help homes sell faster.

In 2023, a HomeLight survey found that freshly painted homes spent 30% less time on the market. Neutral tones like soft grays, beige, or warm whites let buyers imagine their own décor and make rooms look bigger and brighter.

Bold or outdated colors can turn buyers off, while neutral ones create a blank canvas. Even older homes benefit from this inexpensive upgrade.

Agents advise sellers to avoid trendy or very personal color choices, as they can limit appeal. Paint is an easy fix with a big impact on buyer perceptions.

Modern Bathrooms: Spa-Like Retreats

Bathrooms are another space where updates can make a huge difference. According to Realtor.com’s latest data, homes with renovated bathrooms sell up to 9 days faster than those with outdated fixtures.

Buyers are drawn to clean, modern bathrooms with good lighting, new vanities, and stylish tiles. Features like walk-in showers, rainfall showerheads, and double sinks are particularly attractive.

Even small changes—such as new mirrors, light fixtures, or faucets—can modernize the space. Real estate agents say buyers often want a bathroom that feels like a private retreat.

Cleanliness is crucial; spotless grout and shiny surfaces make a lasting impression. Upgraded bathrooms signal quality and attention to detail.

Smart Home Technology: The Modern Touch

Smart home features have rapidly moved from luxury to expectation. A recent Coldwell Banker survey revealed that over 60% of buyers prefer homes with smart technology already installed.

Popular devices include smart locks, video doorbells, and programmable thermostats. These features add security, convenience, and energy savings—all things buyers value.

Real estate agents point out that listings mentioning smart tech often get more clicks online and more in-person showings. As people become more tech-savvy, they look for homes that match their lifestyle.

Even inexpensive upgrades, like smart bulbs or a Wi-Fi-enabled garage door opener, can set a home apart from the competition.

Ample Storage: Clutter-Free Living

Buyers want space for their stuff, and agents say storage is a silent dealmaker. According to a 2024 Trulia poll, homes with generous closets, pantries, or built-in storage sold up to 12% faster than those without.

Walk-in closets, built-in shelves, and organized garages top the wish list. A clutter-free home allows buyers to picture themselves living there without feeling cramped.

Agents recommend decluttering ahead of showings and highlighting storage features in photos. Even adding simple organizers or shelving in closets can make a big difference.

Storage is about more than just space—it’s about the promise of an easier, more organized life.

Outdoor Living Spaces: Extending the Home

Outdoor living has become more important since the pandemic, with buyers looking for places to relax and entertain. Zillow’s 2023 data showed that homes with appealing outdoor spaces—like decks, patios, or fire pits—sold 14% faster than those without.

Buyers imagine summer barbecues, peaceful mornings with coffee, and safe play areas for kids and pets. Agents say that staging these spaces with comfy furniture or string lights can make them feel like extra rooms.

Even small balconies or tidy yards count. Outdoor amenities add value and boost the emotional appeal of a property, making buyers more likely to fall in love with the home.

Good Lighting: Brightening Every Room

Lighting plays a surprisingly big role in how fast a home sells. In a 2023 Redfin study, well-lit homes—thanks to large windows, updated fixtures, or clever use of lamps—spent 21% less time on the market.

Bright rooms look bigger, cleaner, and more inviting. Natural light is best, so agents recommend opening blinds and using mirrors to reflect sunlight.

Where natural light is limited, upgrading to modern, energy-efficient fixtures can make a huge difference. Even swapping out old bulbs for brighter ones can transform a space.

Lighting isn’t just functional—it sets the mood and highlights a home’s best features, making every room feel more welcoming.