The 8 Features That Sell a House in 2024

What sells a house in 2024? As years change and trends come and go with evolving lifestyles, buyer priorities also fluctuate. What sold a house 10 or even two years ago won’t necessarily be what sells it today. If you’re thinking about selling soon, highlight these sought-after features to make your property stand out in today's competitive real estate market.

An assumable mortgage

In today's real estate landscape, an assumable mortgage has emerged as a true gem for homebuyers. Interest rates are at a 20-year high and they don’t show signs of dropping, so securing affordable financing is a top concern for many prospective homeowners. An assumable mortgage allows a buyer to step into the current homeowner’s shoes and take over the home’s existing mortgage—with its interest rate still intact. This means if you have an assumable loan from just a few years ago, you’re potentially offering an interest rate that’s less than half of the current rate available in the market. That equates to lower monthly payments and massive long-term savings for the buyer, so if you have this feature, be sure to highlight it in your listing.

Not sure if your mortgage is assumable? Contact your lender to find out, and then let your real estate agent know.

A flood of natural light

2024 is the year of light-infused living spaces. Natural light wins out as the #1 must-have feature across surveys and publications in markets across the country. It makes spaces in your home look and feel larger, airier, and more open—but that’s not all. Beyond aesthetics, abundant natural light has been linked to better mood, increased productivity, and even reduced energy costs.

To captivate buyers, enhance the features in your home that maximize the light light. Expansive windows that frame picturesque views, strategically placed skylights that create a sense of openness, and open floor plans that allow light to flow seamlessly throughout the living areas are all highly desirable. When you’re ready to show your property, ensure that the windows are crystal clean and consider light-toned window dressings. Arrange your furniture in a way that maximizes space and openness in your home, and change your lightbulbs to soft white versions free of dust. Additionally, try to schedule showings during the time of day when your home receives the most natural light, which will depend on its orientation according to the sun.

Garage space

In 2024, the garage has emerged as a highly sought-after feature in the real estate market. Homebuyers are increasingly recognizing its value for sheltering vehicles securely and providing versatile storage solutions. A well-designed garage goes beyond being a parking space; it serves as an organized storage area for tools, sports equipment, and seasonal items. Moreover, the modern garage has evolved into a potential workspace, offering homebuyers the opportunity to create workshops, home gyms, or hobby spaces.

Desirable features in a garage include a spacious layout that allows for customization, organizational solutions like built-in shelves, temperature control for comfort, and the integration of smart technologies such as automated garage doors and security systems. When showcasing a property, emphasizing these unique garage features can significantly enhance its appeal, meeting the evolving preferences of today's homebuyers.

Smart home technologies

In 2024, homebuyers are increasingly prioritizing smart home upgrades as essential features in their search for modern and convenient living spaces. Smart home technology encompasses a range of electronic devices with networking, communication, and often AI capabilities, designed for home automation. According to CNET, a smart home typically includes features like smart appliances, HVAC systems, security systems, lighting, and more. While concerns about the safety of smart home technology exist, advancements in security measures, regular software updates, and the use of strong passwords contribute to a secure smart home environment.

Notably, smart home technology goes beyond mere convenience—it significantly increases a home's value. Features like smart security systems with video doorbells, smart locks, smart appliances, smart thermostats, smart speakers, smart detectors, and smart lighting contribute to a futuristic appeal that resonates with buyers. The integration of these technologies is considered desirable in the real estate market, providing added value and potentially higher sale prices. From energy efficiency to enhanced security and convenience, smart home upgrades offer a transformative and value-boosting investment in a property's future. Embracing the smart home revolution not only meets the expectations of tech-savvy buyers but also sets a home apart in a competitive market.

Highly usable outdoor space

The desire for outdoor living spaces has reached new heights in 2024. What started as a pandemic trend has become the new normal, with highly usable outdoor spaces at the top of most buyer must-have lists. Buyers now envision their homes as retreats where they can entertain, relax, and connect with the outdoors. That means fenced areas and spacious backyards, comfortable seating, outdoor bars and kitchens, cozy fireplaces, shades and screens, upgraded lighting, integrated sound, beautiful landscaping, and more. Consider enhancing your property's outdoor appeal with these elements, and be sure to highlight them when you go to sell.

Having an open house? Make sure you lead your visitors outside with food and drink offerings so they can experience all your property has to offer.

A versatile kitchen island

The kitchen, long considered the heart of the home, continues to be a focal point for buyers in 2024. Today’s kitchens must be as beautiful as they are functional, which means integrating on-trend stylistic choices with smart home tech and top-of-the-line appliances. One major must-have on buyer lists? A versatile kitchen island.

An expansive kitchen island with a variety of features can be a game-changer, providing a multifunctional space that serves as the home’s hub of cooking, dining, and socializing. Think of an island with abundant storage, countertop space, and seating for casual meals or conversations. Including features like a built-in sink, dishwasher, and wine cooler can further enhance its functionality and appeal. A well-designed kitchen island not only contributes to the aesthetic appeal of your home but also makes daily living more efficient and enjoyable for prospective buyers.

A dedicated laundry room

In 2024, homeowners are increasingly valuing practicality and organization, and the desire for a dedicated laundry room is a clear reflection of this trend. A well-equipped laundry room significantly enhances a home's appeal by offering a designated space for doing laundry. This separation from other living areas keeps the home tidy and provides space for washing, drying, folding, ironing and more—as well as storage for the associated appliances and supplies. If your home doesn’t have a laundry room, you can improve its laundry area by providing separation with room dividers, area rugs, and shelving.

Already have a laundry room? Make sure it’s outfitted with ample storage, generous countertop space, and a utility sink for added convenience. Don’t leave this room looking utilitarian, either. Paint it with soothing hues and choose aesthetically pleasing laundry baskets and accessories. This attention to detail and organization will resonate with buyers, making your laundry room a sought-after feature that will help your property stand out.

Insulation for energy efficiency

In 2024, prospective homebuyers are placing a premium on insulation as a crucial element in their quest for eco-friendly and energy-efficient homes. Recognizing its dual role in enhancing overall efficiency and reflecting a commitment to sustainable living, insulation has become a significant factor in shaping buyer preferences. Opting for insulation made from recycled materials, such as recycled denim or cellulose derived from recycled paper, not only provides effective temperature regulation but also contributes to reducing the demand for new resources. Similarly, insulation sourced from renewable materials like wool or cotton appeals to environmentally conscious buyers, offering both biodegradability and a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional options.

A key consideration in the eco-friendly insulation landscape is the use of low VOC content, ensuring indoor air quality remains pristine. Insulation with minimal Volatile Organic Compounds is not only healthier for residents but also aligns with a dedication to environmentally responsible construction practices. Additionally, buyers are seeking insulation solutions with high energy efficiency ratings, showcasing a commitment to reducing energy consumption. This not only benefits the environment but also resonates with those searching for homes with lower utility costs and a reduced ecological footprint.

Efficiency and eco-friendliness have become paramount in the minds of 2024 homebuyers. Insulation plays a pivotal role in this paradigm, as it not only maintains a comfortable indoor temperature but also significantly reduces the constant reliance on heating or cooling systems. Beyond immediate energy savings, homes with well-insulated spaces convey a deeper commitment to responsible living, contributing to the broader global effort to curb energy consumption and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.