April 6, 2026

This piece is sponsored by Amy Stockberger Real Estate.

By Amy Stockberger

Let’s talk about what buyers are paying more for right now.

Zillow’s latest data shows that certain features can push up a home’s sale price by as much as 5.4 percent, or about $19,500, on a typical home. 

And it’s not just size or location driving that. 

Buyers are putting more money behind homes that feel finished, personal and ready to live in from day one. You can see that in which listings get attention and which ones sit. 

Here’s what’s driving those price bumps and how it could play out for your home.

Lifestyle features buyers are paying premium for

Some of the biggest price bumps right now have nothing to do with square footage. They come from how a home feels the moment a buyer sees it.

Zillow found that features tied to a relaxed, getaway-style lifestyle are pulling in higher offers:

• Homes with a dock sell for 5.4 percent more than expected.
• Outdoor kitchens add 4.4 percent.
• Outdoor showers bring in 4.3 percent.
• Listings that use the word “cottage” see a 3.2 percent boost.
• Waterfront homes sell for 3 percent more.
• Outdoor fireplaces add 2.8 percent.

Buyers want a space that feels like a break from everything else. Not just a place to live, but a place they look forward to coming home to.

Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert, explains it this way:

“Cottagecore taps into a desire for homes that feel like an escape from everyday life. After years of busy schedules and screen time, buyers are drawn to spaces that encourage slowing down, where they can picture sunset dinners by the water or s’mores around the fire. Even if the home isn’t actually a vacation property, buyers are willing to pay more for features that make everyday life feel like a getaway.”

If your home already has one of these features, it’s worth calling it out. 

If it doesn’t, think about how your space shows up in photos and how a buyer might picture their day-to-day life there. That’s what’s driving the response right now.

High-impact upgrades that add value without guesswork 

Some upgrades are pulling stronger offers than others, and the gap is wider than most sellers expect.

In the kitchen, quartzite is leading the pack. Homes that mention quartzite countertops sell for 5.3 percent more than expected. 

That’s well ahead of quartz at 3 percent, soapstone at 2.7 percent, marble at 1.9 percent and onyx at 1.6 percent.

It’s not just about materials. Buyers also are responding to homes that feel tailored to how they live. Listings that highlight custom features sell for 3.2 percent more than expected, and bespoke finishes add 3 percent.

You can see it in a few standout examples:

• Gourmet kitchens designed for home chefs add 3 percent.
• Golf simulators bring in 2.7 percent more.

This is a shift from playing it safe to being more intentional. Buyers are drawn to homes where the work is already done and the space feels usable right away.

If you’ve made upgrades like these, make sure they’re front and center in your listing. The right details, called out the right way, can make a measurable difference in how buyers respond.

Why move-in-ready homes are winning — and fixer-uppers are falling behind

Buyers are showing a clear preference for homes that don’t need work.

Turnkey homes are selling for 2.9 percent more than expected, and remodeled homes are bringing in  2.2 percent more than similar homes without updates. 

On the other end, fixer-uppers are selling for 14 percent less.

That gap comes down to cost and timing. Many buyers don’t want to take on a renovation right after closing. They’d rather finance those improvements upfront and move in without a long list of projects waiting.

Here’s how Zillow senior economist Kara Ng explained it:

“When affordability is tight, the last thing buyers want is another expensive project waiting for them. Homes that are already updated and thoughtfully designed can command higher prices because buyers can roll those costs into their mortgage, rather than paying for expensive improvements after closing.”

If your home is already updated, that’s a strong position to be in. If it’s not, this is where pricing and presentation start to carry more weight. 

Buyers are still out there, but they’re making careful decisions about where they’re willing to spend.

What this means for your home in today’s market

Buyers are willing to pay more for homes that feel complete from the start.

Timing still plays a role. Zillow found that homes listed in late May sell for 1.7 percent more, or roughly $6,000, on a typical home. That window can shift depending on your local market, but it’s a reminder that when you list can impact your final number.

Strategy before going live is getting more attention too. And none of this works without strong presentation. Buyers are forming opinions before they ever step inside, so things like high-quality photos, virtual tours and clear floor plans can influence both speed and price.

If you’re thinking about selling, the next step is figuring out how your home already lines up with what buyers want and building a plan around that. Our Lifetime Home Support™  model offers a system and strategy for every stage of selling your home — from our aggressive Seller Success Strategy, our Guaranteed Sales program or Instant Offer program. We would love to walk you through which solution best fits your goals. 

Want to tackle upgrades before selling? Start with our Home Support Team partners. Find the right local company for every project right here.

Connect with us at Amy@AmyStockberger.com or 605-376-6780.

Check out my guide to selling a home this spring.

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