These Features Add Most to Sales Price

Entry-level homes, priced within the bottom third of the market, offering some of the following design styles, features, and amenities are selling at well above the expected sales value. 

Energy efficient home features in particular are bringing in added value to starter home sales prices, as listings mentioning "solar panels" sold for 40 percent more than the expected value. Other valuable features include “mid-century," “coffered ceiling,” and "in law," adding as much as 29 percent to the sales price, finds RealEstate.com. Craftsman home design seems to be a favorite for starter homebuyers, as this style brought 34 percent more value than expected.

And when it comes to architectural style, any home described as a "craftsman" performed better than any other style analyzed. Even though Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Fixer Upper TV show may be over, their farmhouse chic style has certainly had an impact on home trends, especially among first-time home buyers in search of starters. “In today’s competitive housing market, understanding what homes may command a premium or attract multiple offers can be hugely beneficial to buyer,” says Jeremy Wacksman, Zillow Group chief marketing officer. “However, it’s important to keep in mind which features or amenities matter most to you in a home.”

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