Best Amenities for Resale Value by Housing Market

Hotel-caliber bathrooms, separate guest quarters, home movie theaters, and flex space are all potential amenities that can maximize home value, and may be at the top of homebuyer must-have lists in many cities.

For existing homes, adding lifestyle amenities can be one way to build resale value. Jason Oppenheim, president of the Oppenheim Group in Los Angeles, says “When you’re adding square footage [to a single-family home], you’re adding what makes sense in that physical space,” he said. For example, in New York City, space efficiency and "luxurious extras" in kitchen and bathrooms can build value best, while in Los Angeles, private home theaters are nearly a must, says Realtor.com.

For those planning to renovate and add amenities to their home before selling, Julia Hoagland, a New York City-based broker with Compass, recommends upgrading bathrooms and kitchens, and paying close attention to details, or “creature comforts,” that will make them stand out. In the bathroom, “the more it feels like the experience of a hotel, they more people will connect with it,” she said.

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