What Features Help Sell Homes: Part 1

Realtor.com put together a list of features that are disappearing from new homes—things that are becoming less and less popular nationally. We took a look at it from a Springfield perspective. Here’s what realtor.com posted (and our comments).

1.      Outdoor kitchen (We don't see a lot of these in Springfield, only in some higher-end homes. We do think an outdoor living space is a plus for buyers, but an outdoor kitchen is not expected or necessarily desired. )

2.      Laminate countertop (This really dates a home. Granite is still popular as is marble.) 

3.      Outdoor fireplace (This still seems popular in Springfield. An outdoor fireplace does add to the ambiance of the outdoor living space and is more likely seen in higher-end listings. We see lots of homes with smaller pits, too.)

4.      Sunroom (This remains popular with buyers in Springfield, especially if it has heating and air conditioning. It is a real plus.)

5.      Two-story family room (Ditto in Springfield.)

6.      Media room (We usually only see media rooms in higher-end listings.)

7.       Two-story foyer (With the newer, open floor plans, formal foyers in general are becoming less common in Springfield.)

8.      Walking/jogging trails (We still find being near these nature-related amenities a real asset for sellers.)

9.      Whirlpool tub in master bath (In new home construction in Springfield, we see larger walk-in showers instead of whirlpool tubs. Higher-end homes, however, continue to have both.)

10.  Carpeting on main level (Hardwood floors continue to be the most coveted flooring on the main level. Bedrooms still tend to have carpeting though.)

What once-popular features do you find less appealing or unnecessary? We would love to hear your take.

Source: http://www.realtor.com/news/the-most-and-least-likely-features-youll-find-in-a-new-home-today/?identityID=6188292&MID=2015_0508_WeeklyNL&RID=281119602&cid=eml-2015-0508-WeeklyNL-blog_1_unlikely_features-blogs_sell