What are Luxury Home Features that Sell?

 

When the price tag on a home exceeds six figures, a working oven and an occasionally leaking washing machine are not going to be sufficient to sell that home for its full value. In fact, when we’re talking about putting a million-dollar-plus home on the market, a leaking washing machine or an ancient oven are likely to deter any buyer who can afford the asking price. If you’re planning a home renovation or a few smaller alterations before you put your luxury house on the market, focus on what will increase value and appeal to potential buyers. When it comes to home alterations, here are the features that sell well: 

 

Open Floor Plan

First impressions are the most impactful in almost every scenario, and of course that holds true for luxury homes. A beautifully hand-carved door, a grand foyer, and an ornate staircase will bring that instant wow factor. And, while those features set the aesthetic tone for your home, they aren’t what will convince a buyer to sign on the dotted line. One of the most sought-after features in luxury homes for sale is the floor plan; according to this Coldwell Banker survey, it is the number one feature home buyers seek. Specifically, the vast majority of home buyers want a spacious, open floor plan that makes the entire home look airy and expansive. Many older homes, even luxury homes, lack the light and space of an open floor plan, so renovations might be necessary. This may mean knocking out a few walls between living areas and kitchen, or it could mean a massive interior room arrangement overhaul. If you’re unsure at what point you will stop seeing a return on investment, your local Vail luxury real estate team can offer guidance about comparable homes in the area. 

 

Technologically Connected

A sound system piped throughout your home is a good start, but when it comes to selling luxury homes, that’s often not enough any longer. Part of the reason is buyers seek modern amenities because they know it will make life easier and more enjoyable for them. This means everything from a wi-fi connected thermostat and alarm system that can be adjusted on a smartphone to a refrigerator that keeps track of your groceries as you use them. In addition, having modern technological advances throughout your luxury home is an immediate sign that you’ve made an effort toward regular upkeep and maintenance. Keeping the technology in your luxury house up to date tells a potential buyer that you’ve taken the time to care for every aspect of your home. Adding technology into your home can be a great way to appeal to buyers, but be smart about the smart-home items you choose. Technology that adds to safety, comfort, or is generally useful will be more positively received than that which is simply for entertainment. 

 

Kitchens Sell—Will Yours?

If the floor plan is the single most important overall factor when selling luxury homes, the kitchen is arguably the single most important room. After all, the kitchen is the heart of any home; it’s where families come together to dine, parties are hosted, and memories are made. In a luxury house, however, a kitchen needs to have more than the standard cooking devices. A gas range is a good start, but buyers expect amenities commensurate with the rest of the home. This may mean a designated wine cooler to keep your whites at the perfect temperature or a pasta-filler next to the range so you don’t have to haul heavy pots across the kitchen from sink to stovetop. In addition to those high-end appliances, take the time to disguise your fridge with cabinetry and be sure you have an orderly, storage-oriented pantry for buyers to oooh and aaaah over. Whatever alterations you make to your kitchen, the goal should be to make it easy for potential buyers to see themselves hosting parties both large and small as well as feeding their families each night. 

 

Think Outside

No, not outside the box—not necessarily, anyway. However, you should give careful consideration to what you do with the outdoor space around your home. A patio with a gas grill is not going to be sufficient to sell your luxury house. When it comes to the outdoor spaces around your home, think comprehensively. Ensuring your landscaping is well-maintained is only the start. Your yards should all have designated purposes just as much as the rooms inside your home. Often this means creating an outdoor kitchen with gas grills, a smoker, and a refrigerator and wine cooler. As with the kitchen, potential buyers should be able to look at your backyard and easily imagine hosting summer cookouts that impress. If you have a pool, think about adding outdoor shower stations, privacy features, or a full cabana for rinsing off and relaxing.

 

Relax in Luxury

A luxury house should go beyond a bedroom for each family member residing there; there ought to be extra spaces in which life can be enjoyed, not just lived. This may mean an in-home basketball court, a cushy theater room, a library worthy of a Disney movie, or a well-appointed game room (or a collection of different options). In addition to rooms for play and relaxation, there should be spaces for work; that means a home office more comfortable than that corner set-up at work and an exercise room that makes good health feel less like a workout. 

 

In addition to ensuring the owners can play as hard as they work, potential luxury house buyers will be looking for ways to eke ample relaxation out of every spare moment. That means a master bedroom more comfortable than a resort. That means everything from adding remote control blinds to a collection of different showerhead options in the bathroom. And, for true masters’ suite luxury, a closet—even the walk-in variety—isn’t going to be enough for most buyers. Luxury home buyers look for a dressing room that is more museum than closet space. There should be shoe racks, handbag storage, and even a jewelry display cabinet so every day’s sartorial choices are simple to make. 

 

Expert Help Makes the Difference

When it comes to selling luxury homes, routine online marketing is only the first step. The knowledgeable team at Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties has the experience to market your luxury home to the right buyers. We are happy to work with you every step of the way, from which renovations and staging decisions will bring the best return on investment all the way to helping you celebrate your luxury home’s successful sale. Contact our Vail office today to meet the team and get started today!