Getting your home ready for sale is no small task. From packing and deep cleaning to completing upgrades and last-minute renovations, the to-do list can feel never-ending.

That’s why having a clear plan is essential—and why partnering with a knowledgeable real estate professional can make all the difference.

While painting your home in neutral tones is a well-known strategy to help buyers envision themselves in the space, there’s more to creating a standout listing. Certain home features consistently capture the attention of buyers.

In fact, real estate experts say there’s one specific feature that instantly draws in potential buyers, and paying special attention to it can help you sell faster and for a higher price.

Buyers Love Updated Kitchens

The three real estate experts we spoke to agreed : a modern and upgraded kitchen is the top feature that always attracts prospective buyers.

“The kitchen is the hub,” says Jan Ryan, Broker Owner at RE/MAX Direct. “An updated kitchen with a spacious island makes a home look move-in ready and saves buyers from costly remodels,”

So what do potential buyers look for in a kitchen? According to Ryan, the right kitchen sells the dream of entertaining, connecting, and living well.

While the specific kitchen features buyers are looking for may vary depending on your location and the type of property you have, generally, things like a functional floor plan, updated appliances, adequate storage (think: walk-in pantries), and natural stone countertops are high on the priority list.

Spacious eat-in kitchen islands are also popular, along with smart appliances and design choices that make the space feel bright, airy, and inviting.

Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!

Other Attractive Home Features

The kitchen may be the most important home feature among prospective buyers, but it’s certainly not the only thing in the home that they pay attention to. According to real estate pros, these three home features also rank high on the list for buyers.

Outdoor Living Spaces

The pros agree: the yard or outdoor living space comes in a close second behind the kitchen as one of the top features buyers care about. This is especially true for warmer areas, such as California or Florida, where indoor and outdoor spaces often blend into one another.

In Southern California, where Ryan operates, she says that a tropical-style pool and panoramic views always command the highest prices.

“The yard is an extension of the living room,” she says. “For families, it means room to play. For professionals, it’s a stress-relieving retreat. And for everyone, it’s a lifestyle.”

A pool isn’t the only thing that will catch a buyer’s eye. Depending on your location, features such as patios, updated decks, hot tubs, landscaping, outdoor kitchens, or covered sitting areas may be of higher importance. Knowing what’s in demand in your region is key.

Natural Light

Carla Gericke, Realtor at Porcupine Real Estate in New Hampshire, says natural light is of utmost importance to her clients, especially since winters in the area can feel long, dark, and dreary.

“When you walk into a sun-drenched kitchen or a living room with south-facing windows with a prospective buyer, you can practically watch their shoulders drop,” she says. “Light impacts mood, productivity, and even health, so homes that maximize daylight feel instantly more inviting and uplifting.”

Buyers are often looking for big windows, open layouts that don’t block the sun, and an orientation that captures morning and afternoon light.

So if you’ve been considering replacing your windows or removing that old, overgrown tree blocking the light from your home, now might be a good time to do it.

Enclosed Garage

Lastly, Rebecca Hidalgo, CEO and Designated Broker at Integrity All Stars Realty, says enclosed garages are always a big hit with her clients.

Enclosed garages offer versatility, added security, and an opportunity for extra storage. They can be used to protect vehicles from the elements, turned into a hobby room or home gym, or used to store items that won’t fit in the house.

“The versatility of an enclosed garage is why adding one to your home is one of the best ways to enhance its value,” she says. “A buyer will never lose interest in your home because you have a garage, but they may if you don’t have one.”

Real Estate Agents Agree : This One Home Feature Always Sells A Home Faster by Cori Sears | The Spruce