Solar panels, craftsman and coffered ceilings: The home features that impact sales price the most

Paying the price

Want your new home to be as affordable as possible? Then avoid listings with “solar panels,” “craftsman” or “coffered ceiling” in the description. According to a new analysis, those three features can increase a home’s sales price by up to 40 percent.

Premium features at a premium

Realestate.com recently analyzed entry-level home listings – specifically those in the bottom third of prices – to determine how certain features influenced sales price. Solar panels came in as the most impactful, with homes selling 40 percent higher than their expected value.

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Homes with term “craftsman” in their listings saw sales prices 34 percent higher. Those with “coffered ceiling,” “claw-foot tub” and “mid-century” came in at 39 percent above value.

Rounding out the top 10 most price-affecting descriptors were “in-law,” “landscape/path/outdoor/deck lighting,” “exposed beam or ceiling,” “farmhouse sink” and “wainscot.”

Finding features that fit

Knowing what features increase a home’s price is vital to getting the best deal in today’s market. According to Jeremy Wacksman, chief marketing officer at Zillow, buyers should hone in on what features are truly important to them – and which are worth the extra cost.

“In today’s competitive housing market, understanding what homes may command a premium or attract multiple offers can be hugely beneficial to buyer,” Wacksman said. “However, it’s important to keep in mind which features or amenities matter most to you in a home. While a farmhouse sink or butcher block counters may appeal to many millennials and first-time buyers, not everyone may want to pay the premium those features may command.”

According to RIS Media, the most important features for Millennial buyers are separate laundry rooms, outdoor lighting, energy-efficient appliances and hardwood floors.

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Get today’s rates

Being choosy about features isn’t the only way to save cash on your home purchase. Shopping around for your mortgage rate can help, too.