Selling Your Home? This Reno Could Get You 30 Percent Over Ask

Looking to sell your home? Well, be warned that it’s a bit of a process: In fact, studies have shown that it costs about $18,342 on average to sell a house, and the process itself can take about eight months when you factor in preparing the house for selling and the amount of time it stays on the market.

If you plan to sell your home, you want to know that you’re going to get the absolute best price, and a report from Zillow takes a look at which features can help you get the premium you desire. To zero in on what makes a home sell for more, Zillow looked at the listing descriptions for almost four million homes that sold between January and December 2017 and analyzed keywords and features these homes had in common to find out which items helped a home sell for more than expected. There are some surprises—who knew there was a high demand for pet amenities?—and some clear trends (it turns out that everyone loves the modern farmhouse look).

Ahead, check out the top 15 features that are proven to increase your home’s value. PS: Painting your home this color will probably help too.

Steam Shower

The self-care movement is moving beyond the bathtub, with steam showers being the top feature home buyers look for. Predominantly seen in Chicago, steam showers help vaporize the water for a warm bathing experience that can make you feel like you’re in a luxe spa. A steam shower can make a home sell for nearly 30 percent above asking price.

Professional Appliances

This one isn’t that surprising, as it seems like everyone wants to be the next Top Chef; homes with built-in professional appliances can sell for 29 percent more than expected.

Entertainer or Prep Sink

There seems to be a trend here: People really care about their kitchens. And a prep sink is essential, as people want separate spaces to entertain. The best prep sink we’ve ever seen? That would be located in the bar of this Toronto home.

Shed or Garage Studio

It’s not surprising that additional space would result in additional profits, and we’d wager that homebuyers are interested in turning these spaces into home offices, chic hangout spots, or guesthouses. Of course, people could very well just be interested in a place to store their garden tools and bicycles.

Heated Floors

Heated floors are the ultimate cold-climate amenity, and in places like New York, they can increase the value of a home by 24 percent.

Meditation Room

Meditation rooms are on the rise: The ultimate place to rest and recharge, an amenity like this really speaks to people’s desire to nest in their spaces. (And not surprisingly, Los Angeles boasts the most.) This Los Angeles home proves your meditation nook doesn’t have to be huge: It just has to be right for you.

Wine Fridge

The best way to keep your wine tasting great is by investing in a wine fridge that’ll keep your bottles at the right temperature, and homebuyers are willing to pay a premium for this feature.

Chef’s Kitchen

Ah, back to the kitchen. Like we said, everyone wants to be the next Top Chef—or at the very least, they want a professional space for both family time and entertaining. In this breezy coastal abode in California (of course), clean white features and contemporary elements make up a kitchen the whole family can enjoy.

Herringbone or Parquet Floors

A clear trend in home design is herringbone or parquet floors. Trust us: It will make any interior look extra-luxe.

Freestanding Tub

Adding a modern element to a bathroom, freestanding tubs are all the rage right now (we think about Leanne Ford’s swoon-worthy tub on a daily basis). They can be placed anywhere and are in-demand enough to make your home sell for 21 percent more.

Solar Panels

When IKEA starts doing it, you know you need to get on it, and solar panels are high on the list of most-desired home amenities. Not only can they cut one’s electricity bill by up to 40 percent, but they can also earn you 21 percent more when you decide to sell your home.

Outdoor Fireplace

Most homebuyers agree:  An outdoor fireplace is a must for when the weather gets cold. Of course, Los Angeles has the lion’s share with its year-round mild climate, but the rustic brick version in this sophisticated Montauk home has us dreaming of lazy Hamptons days too.

Carrara Marble

You can count on Carrara marble for a clean yet glamorous look that works for both minimalists and maximalists alike. It also works well in kitchens, making it one of the top materials wanted by potential homebuyers.

Home Theater

Used for both entertaining with friends or for a cozy solo movie sesh, a home theater is a luxury many homebuyers are willing to pay more for—19 percent more, to be exact.

Farmhouse Sink

It turns out that prep sinks aren’t the only option people look for—farmhouse sinks are still trending in a major way, with homebuyers seeking out these rustic pieces. We’re totally in love with this one in Thomas O’Brien’s pool house.

See more renovation ideas: 6 Easy Kitchen Upgrades That Don’t Require Ripping Out Your Cabinets Uh-Oh: 64 Percent of People Think This Remodeling Project Costs Less Than It Really Does The One Step a Renovation Expert Never Skips (No Matter What)