If you’ve ever walked into a house and instantly thought, “Yep, this one’s going to go quick”—you’re probably right. Some features just move homes faster in the Dayton area. Whether you're listing your place or buying your next one, here are five home features that are consistently in demand—and two that don’t exactly light up the market.
1. Updated Kitchens
Buyers notice kitchens first. In our market, they don’t need to be high-end with marble and gold fixtures, but open layouts, new appliances, and solid countertops go a long way. Think “move-in ready” more than “Pinterest perfect.” A kitchen that feels clean and functional helps buyers picture themselves hosting right away.
2. Outdoor Living Space
Whether it’s a covered patio, deck, or firepit setup, outdoor spaces matter more than ever. Dayton’s spring, summer, and fall months are great for backyard hangouts, and buyers are often willing to pay more for a place where they can imagine grilling, lounging, or just letting the kids run around. Bonus points for a fenced yard or a covered porch.
3. Dedicated Office or Flex Room
The hybrid work era isn’t going away anytime soon, and homes with a flex space—especially something that can double as an office—are checking a lot of boxes. Even if it’s just a finished basement corner or a spare bedroom, buyers love seeing a space that can adapt.
4. First-Floor Primary Suites
Especially in the Miami Valley, where we see a lot of multi-generational households and aging-in-place planning, buyers are looking for first-floor bedrooms with their own bathroom. Ranch homes with split floorplans or two-story homes with a ground-floor primary tend to move quicker.
5. Garage Space with Storage
In Ohio, a good garage is more than just a place to park. Whether it’s extra depth for a workshop, built-in storage, or even epoxy floors, people love a garage that offers more than the basics. The more versatile the space, the more value buyers see.
Now, a quick word on what doesn’t sell quite as fast around here:
Formal Dining Rooms
People love the idea of a dining room—until they realize it’ll sit untouched 362 days a year. Most buyers today would rather have a larger eat-in kitchen or an open layout than a walled-off formal space.
Overly Specific Luxury Upgrades
Things like built-in fish tanks, sunken tubs, or temperature-controlled wine cellars might look cool, but they don’t always bring a return in our market. If it’s hard to maintain or only appeals to a small group, it might not be the feature that seals the deal.
Thinking of listing soon? Or wondering which of these features are worth adding before you sell? Let’s talk. Whether it’s figuring out your home's market value or walking through what buyers are asking for right now, I’m always just a call away.
