8 Kitchen Features You Could Add That Realtors Love To See

Thinking about selling your home soon? The kitchen often makes or breaks a sale. Realtors know exactly which features catch buyers’ eyes and potentially increase your home’s value.

I’ve gathered insights from top real estate professionals about the kitchen upgrades that consistently impress during showings and help homes sell faster. Disclaimer: Results may vary depending on your local real estate market, the condition of your home, and buyer preferences.

These tips are intended as general guidance, not a guarantee of increased home value or a faster sale.

1. Large Kitchen Island

Islands transform ordinary kitchens into showstoppers that make realtors smile. They create that coveted workspace buyers immediately gravitate toward during viewings.

Homebuyers frequently imagine themselves preparing meals, hosting friends, or watching kids do homework at these versatile stations. The extra storage underneath adds valuable cabinet space without cluttering walls. If your kitchen allows, consider installing an island with electrical outlets, a small prep sink, or even a wine fridge underneath.

These thoughtful additions demonstrate you’ve created a kitchen that balances functionality with social gathering exactly what today’s buyers want.

2. Ample Countertop Space

Generous counter space ranks consistently high on buyer wishlists, making realtors beam with selling confidence. Nothing turns off potential buyers faster than cramped food prep areas that scream ‘takeout only!’ Quality matters as much as quantity here.

Materials like quartz, granite, or marble instantly elevate the kitchen’s perceived value. Durability, minimal maintenance, and timeless appeal make these surfaces worth every penny invested. Extending countertops to create breakfast bars or workspace extensions shows thoughtful design.

When buyers see abundant, beautiful workspace, they envision entertaining possibilities and daily convenience emotional connections that help sell homes faster.

3. Walk-in Pantry

Storage sells houses, and few storage features impress like a dedicated walk-in pantry. This convenience factor makes realtors highlight it immediately during showings. Modern families stockpile groceries, small appliances, and bulk purchases more than ever before.

Having a designated space to organize these items creates immediate buyer appeal. The pantry doesn’t need to be enormous even a thoughtfully designed 4×4 space with proper shelving works wonders. Smart organization systems inside the pantry multiply its appeal.

Consider adjustable shelving, door organizers, and labeled bins to showcase maximum functionality. When potential buyers peek inside an organized pantry, they’re mentally moving in already.

4. Updated Appliances

Outdated appliances scream ‘expensive replacement costs’ to potential buyers. Stainless steel remains the gold standard that realtors love pointing out during tours. Energy efficiency matters tremendously in today’s market.

ENERGY STAR ratings on refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens signal lower utility bills a selling point that resonates with cost-conscious buyers. Matching brands create visual harmony that photographs beautifully for listings. Smart appliances increasingly capture buyer interest.

Features like refrigerators with touchscreens or ovens controllable by smartphone add modern appeal. While not necessary to replace everything, focusing on upgrading the most visible appliances (refrigerator and range) offers the biggest visual impact for your investment.

5. Open Shelving

Strategic open shelving creates visual breathing room that makes kitchens feel more spacious and contemporary. Realtors often highlight this feature as both stylish and functional. Replacing a few upper cabinets with floating shelves transforms kitchen aesthetics without major renovation costs.

The key is balance mixing closed storage with some open display areas. Wood, metal, or painted shelves can complement existing cabinetry while adding dimension. When staging for sale, less is more on open shelves. A few attractive dishes, glassware collections, or cookbooks styled with breathing space between items creates magazine-worthy appeal.

This simple upgrade allows buyers to envision their own items displayed while appreciating the kitchen’s style potential a winning combination for faster sales.

6. Under-Cabinet Lighting

Lighting transforms kitchens, and under-cabinet illumination specifically creates ambiance that makes realtors point upward during evening showings. This relatively inexpensive upgrade dramatically enhances how buyers perceive your kitchen’s overall quality.

LED strips or puck lights eliminate shadows on countertops, making food preparation safer and more pleasant. The warm glow creates an inviting atmosphere during night viewings when many working professionals schedule their home tours. Most systems now install without visible wiring for clean aesthetics.

Adding dimmer switches allows for mood adjustment from bright task lighting to subtle accent illumination. When potential buyers see this thoughtful detail, they subconsciously register your home as well-maintained and upgraded impressions that justify higher offering prices.

7. Pull-Out Cabinet Organizers

Hidden organization systems make realtors open cabinet doors with flourish during showings. These smart storage solutions demonstrate thoughtful planning that resonates with buyers seeking functional kitchens. Spice rack pull-outs, trash bin concealment, and pot organizers eliminate rummaging through dark cabinet depths.

Soft-close mechanisms add a touch of luxury that elevates the kitchen’s perceived value. Even budget-friendly tension rod dividers or simple drawer organizers make strong impressions. If budget allows, focus first on trash/recycling pull-outs and corner cabinet solutions that address notorious problem areas.

When potential buyers discover these clever features, they perceive the entire home as well-designed. This psychological advantage often translates to faster sales and better offers exactly what every seller wants.

8. Stylish Backsplash

Backsplashes function as kitchen jewelry that realtors love highlighting during property tours. This vertical surface draws the eye and creates memorable impressions that distinguish your home from others buyers might see.

Materials ranging from classic subway tile to dramatic natural stone can establish different style statements. The key is choosing something with broad appeal that complements countertops and cabinetry. Neutral colors with interesting patterns or textures often work best for resale value. Extending the backsplash to ceiling height behind ranges or sinks creates luxury focal points.

Proper lighting (under cabinets or sconces) ensures this feature shines during showings. When buyers comment on your beautiful backsplash, they’re forming emotional connections that help justify offering your asking price.