The Top 20 Must-Have Home Features of 2015

Drawing on its wealth of listing data, realtor.com® recently rounded up the top 20 home features highlighted in listing descriptions this year—attributes that have become veritable selling points in the last five years. While suggestive of current preferences, the list also paints an insightful portrait of the features that contribute to the perceived and actual value of a home.

Topping realtor.com’s list is a feature as on-trend as it is timeless: the fireplace. Approximately one-quarter of listing descriptions on realtor.com mention the home-and-hearth centerpiece, including wood-burning, gas, brick, stone and kiva varieties.

Second to fireplaces is wood flooring—another enduring feature that’s as popular now as ever—present in 15 percent of listing descriptions on realtor.com. Ranking a close third is carpeting, just two percentage points behind wood flooring.

The full list of top 20 must-have home features in 2015 TWEET:

1. Fireplace
2. Wood Flooring
3. Carpeting
4. Granite Countertops
5. Stainless-Steel Appliances
6. Open-Floor Plan
7. Walk-In Closet
8. Formal Dining Room
9. Vaulted Ceiling
10. Open Kitchen
11. Tile Flooring
12. Covered Patio
13. Finished Basement
14. Breakfast Bar
15. French Doors
16. Chef’s Kitchen
17. Crown Molding
18. Central Air
19. Separate Shower
20. Garden Tub