29 Design Features That May Make a Starter Home Sell For More Than Expected

What Design Elements Can Make a Simple Starter Home More Attractive — And Command a Higher Price?

While first home buyers look primarily for value, with the advent of HGTV and other popular home design networks, they also look for design elements that match their taste and style. And while value is still all-important, they are often willing to put a little more initiative — any funds — into a home that also checks off some of their design boxes. Today’s homebuyers already know they are busting the budget. They may go a little further into busting territory if the home “boasts” some specific features.

What is Considered an Entry-Level Home?

Entry-level homes are priced at the lowest end of the price spectrum. The term entry-level, also known as a starter home, refers to those buyers who are typically entering into homeownership, often from a rental scenario. Of course, in today’s real estate market, what passes for entry-level may be far more expensive than it was a couple short years ago.

Nonetheless, first-time buyers keep buying. And there are some design elements that make an entry-level home not only more attractive, but also worth a higher sales price in the eyes of the buyer. According to realestate.com, these design features were instrumental in a home selling for more than its expected value:

• Solar panels
• Craftsman style
• Coffered ceilings
• A claw-foot tub
• Mid Century modern style
• In-law suite
• Landscape lighting
• Exposed beam ceiling
• Farmhouse sink
• Wainscotting
• Fire pit
• Central vac system
• Pergola
• Mudroom
• Tankless hot water heater
• Playroom
• Radiant heat floors
• Exposed brick
• Quartz counters
• Home theater
• Barn doors
• Shaker cabinets
• Gas furnace
• Outdoor kitchen
• Hardwood floors
• Jacuzzi tub
• Outdoor fireplace
• Picket fence
• Butcher block

Entry-level homes offering these design elements to first-time buyers often went for from 20 percent to 40 percent over the expected sales price.

Knowledge is Power

Especially in today’s market, first time home buyers need to arm themselves with the knowledge and power to get good value while still allowing them to find something that makes them smile each time they come in the door. But during the past two years of COVID job losses and lockdowns, many of these entry-level families have seen a gap in their job history or have taken on self-employed entrepreneurial gigs to keep the wolves from the door.

Unfortunately, this makes it more difficult to get approved for a conventional home loan.

You Can Still Get Those Solar Panels and Coffered Ceilings

Fortunately, if you fall in love with that home with the coffered ceilings and solar panels, you may still be able to make that dream come true. With the help of a non-qualifying mortgage, you may be able to be approved for a mortgage loan even with job gaps or that gig economy self-employment. At Non-QM Home Loans, we have several different types of loan products available that may just be the perfect fit for you and that home you just fell in love with.

At NonQMHomeLoans.com, we are a full-service agency offering a broad range of mortgage loan products. Let us help you find the right product for your needs. Contact us at (800) 413-0240 or apply for a loan easily here.