These 8 Overlooked Home Items Could Raise Your Property Value More Than You Think
Written by
Jordan Rosenfeld
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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When homeowners think about boosting resale value, they often think they need big-ticket renovations like full kitchen remodels or luxury finishes. But real estate and mortgage experts say some of the most impactful value drivers are the ones sellers routinely overlook or delay.
These eight overlooked home items can quietly make a property far more attractive to buyers and increase home values.
1. Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Energy efficiency is often not top of mind when buyers are looking at homes, making insulation one of the most overlooked improvements, according to Mitch Coluzzi, head of construction for SoldFast.
“A lot of homes don’t have as much as they could use, and it can really shore up your house’s energy efficiency,” Coluzzi said.
It’s easy to ignore it, because it’s essentially invisible, hidden “behind walls, in the basement, up in the attic … spaces people don’t see as often,” he said.
Coluzzi noted that buyers today prioritize move-in ready homes and reliable utilities, and proper insulation is key to that.
2. Kitchens, Bathrooms and Specialty Features
While full remodels can be expensive, certain specialty features can elevate a property value, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, so long as it’s not too niche or trend-based.
Lynette Arrasmith, home loan specialist at Churchill Mortgage, agreed, calling these the “shiny pennies” of homes, which “seem to draw the most attention from buyers.”
3. Safety and Storm-Resistant Features
In storm-prone or high-risk regions, overlooked safety features can dramatically increase your home’s value. Jeff Lichtenstein, CEO and broker at Echo Fine Properties, said impact glass is one of the most undervalued upgrades in wind-prone markets, for example. “Many think that if you have accordion shutters or metal shutters then that is the same, but it isn’t,” he said.
He added that region-specific upgrades matter, too. “Generators in Florida are meaningful. Peace of mind and will be a lifesaver in the summer if a hurricane hits and you are out of power for weeks,” he said.
4. Accessory Dwelling Units
If you have the funds to update or add an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on your property, this will almost certainly increase your property value by up to 35%, according to Paul Dashevsky, co-founder and co-CEO of GreatBuildz and MaxableSpace. “An additional living space not only enhances the functionality of your property but also makes it more attractive to potential buyers,” he said.
Homebuyers worried that an ADU will deter buyers shouldn’t be, he said. “Studies show that many buyers prioritize additional living space over a traditional garage, especially in urban areas where parking may not be as critical.”
5. Small Fixes Home Inspectors Flag
Minor safety or maintenance issues may not feel urgent, but buyers and inspectors often see them as red flags.
Arrasmith said inspectors frequently focus on basic safety issues such as health- and safety-related issues that can ding your value. “[T]hink broken glass or major cracked or separated concrete,” she said.
She added that some of the most important fixes are also the simplest, like changing out or adding smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor. Or, as Lichtenstein pointed out, adding ground fault circuit interrupters to avoid common electrical problems.
6. Location, Layout and Community Access
Some of the most overlooked value drivers aren’t inside the home at all. Buyers who have endured long commutes which “really wear on you after a while,” Coluzzi said, or poor access to daily necessities will often choose a house that allows them closer proximity to work and other amenities.
Coluzzi said buyers prize “easy access to community amenities too — popular restaurants, grocery stores, banks and green spaces like a park or garden.”
7. Older Homes: Character and Function
In markets with aging houses, small functional improvements can help older homes compete without erasing their character.
“Making attempts to solve old home issues is a great way to make your house stand out, especially in metros with lots of old housing stock,” Coluzzi said.
He recommended focusing on practical updates first. “Adding outlets, supply vents, insulation and weatherstripping, adjusting clumsy kitchen or laundry layouts, restoring architectural features like molding and built-ins — that character is a big appeal of older homes.”
8. Low-Cost Upgrades With Surprisingly Strong Impact
Not every value-boosting improvement requires a contractor or a large budget. Strategic, targeted fixes can deliver comfort, efficiency and visual appeal without overspending.
Cabinet updates can go a long way toward improving the look, thus value, of a home, Dashevsky said. And there are numerous modern cabinet ideas to choose from, even if you have limited floor space, he noted.
Coluzzi suggested thoughtful window treatments that change the look of a room. “Honeycomb shades are a bit pricey but they’re efficient and look nice.”
And, of course, curb appeal is huge, Dashevsky said. “Every homebuyer wants a house with a beautiful curb. It is one of the essential parts they look at when choosing where to invest their money.”
Whether you invest in a pebbled pathway, fresh landscaping, a security gate or replacing old concrete or paint, first impressions go a long way toward sealing the deal.
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