Graveyards, Unusual Art, and 7 Other Weird Things That Boost Your Home Value
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When you’re selling a house, you want to make sure you’re doing everything you possibly can to get top dollar for it. Sometimes it’s as easy as making note of a desirable special—or unusual—feature in the listing description. People call out swimming pools and walk-in closets all the time, but we wondered what else gets prospective buyers’ attention. So we polled a few real estate experts who have actually witnessed the truly weird in action for their insights. From spotlighting the treehouse your family built from scratch or stating your home’s proximity to a graveyard or fishing hotspot to simply mentioning the Super Bowl, read about the surprising things could increase your home’s sale price below.
Unique Art
“There are definitely some unexpected things that can boost a home’s value, especially the weird ones buyers get attached to,” says Scott Bergmann, broker and owner of Realty ONE Group Authentic in Omaha, Nebraska. He explains: “One of the strangest situations I’ve had was a buyer who fell in love with a life-size metal horse made from shards of metal. We actually had to negotiate it into the deal because they wanted it so badly. It goes to show that unique yard art or statement pieces can sometimes be a selling point.” In the end, Bergmann says, the seller got over $10,000 more for throwing in the horse.
Graveyard Proximity
Some people aren’t afraid of ghosts. “Believe it or not, some people are drawn to homes near graveyards and actually see them as being historic and of course peaceful,” says Jenna Stauffer, broker and global real estate advisor with Sotheby’s International Realty. “Adding ‘graveyard’ can be a double-edged sword, so proceed with caution.”
Unusual Perks
If you’re tossing an unusual perk into the mix with your home sale, like a boat or golf cart, don’t forget to state that in the listing. “I’ve had situations where a boat was included in the sale, and my buyer was willing to go in at full price because of it,” Stauffer says.
And that’s not even the craziest perk Stauffer has seen. “I've even sold an island where the seller included a lifetime membership of chiropractic appointments,” Stauffer says. “My buyer thought it was so amusing, he picked it over the other options.”
Don’t overlook industrial equipment as a selling point either. “If it’s an acreage or large property, things like tractors, riding mowers, or even ATVs can make a place more appealing,” Bergmann adds. “Buyers love the idea of having what they need already there.”
Alfresco Luxuries
Another category ripe with possibilities that can add value are outdoor elements including “fire pits, water features, and even treehouses,” Bergmann says. The broker notes that, especially outdoors, “anything that creates a vibe or an experience can make a buyer feel more connected to the property.”
One-of-a-Kind, Repurposed Elements
If you’ve outfitted your home with antique French doors, you better flaunt it. “Things like old barn doors, wagon wheels, or anything that gives the home a unique personality” may increase a home’s value, Bergmann says. “Buyers love a good story behind a house.”
Fishing Hot Spot
If your home is located in a prime fishing destination, it’ll likely capture the attention of avid fishers. “Add in the word fishing to the description,” Stauffer says. “In the Florida Keys, buyers love when a home is near famous fishing spots or spots known for world-class tarpon or fly fishing.”
Famous/Infamous Former Residents
Fans of pop culture can’t help but be fascinated by the homes celebrities choose to live in—and moving into the former residence of one makes for an intriguing dinner party anecdote. “If a notable person lived in the home and you have authorization to say so, mention it,” Stauffer says.
A little mystery can even intrigue buyers, Stauffer notes, if you want or need to be vague. Consider writing something like, “Once the home of a film star/Hollywood executive/TV icon.”
Filming Locations
Similarly, many die-hard movie and TV fans dream of living in the filming locations featured in their favorite productions. “If it was the set of a movie or TV show, include the name of the film or show in the listing,” Stauffer says.
The Super Bowl
Sports fans, or anyone with a home well-suited for entertaining, listen up: According to Zillow, homes with “Super Bowl” or “the big game” in the real estate listing description can sell for nearly $3,000 more than similar properties. “Even the word football is associated with more than a $2,500 sale premium when mentioned in a for-sale listing,” says Zillow trend expert Amanda Pendleton.
The caveat: Where you live matters. Lately, listings that benefit from this mention are most commonly found in Kansas City, which is home to the four-time Super Bowl championship-winning Chiefs. Atlanta has the highest percentage of homes that feature the word football, and they often relate to proximity to local stadiums/fields or entertaining areas.
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