I’m a little statistic nut at times and find that as a home stager it is important to know the studies and statistics available in the market to share with home sellers, who are preparing their home for sale.

Armed with this knowledge it allows me to provide the home seller with a better understanding of where they should place their budget and where they will receive greater return on investment when home staging.

In a nationwide study of new and potential homebuyers of various racial groups, more than 120 home features were rated to be essential, desirable, indifferent or do not want in the homes that homebuyers want to purchase.

Below are the top 15 features homebuyers want:

1. 80 percent of buyers would choose a highly energy efficient home with lower utility bills rather than a home that costs 2-3 percent less without those features.
2. Around 80 percent of buyers consider garage storage essential or desirable.
3. 80% of homebuyers most wanted outdoor features that include exterior lighting and a patio.
4. A full bath on the main level is the highest ranked for accessibility
5. Wide hallways at least 4 feet wide claim the top spot among African-American and Asian buyers.
6. A wireless home security system is the most wanted technology across all groups
7. Three features desired in the master bathroom include, an exhaust fan, a linen closet, and both a shower stall and a tub.
8. Top three essential and desirable features In the kitchen include table space for eating, a walk-in pantry, and a double sink.
9. Neighborhood green areas are very important to buyers of all racial/ethnic backgrounds.
10. When homebuyers rated windows, the top two features were an energy-star rating and triple-pane glass.
11. 80% of homebuyers consider garage storage essential or desireable.
12. A large majority of homebuyers want 2 ½ baths.
13. Home buyers are willing to pay between $6774-$9146 upfront to save $1000 per year in energy savings
14. A small percentage of homebuyers report being concerned for the environment, but not to the point of being willing to pay more for such a home.
15. 83% of home buyers feel that contractors with specialized designations, “provide better quality work and craftsmanship. 64% of buyers agree specialized contractors are “worth paying a higher price for.” Suggesting providers want quality workmanship in their homes they want to purchase.