Selling a home in Glendale can be highly competitive, and the features you choose to highlight in your listing can have a major impact on how much buyers are willing to pay. Market research from Zillow, based on more than two million home listings, shows that certain design elements consistently help homes sell for more than expected. Today’s buyers are drawn to stylish finishes, modern upgrades, and standout features that feel more refined than standard builder-grade choices.

If your goal is to sell a house fast in Glendale and attract premium offers, showcasing the right design details can give you a definite advantage. Homes that feel thoughtfully updated, visually appealing, and move-in ready tend to generate stronger interest, more showings, and higher bids.

From contemporary upgrades to luxury-inspired touches, here are seven design features that can increase your home’s desirability and help you secure a better selling price.

1. Remodeled Spaces

Percent Above Asking: 3.7%

Homes that feature remodeled or newly updated spaces tend to outperform others on the market because they signal convenience, modern living, and reduced future expenses for buyers. A successful renovation shows that the home has been well cared for and is move-in ready, which is especially valuable for buyers who want a smooth transition without taking on improvement projects.

Renovated kitchens, refreshed bathrooms, redesigned living areas, and updated layouts all contribute to a higher perceived value. When marketing your home, be sure to highlight these updates clearly, as buyers often filter search results using keywords related to renovations.

What buyers consider valuable in remodeled spaces:

Modern appliances and updated cabinetry in the kitchen
Fresh tile work, new vanities, or upgraded fixtures in bathrooms
Open-concept living areas that enhance natural light and flow
Updated flooring, trim, or paint that feels contemporary
Improved layouts that create functional, usable space

Why remodeled areas boost sale prices

Buyers associate upgrades with lower maintenance costs
Move-in ready homes attract more serious, motivated buyers
Renovations enhance online photos and listing appeal
Updated spaces help buyers emotionally connect to the home
Reduced negotiation pressure, since fewer repairs are needed

Even minor updates can make a dramatic difference. If full renovations aren’t in your plans, small upgrades like swapping hardware, refreshing paint, or updating lighting can still improve buyer perception and increase your chances of receiving a stronger offer.

2. Wet Room Bathrooms

Percent Above Asking: 3.3%

Wet room bathrooms have become one of the most sought-after premium features in today’s housing market. Designed as fully waterproofed spaces where the shower and tub blend seamlessly into the room, wet rooms offer a spa-like experience that feels both luxurious and contemporary. Their minimalist design, sleek finishes, and open layout appeal to buyers who appreciate modern aesthetics and low-maintenance living.

Because wet rooms eliminate barriers such as shower trays and enclosures, they create a clean, streamlined look that makes bathrooms feel larger and more functional. This type of upgrade often signals high-quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design, two qualities that today’s homebuyers value highly.

Why wet room bathrooms attract higher offers:

Provide a high-end, resort-style experience
Offer easier cleaning and less maintenance
Create an open, spacious feel even in smaller bathrooms
Appeal to accessibility-focused buyers, including aging homeowners
Pair beautifully with luxury finishes like stone, marble, or matte fixtures

Design elements that enhance wet room appeal

Oversized tiles or seamless wall surfaces
Walk-in curbless shower design
Underfloor heating for added comfort
Built-in niches or recessed shelving
Frameless glass panels or open layouts

Featuring a wet room in your listing description can immediately elevate buyer interest, particularly among younger, style-conscious buyers or those seeking a spa-inspired retreat at home. This modern feature not only boosts perceived value but can help your Glendale home stand out in a competitive market.

3. Teak Wood Features

Percent Above Asking: 3.1%

Teak has become a highly desirable design element thanks to its rich color, natural warmth, and exceptional durability. As a premium hardwood known for its water resistance and longevity, teak instantly communicates quality and craftsmanship, two characteristics that appeal strongly to today’s homebuyers. Whether featured in flooring, bathroom cabinetry, custom shelving, or accent furnishings, teak adds an elevated, timeless aesthetic that enhances the perceived value of a home.

Because teak resists moisture and wear, it performs beautifully in high-traffic or humid spaces, which makes it both stylish and practical. Homes that incorporate teak details often feel more refined and thoughtfully designed, helping listings stand out and command stronger offers.

Why teak increases buyer appeal

Offers a luxurious, natural look that suits modern and traditional homes
Holds up exceptionally well in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways
Creates visual warmth that makes interiors feel more inviting
Signals quality materials and long-term durability
Complements stone, tile, glass, and metal finishes

Ways teak may appear in a home

Bathroom vanities or shelving
Hardwood flooring or stair treads
Built-in benches or mudroom seating
Kitchen cabinetry or butcher-block surfaces
Accent walls or trim details

Even small touches of teak can elevate a room’s overall impression. When featured in listing photos and descriptions, teak elements help convey sophistication and craftsmanship, qualities that can motivate Glendale buyers to pay more and act quickly.

4. New Appliances

Percent Above Asking: 2.7%

Modern buyers place significant value on homes equipped with new, reliable, and energy-efficient appliances. Updated appliances signal convenience, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced daily comfort, all qualities that make a home more appealing and justify a higher offer. Whether it’s a newly installed dishwasher, a smart refrigerator, a high-efficiency washer and dryer, or a recently replaced HVAC system, these upgrades help eliminate one of buyers’ biggest concerns: unexpected replacement expenses.

Highlighting new appliances in your listing can immediately set your home apart, especially in competitive neighborhoods where buyers compare features closely. Even if other areas of the home are more traditional, updated appliances create confidence and convey that the property has been cared for.

Why new appliances increase buyer confidence

Reduce worries about repair costs after move-in
Improve energy efficiency, lowering monthly utility bills
Add convenience through modern features and smart technology
Enhance the overall functionality of kitchens and laundry spaces
Signal that the home has been maintained responsibly

Appliances that add the most listing value

Stainless-steel kitchen appliance packages
High-efficiency washer and dryer sets
Smart thermostats and upgraded HVAC systems
Tankless or recently replaced water heaters
Induction or gas cooktops for premium appeal

Tips for showcasing appliance upgrades

Include installation dates in listing details
Display manuals, warranties, or energy ratings during showings
Ensure appliances are spotless for photos and walkthroughs
Mention brand names if they are well-regarded or upscale

New appliances may seem like a small detail, but they play a major role in shaping buyer perception. When buyers feel assured that they won’t face immediate replacement costs, they are more willing to make stronger offers, helping your Glendale home sell faster and for more.

5. White Oak Flooring

Percent Above Asking: 3.2%

White oak flooring has become one of the most desirable design features among today’s homebuyers, thanks to its durability, subtle grain pattern, and naturally elegant appearance. Unlike more dramatic hardwoods, white oak offers a neutral tone that works effortlessly with a wide range of interior styles, from clean, contemporary spaces to warm, rustic homes. Because of its versatility and long-lasting quality, homes featuring white oak flooring often receive higher offers and attract buyers more quickly.

This flooring choice also stands up well to everyday wear, making it especially appealing to families, pet owners, and anyone seeking low-maintenance living. Its ability to take stain evenly allows for a variety of finishes, which adds further design flexibility and enhances visual appeal in listing photos.

Why white oak flooring appeals to buyers

Provides a timeless, high-end look that never feels outdated
Handles moisture and daily traffic better than many other hardwoods
Complements both light and dark furniture styles
Makes interiors feel brighter, cleaner, and more spacious
Enhances resale value by signaling quality craftsmanship

Where white oak flooring makes the biggest impact

Main living areas and open-concept spaces
Kitchens and dining rooms for a cohesive flow
Hallways and entryways that benefit from durability
Bedrooms for a warm, calming aesthetic

Tips for showcasing white oak floors in your listing

Ensure floors are clean and polished before photography
Use area rugs sparingly to reveal more flooring surface
Highlight natural light to enhance the wood’s tone
Mention recent installation or refinishing if applicable

White oak flooring not only elevates the look of your home, but it also helps buyers envision a stylish, move-in-ready lifestyle, which can translate into faster offers and a higher selling price in the Glendale market.

6. Outdoor Showers

Percent Above Asking: 2.8%

Outdoor showers are no longer reserved for coastal retreats or vacation homes. This increasingly popular feature brings a touch of luxury and convenience to everyday living, making it an unexpected selling point that captures buyer interest. Whether used for rinsing off after gardening, washing pets, cooling down in summer, or enjoying a refreshing spa-like moment outdoors, an outdoor shower adds a unique lifestyle element that helps a home stand out in the Glendale market.

Because outdoor living spaces have become more desirable in recent years, buyers are paying closer attention to amenities that enhance relaxation, functionality, and entertainment potential. An outdoor shower signals thoughtful design and a connection to nature, qualities that can elevate your home’s perceived value.

Why outdoor showers attract buyers

Add a resort-inspired experience to a residential property
Provide practical use for families, gardeners, and pet owners
Enhance backyard appeal and outdoor living spaces
Suggest high-end upgrades and attention to detail
Make the home feel more unique than standard listings

Ideal placements for outdoor showers

Near patios or pool areas
Beside garden or lawn spaces
Adjacent to mudrooms or back entrances
In private, secluded corners of the yard

Tips for maximizing appeal

Use natural materials like cedar, stone, or teak for a premium look
Ensure privacy screening or fencing is in place
Incorporate stylish fixtures that complement the home’s exterior
Stage the area with plants or simple outdoor décor for listing photos

Outdoor showers create a memorable impression and offer both convenience and luxury, a combination that encourages buyers to view the home as more valuable and worth a higher offer.

7. Outdoor Kitchens

Percent Above Asking: 2.2%

Outdoor kitchens have become highly desirable features, especially among buyers who value entertaining, dining, and enjoying time outside. By extending the usable living space beyond the walls of the home, an outdoor kitchen creates a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle, something many Glendale buyers actively seek. Whether it features a built-in grill, prep counter, sink, pizza oven, or a full dining setup, even a modest outdoor cooking area can increase buyer interest and contribute to higher offer prices.

Homes with outdoor kitchens often feel more luxurious and better suited for gatherings, celebrations, and warm-weather relaxation. This added functionality enhances the perception of square footage, making the property feel larger and more versatile without requiring an addition.

Why outdoor kitchens help homes sell for more

Expand entertainment space and improve home functionality
Appeal to buyers who enjoy hosting family and friends
Create a resort-like atmosphere in the backyard
Increase usable space during spring, summer, and fall
Boost curb appeal and outdoor lifestyle value

Features that elevate outdoor kitchens

Built-in grill or cooking station
Durable stone, brick, or stainless-steel surfaces
Bar seating or outdoor dining arrangements
Weather-resistant cabinetry and storage
Integrated lighting and overhead shelter
Mini-fridge, sink, or prep counter for convenience

Tips for showcasing this feature in your listing

Stage the area with simple table settings or outdoor décor
Highlight privacy, landscaping, and lighting around the space
Use twilight photography to enhance ambiance
Mention recent upgrades, materials, and special equipment

Outdoor kitchens transform backyards into functional living spaces, creating a memorable impression that sets your Glendale home apart from others on the market. Even a simple setup can signal lifestyle enhancement, and that’s something buyers are willing to pay more for.

What If Your Home Lacks These Features?

Not every home comes with luxury upgrades, designer finishes, or trendy enhancements, and that’s perfectly okay. You can still sell your Glendale property quickly and for a fair price, even if it doesn’t include the high-value design elements buyers are currently seeking. Many homeowners don’t want to invest time or money into renovations, and others simply prefer a faster, simpler way to move on.

If you want to avoid remodeling, staging, repairs, or weeks on the market, working with a trusted cash home buyer in Glendale, WI, can be the ideal solution. Sell House Fast MKE purchases homes in any condition, regardless of age, style, or needed updates. There are no fees, no commissions, no showings, and no obligations, just a straightforward selling experience designed to make the process stress-free.

Benefits of selling to a cash buyer

No repairs, renovations, or upgrades required
No inspections, appraisals, or financing delays
No realtor commissions or hidden costs
Fast cash offer, typically within 24 hours
Flexible closing timeline to fit your needs
A smooth, private, and hassle-free transaction

If you are ready to sell your Glendale home without the stress, uncertainty, or expense of a traditional listing, Sell House Fast MKE is here to help. Contact us today to receive a fair cash offer and take the next step toward a quick and effortless sale.

7 Design Features That Can Help Your Glendale Home Sell for More