A recent study from Harvard University showed that homeowners spent more on upgrades in 2017 than any year since 2006. The average amount was $12,361 and most went into kitchens, bathrooms, and top room remodels. Of course, the debate of how much to spend and how much to renovate will always create some concern for owners as they wonder whether the change will become outdated too soon or actually help in resale value. Realtor.com’s recent study on what sells faster and for more money defines the current hot trends in home features in terms of what sells faster and at higher prices.

Here are the top 15 home feature trends in the nation:

1. Gourmet kitchen
2. Theater room
3. Home gym
4. Three-car garage
5. Solar panels
6. Quartz countertops
7. Exterior Lighting
8. Tennis court
9. Home office
10. In-ground pool
11. Mudroom
12. Security system
13. Fireplace
14. Smart home features
15. Walk-in closet

Indoors

∙ Kitchens were once just a functional part of the home. But in modern times, the kitchen has become a prime gathering spot that’s as much a centerpiece of the home as it is functional. Great looking appliances help sell homes, but bonuses such as a large, open layout, large island with seating, a gas cook range, Sub-Zero fridge, and multiple sinks and ovens bring in the top selling prices. Quartz countertops have gained popularity because they chip less often than natural stone, come in more pattern varieties, and are more resistant to damage. In today’s market, if people are attracted to most of the home’s interior except the kitchen, they’ll often pass on making an offer.

∙ Specialty rooms such as home theaters and gyms show up mainly in the higher-end market, but mudrooms and home office spaces are now more frequently on everyone’s must-have list. With remote work becoming increasingly popular, people need dedicated office space at home. And the mudroom offers a transitional space from outdoor to indoor, helping to segregate messy from clean.

∙ The expensive, built-in smart home technology features have waned slightly as easy-to-install, app-controlled equipment have entered the home security market. In just two years (2015 to 2017), the number of renovating homeowners installing smart security systems in their home rose from 10 to 15%.

∙ Timeless features that remain desirable are fireplaces and spacious walk-in closets. Fireplaces now trend toward the electric, no-ash variety that are installed right into the wall. As for closets, many are willing to sacrifice space from an adjacent bedroom to create large master bedroom closet space.

Outdoors

∙ Instead of fancy in-laid pavers or pristine decks, the three-car garage came out on top as the most desired “outdoor” feature. Homeowners love their garages for storage and space for an extra family vehicle.

∙ Solar panels tend to be a regional preference out west where there is an abundance of sunshine and high AC bills.

∙ Exterior lighting rates high for the added sense of security and nighttime attractiveness.

∙ Tennis courts and pools are features that can boost property value when they are part of a shared featured within a community. Inground backyard pools are more polarizing in certain parts of the country, while always popular in warmer climate regions. The rule of thumb for homeowners considering a pool is to install it mainly for personal enjoyment rather than resale value.