In the dynamic real estate market of West Des Moines, IA, understanding the key elements that impact a home's resale value is essential for homeowners who want to make informed decisions. Whether preparing to sell in the short term or planning long-term improvements, homeowners benefit from a strategic approach to maximizing property value. While market conditions and buyer preferences shift over time, certain characteristics consistently contribute to a strong resale price. Knowing the top 10 things that add value to your home can help position your property for greater returns, faster sales, and stronger market interest when the time comes.
Location Remains A Foundational Factor
The saying “location, location, location” remains as true today as it ever was. Proximity to high-performing schools, major employers, recreational amenities, and walkable areas all significantly influence resale value. In West Des Moines, neighborhoods near Valley High School, the Jordan Creek Town Center, or Raccoon River Park typically attract strong buyer interest. Properties with convenient access to I-235 and I-35 also appeal to professionals commuting into Des Moines and surrounding cities.
Beyond general geography, micro-location matters too. Homes on quiet cul-de-sacs, those backing to green space, or properties with views tend to command higher resale values. When evaluating the top 10 things that add value to your home, buyers consistently prioritize location as a driving factor in long-term investment potential.
Beyond general geography, micro-location matters too. Homes on quiet cul-de-sacs, those backing to green space, or properties with views tend to command higher resale values. When evaluating the top 10 things that add value to your home, buyers consistently prioritize location as a driving factor in long-term investment potential.
Curb Appeal Creates A Lasting First Impression
Buyers begin forming opinions before they even walk through the front door. Well-maintained landscaping, a freshly painted front door, updated lighting fixtures, and clean siding signal pride of ownership and reduce perceived future maintenance. In today’s digital-first marketplace, where many buyers preview homes online, strong curb appeal also improves photography and online engagement.
West Des Moines buyers are especially responsive to clean, classic design with modern touches. Native plantings, trimmed hedges, and welcoming entryways provide immediate visual value. Improvements to exterior elements such as garage doors, house numbers, or pathways may seem minor, but they cumulatively contribute to higher perceived worth.
West Des Moines buyers are especially responsive to clean, classic design with modern touches. Native plantings, trimmed hedges, and welcoming entryways provide immediate visual value. Improvements to exterior elements such as garage doors, house numbers, or pathways may seem minor, but they cumulatively contribute to higher perceived worth.
Interior Layout And Functionality Matter More Than Square Footage
While square footage certainly affects price per square foot, layout and functionality often matter more to buyers. Open-concept living areas, modern kitchen-to-living flow, and well-placed bedrooms are features that today’s buyers expect. In West Des Moines, homes with practical layouts that support both daily life and entertaining are in strong demand.
Kitchens that connect to living spaces, homes with a designated home office, and thoughtful storage solutions all contribute to overall value. Buyers look for homes that require little immediate modification. Understanding the top 10 things that add value to your home means recognizing that it's not always about adding space—it's about optimizing the space that exists.
Kitchens that connect to living spaces, homes with a designated home office, and thoughtful storage solutions all contribute to overall value. Buyers look for homes that require little immediate modification. Understanding the top 10 things that add value to your home means recognizing that it's not always about adding space—it's about optimizing the space that exists.
Kitchen And Bathroom Updates Yield High Returns
Kitchen and bathroom remodels remain two of the most impactful upgrades for resale. Buyers often focus on these spaces first, assessing them for modernity, cleanliness, and design appeal. In West Des Moines, many competitive listings feature quartz countertops, tile backsplashes, stainless steel appliances, and soft-close cabinetry.
Similarly, updated bathrooms with walk-in showers, modern vanities, and new tile work tend to drive higher offers. Full-scale remodels are not always necessary—sometimes strategic improvements such as replacing fixtures, refinishing cabinets, or updating lighting can make a dramatic difference. These areas are consistently ranked among the top 10 things that add value to your home because they influence both functionality and aesthetic.
Similarly, updated bathrooms with walk-in showers, modern vanities, and new tile work tend to drive higher offers. Full-scale remodels are not always necessary—sometimes strategic improvements such as replacing fixtures, refinishing cabinets, or updating lighting can make a dramatic difference. These areas are consistently ranked among the top 10 things that add value to your home because they influence both functionality and aesthetic.
Energy Efficiency And Smart Features Attract Modern Buyers
With a growing emphasis on sustainability and efficiency, features that reduce energy consumption are increasingly important to resale value. Double-pane windows, high-efficiency HVAC systems, tankless water heaters, and upgraded insulation are not just selling points—they also signal long-term cost savings to buyers.
Smart thermostats, keyless entry systems, and integrated home security also add appeal, particularly among younger buyers or those relocating from urban markets. West Des Moines homeowners who integrate smart technology alongside energy-efficient upgrades often position their homes more competitively.
Smart thermostats, keyless entry systems, and integrated home security also add appeal, particularly among younger buyers or those relocating from urban markets. West Des Moines homeowners who integrate smart technology alongside energy-efficient upgrades often position their homes more competitively.
Updated Flooring Enhances Continuity And Appeal
Flooring affects the look, feel, and maintenance level of a home. Old carpet or mismatched materials can immediately date a property, while updated flooring offers a clean and cohesive presentation. Hardwood, engineered wood, and luxury vinyl plank are all popular options in the West Des Moines market due to their durability and modern appearance.
Uniform flooring throughout the main level creates a seamless flow and gives the impression of more space. Upgrading flooring consistently ranks among the top 10 things that add value to your home, particularly when done in conjunction with fresh paint and minor cosmetic updates.
Uniform flooring throughout the main level creates a seamless flow and gives the impression of more space. Upgrading flooring consistently ranks among the top 10 things that add value to your home, particularly when done in conjunction with fresh paint and minor cosmetic updates.
Finished Basements And Additional Living Space Increase Utility
In West Des Moines, homes with finished basements often see increased buyer interest. Whether used as a recreation room, guest suite, or home gym, additional square footage that's functional and well-designed adds clear value.
While not every basement needs to be a full remodel, thoughtful finishing—complete with egress windows, moisture-proof flooring, and quality lighting—contributes significantly to a property’s marketability. The same is true for bonus rooms, sunrooms, and finished attics that provide flexible space for evolving needs.
While not every basement needs to be a full remodel, thoughtful finishing—complete with egress windows, moisture-proof flooring, and quality lighting—contributes significantly to a property’s marketability. The same is true for bonus rooms, sunrooms, and finished attics that provide flexible space for evolving needs.
Storage Solutions And Garage Functionality
Buyers consistently appreciate homes with ample and practical storage options. Walk-in closets, pantry space, built-in shelving, and mudrooms help buyers envision organized, stress-free living. A functional garage—especially one that’s insulated, has storage systems, or includes workbench space—is another highly valued feature in the West Des Moines area.
Garages that accommodate modern vehicles, provide easy access to the home, and include utility upgrades such as epoxy floors or built-in cabinetry often contribute to faster sales and higher offers. These utility-driven upgrades fall squarely into the top 10 things that add value to your home because they support both lifestyle and longevity.
Garages that accommodate modern vehicles, provide easy access to the home, and include utility upgrades such as epoxy floors or built-in cabinetry often contribute to faster sales and higher offers. These utility-driven upgrades fall squarely into the top 10 things that add value to your home because they support both lifestyle and longevity.
Age And Condition Of Major Systems
Buyers may be drawn in by aesthetics, but they will also ask about the age and condition of the roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. Homes with newer roofs, updated furnaces, or recently replaced water heaters offer peace of mind and reduce the likelihood of costly surprises. In West Des Moines, where winters can be harsh and summers humid, system reliability is a serious concern for many buyers.
While these upgrades may not always be visible, they significantly influence appraisals and inspection negotiations. Investing in core systems can often protect your asking price and ensure a smoother transaction.
While these upgrades may not always be visible, they significantly influence appraisals and inspection negotiations. Investing in core systems can often protect your asking price and ensure a smoother transaction.
Quality Of Schools And Community Amenities
Finally, school districts play a central role in determining resale value. Even buyers without children consider the reputation of local schools, knowing that they contribute to long-term property appreciation. West Des Moines Community Schools are consistently rated among the best in the region, and homes within those boundaries often sell at a premium.
Access to community features such as parks, trails, shopping, and healthcare services also adds value. Homes near Raccoon River Park or those with easy access to Jordan Creek Town Center frequently outperform similar homes without those advantages. These location-based perks round out the top 10 things that add value to your home by reinforcing its appeal to a broad range of buyers.
Access to community features such as parks, trails, shopping, and healthcare services also adds value. Homes near Raccoon River Park or those with easy access to Jordan Creek Town Center frequently outperform similar homes without those advantages. These location-based perks round out the top 10 things that add value to your home by reinforcing its appeal to a broad range of buyers.
Megan Mitchum + CO Can Help You Focus On The Top 10 Things That Add Value To Your Home
Understanding which improvements and features carry the greatest impact allows homeowners to prioritize smart investments. Whether you're preparing to list in the near future or simply want to build long-term equity, focusing on the top 10 things that add value to your home can ensure your property stands out in the West Des Moines market. For personalized guidance on preparing your home for resale or making the right upgrades, contact Megan Mitchum + CO today and take the next step toward maximizing your home’s full potential.
