As you look at homes for sale, consider the property's features before you decide on the one to buy. You'll also want to consider which features enhance future resale value as part of your investment. Here are some of the top features to look for when you tour houses:

Smart Home

Today's buyers want more from their homes with technology integrated into their daily routines. This technology includes intelligent appliances, lights, thermostats, and alarm systems. Builders are incorporating more devices and systems in their building plans to appeal to buyers. These features show up in different ways, such as the following:

Programmable Thermostat

Easily adjust the temperature even when you're not home with a thermostat that connects to the internet. You can set it to automatically change based on a pre-set time. Raise the temperature during the day in the summer when you're not home and lower it when you get off work.

Smart Locks and Video Doorbells

Modern technology makes it easier to protect your home when you're away with doors you can lock and unlock from your smartphone. See who is at your front door with a video doorbell. You can even communicate with the person from your smartphone through the speaker.

Smart Lights

Instead of buying intelligent plugs for your lighting and other electrical devices, you can find homes with smart switches. This switch replaces the standard light switch and connects to your smartphone. You can turn on the lights from your phone in the evening, so you don't come home to a dark house.

Central Connectivity

A central control unit makes connectivity convenient. Certain products connect to all devices through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular connectivity. These panels often include a touchscreen, camera, and message center, among other features, to enhance your brilliant experience.

Open Layout

Open layouts are a great design to look for when purchasing homes for sale. The kitchen flows into the dining room and the living area. This design makes the space feel bigger and enhances the room for entertaining, especially with larger groups. It's also practical when you want to talk to your spouse or watch the kids while making dinner.

Outdoor Space

Homeowners may like to extend their living space into the outdoors. Bigger backyards are a great option, but only if they add livable space. To meet this need, builders can create covered areas where you can place a dining set or chairs and a chaise for lounging. They also install fireplaces and ovens as part of an outdoor kitchen to make entertaining easier. You'll even find waterproof sound systems and TVs in new homes. All these elements work together to create a modern and comfortable outdoor space.

Storage Space

Modern builders know homeowners need plenty of storage to keep an organized home. They may add storage in the kitchen with drawers and cabinets in the island and ceiling-to-floor pantries. They may include cubbies and compartments in the bathroom, laundry room, and hall. While the primary bedroom may still have a walk-in closet, secondary bedrooms also often have more enormous closets in contemporary homes. Garages may include shelving to hold tools and equipment along with seasonal items.

Community Amenities

When you live in a community, the features of your home extend beyond the property to the communal space. Builders know that adding amenities to the community may help entice buyers. Pet owners appreciate having a dog park nearby. Families with young children can enjoy a playground within the community while everyone can have fun with a pool. Busy professionals often utilize a community fitness room or gym to help them stay in shape. You may also find homes with a golf course, tennis courts, and walking trails as part of the amenities.

Find Features You Want in Homes for Sale

Consider these top features and decide which ones should be on your must-have list as you shop for a new home. Purchasing a house can be easy if you find the right home builder and real estate agent. Talk with an agent in your desired community who can help you find a property right.