Wondering which home features actually move the needle with Traverse City buyers? When you are choosing what to prioritize, it helps to think like a local: four true seasons, an outdoor-forward lifestyle, and a mix of full-time residents, second-home owners, retirees, and remote workers. In this guide, you’ll learn the top features buyers ask for in Grand Traverse County, why they matter here, and simple ways to evaluate or add them. Let’s dive in.
Why lifestyle drives decisions here
Traverse City living is about access and ease. Summer brings long days on the water and evenings on the deck. Winter brings snow, salt, and freeze–thaw cycles that test materials. Buyers want homes that are easy to care for, comfortable in all seasons, and ready for modern life. That is why low-maintenance finishes, indoor–outdoor spaces, EV readiness, main-level suites, and flexible work areas rise to the top.
Inventory in lifestyle markets can be tight, which puts a premium on move-in-ready properties. When you highlight durable materials, smart layouts, and futureproof upgrades, you speak directly to what buyers value here.
Top features Traverse City buyers want
Low-maintenance finishes
Buyers want time on the lake, not on ladders. Durable materials fit our climate and cut long-term upkeep.
- Why it matters here:
- Seasonal homeowners and busy locals prefer minimal upkeep so they can enjoy recreation instead of repairs.
- Weather-resistant materials stand up to snow, ice, and salt.
- What “done well” looks like:
- Exterior: composite or fiber-cement siding, metal or composite roofing, composite or well-flashed pressure-treated decking, and native, low-maintenance landscaping with irrigation.
- Interior: vinyl or engineered wood in entries and mudrooms, quartz or solid-surface counters, and tile in baths and mudrooms.
- Pro tips:
- Prioritize high-impact areas first, like roof, siding, and entry transitions.
- Upfront cost can be higher, but perceived value and less buyer friction can help homes sell faster.
Indoor–outdoor living
Our summers are built for fresh air. Buyers look for spaces that make it easy to step outside and stay outside.
- Why it matters here:
- Outdoor recreation is central to the lifestyle for residents and vacationers alike.
- What “done well” looks like:
- Seamless flow from inside to outside with large sliders and level thresholds.
- Screened porches or covered patios for bug control and shoulder-season use.
- Thoughtful orientation for sun and wind, good drainage, privacy, and low-maintenance landscape design.
- Pro tips:
- Plan for snow shedding and storage so furniture and grills last longer.
- Add outdoor lighting and simple heat sources for extended use.
EV-ready garages and electrical capacity
EV ownership is growing, and buyers want confidence they can charge at home.
- Why it matters here:
- Longer regional drives make reliable home charging attractive.
- What “EV-ready” means:
- A dedicated 240V circuit and space in the panel for a 40–50 amp Level 2 charger, or conduit pulled from the panel to the garage for easy future wiring.
- Clear wall space and access for a charger unit.
- Pro tips:
- Use a licensed electrician and label panel capacity for buyers.
- If outdoor charging is needed, plan for weather protection and ventilation as appropriate.
Main-level suites and single-level living
This feature serves a wide audience, from downsizers to multigenerational households.
- Why it matters here:
- Aging-in-place goals and easy everyday living make main-level suites highly desirable.
- What “done well” looks like:
- A bedroom, full bath, and closet on the main level with sensible separation from living areas.
- Universal design details such as wider doorways and zero-threshold showers.
- Pro tips:
- Converting an existing room may be more cost-effective than an addition.
- Evaluate plumbing access and permits early to keep timelines on track.
Flexible work spaces
Remote and hybrid work are here to stay, especially for buyers relocating for lifestyle while keeping their jobs.
- Why it matters here:
- A quiet, dedicated workspace helps households balance work and play.
- What “done well” looks like:
- A light-filled room with a proper desk footprint, storage, and proximity to a bathroom.
- Strong, reliable internet and clear information about provider options.
- Pro tips:
- Use pocket doors, built-ins, or foldaway desks to create work zones in multiuse rooms.
- Sound mitigation and placement away from high-traffic areas improve focus.
Seasonal durability and comfort
Northern Michigan’s winters reward smart material choices. Durable siding, quality roofing, and well-graded drainage protect your investment. Features like insulated or heated garages, mudrooms, and resilient flooring at entries make day-to-day life easier in snow season. In summer, screened spaces, shade planning, and low-maintenance plantings increase usable living area without adding chores.
How to prioritize projects for ROI
Start with protection, then move to lifestyle. Fix or document the big-ticket items that buyers worry about first: roof, siding, windows, and mechanicals. Then upgrade visible, high-touch spaces where buyers feel the difference, such as a main-level suite or a screened porch.
National cost-versus-value resources can help you frame expectations, but local contractor bids and recent comparable sales are the best guide to resale impact here. Seasonal demand can affect availability, so consider scheduling work in the spring and fall shoulder seasons.
Quick checklists for sellers and buyers
If you are selling or planning upgrades
- Address essentials: roof, gutters, drainage, HVAC, and curb appeal with native, low-upkeep landscaping.
- High-impact updates: fiber-cement siding or composite decking, a main-level bedroom and bath if feasible, and a functional mudroom.
- Futureproofing: pull conduit or add a 240V circuit in the garage for an EV charger, verify high-speed internet options, and create a covered or screened outdoor area.
- Documentation: save permits, contractor warranties, and electrician receipts to spotlight quality.
If you are buying and touring homes
- Low-maintenance clues: composite decking, solid siding materials, a recently replaced roof, and simple landscaping.
- Indoor–outdoor flow: level door thresholds, screened or covered space, and proper drainage away from the foundation.
- EV readiness: a 240V outlet in the garage, labeled panel capacity, or visible conduit from panel to garage.
- Main-level suite: full bath with shower on the main floor and a closet with practical storage.
- Work-from-home: a quiet room with natural light, outlets where you need them, and confirmed internet provider options.
- Seasonal practicality: heated garage potential, mudroom storage, and durable entry flooring for winter gear.
Plan for rules, permits, and timing
Additions, reconfigurations, and electrical upgrades typically require local permits. Short-term rental rules vary by jurisdiction and can affect how flexible layouts translate to income potential. Build in time for approvals and contractor scheduling, especially during peak seasons.
Ready to shop or prep your listing?
If you focus on low-maintenance materials, seamless indoor–outdoor living, EV readiness, a main-level suite, and a smart workspace, you will align with what Traverse City buyers want most. Whether you are tuning up a waterfront retreat or searching for a turnkey home, we are here to help you prioritize what matters and present your property at its best.
Have questions or want a tailored plan for your home? Connect with The Crane Group for a local, high-touch strategy.
FAQs
What home upgrades matter most to Traverse City buyers today?
- Focus on low-maintenance finishes, indoor–outdoor spaces, EV readiness, a main-level suite, and a dedicated workspace that supports remote or hybrid work.
How do I know if a garage is EV-ready when touring a home?
- Look for a 240V outlet or dedicated breaker space, visible conduit from the panel to the garage, and adequate wall space for a charger unit.
Are screened porches worth it in Northern Michigan?
- Yes. Screened or covered spaces extend outdoor use into spring and fall, provide bug protection, and add lifestyle appeal with relatively low maintenance.
What makes a main-level suite more marketable?
- A bedroom with an attached full bath on the main floor, good privacy from living areas, and universal design touches like wider doorways or a zero-threshold shower.
How can I create a flexible workspace without adding a room?
- Use pocket doors or room dividers, add built-ins or foldaway desks, and position the workspace away from high-traffic zones with attention to lighting and acoustics.
