In a housing market defined by tight budgets and tough tradeoffs, buyers are sending a clear signal: If they’re going to stretch financially, the home better be worth it.

With roughly 235 million monthly users, Zillow has one of the clearest views into real-time buyer behavior. And what that behavior shows is that engagement—not just price—is becoming a key driver of market outcomes.In fact, homes with higher engagement (measured through views and saves) tend to sell faster and are more likely to close above list price.

According to Zillow’s newly released Buzz Index, which tracks how features impact listing engagement, homes with character—think exposed beams, brick walls, and arched doorways—are performing highest among buyers. Listings with exposed beams alone see roughly a 20% boost in daily buyer engagement, while historic architectural styles like Victorian and Tudor homes are drawing a significant amount of attention. Additionally, lifestyle features like saltwater pools, turf yards, and outdoor showers are seeing increased engagement, proving buyer preferences lean toward convenience and usability, particularly in outdoor spaces.

“Today’s shoppers are craving homes with personality,” says Amanda Pendleton, home trends expert at Zillow, in a prepared statement. “Charming details like exposed beams, original brick, and vintage architectural elements tell a story and create an emotional connection the moment a shopper sees the listing. In a sea of cookie-cutter properties, that character helps a home stand out and drives more clicks, saves, and, ultimately, stronger buyer interest on Zillow.”

Source: Zillow