The Coolest Home Features I’m Seeing Right Now (In My Opinion)

Yesterday, I showed a home here in Norwalk that had a garage unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Forget the old pegboard and the oil-stained concrete. This garage had it all: epoxy-finished floors with floor drains, built-in heat, and not one but three Giraffe wall-mounted systems—a pressure sprayer, a vacuum, and even an air compressor. If you’ve ever tried to clean out a muddy floor mat in January, air up a bike tire, or vacuum the Cheerios out of your backseat, you know how game-changing that is.

It felt less like a garage and more like a pit crew station, ready for whatever life throws at you. And that’s really the point of these new features—they’re not just about luxury, they’re about making everyday life easier. Which brings me to another trend that has homeowners (and their furry friends) wagging their tails: the dog shower.

Built-In Garage Systems

The Giraffe setup from yesterday’s showing is the perfect example of how garages are leveling up. With wall-mounted systems for cleaning, inflating, and detailing, plus epoxy floors, drains, and heat, the garage is no longer just a place to park—it’s becoming an extension of the living space. For some people, the garage is their favorite room in the house, and builders are starting to design with that in mind.

Hidden Walk-In Pantries

The same home also had one of my other favorite upgrades: a hidden walk-in pantry that’s really a room behind a cabinet door. Step inside and you’ve got shelves, counters, and outlets for everything from the air fryer to the Costco-sized pack of paper towels. It keeps the kitchen looking clean and uncluttered, while still giving you room for all the stuff we never seem to stop buying.

Dog Showers

One of the coolest trends I’ve seen popping up lately is the built-in dog shower. These are usually tucked into a laundry room, mudroom, or even the garage, and they make life so much easier for pet owners. Imagine coming in from a muddy Iowa spring day and not having to wrestle your dog into the bathtub. Instead, you’ve got a waist-high tiled station with a handheld sprayer that keeps the mess contained. Bonus: they’re not just for pets—people use them for rinsing off boots, sports gear, or even kids after a muddy soccer game.

And while dog showers solve the problem of muddy paws, touchless faucets are tackling another everyday mess—sticky hands in the kitchen or bathroom.

Touchless Faucets

These were once a novelty in restaurant bathrooms, but they’re popping up in kitchens now too. Wave your hand and—voilà—water. No more sticky hands on the faucet handle, which is a big win if you’ve ever tried to make bread dough or barbecue sauce. (Or both, if you’re adventurous.)

Backlit Mirrors with Anti-Fog

I know, mirrors don’t usually make the highlight reel of a home tour, but these are worth it. They light up with a soft glow, so you can actually see what you’re doing in the morning, and they don’t fog up after a hot shower. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference. Plus, they give your bathroom the feel of a fancy hotel.

Induction Stoves (and Grills)

Gas vs. electric used to be the big debate, but induction is sneaking into the conversation. These stoves heat faster, are safer (the burner itself doesn’t get hot), and are incredibly energy-efficient. I’ve even seen portable induction burners making their way into camping setups and outdoor kitchens. If you haven’t cooked on one yet, it’s worth trying—it’s like the microwave’s responsible older sibling.

Covered Patios with All the Extras

Outdoor living has leveled up. Covered patios now come wired with ceiling fans, built-in heaters, and TV hookups so you can watch the game without balancing your iPad on a lawn chair. Add a retractable screen and you’ve basically got a bonus room that works three seasons out of the year.

These features may not be in every home, but they’re becoming more common—and they definitely get buyers talking. Some are practical, some are luxurious, and a few are just plain fun. But all of them show how homes are evolving to fit the way we actually live.

And for the record, if I ever disappear during a showing, you’ll probably find me in the garage testing out the vacuum.

Looking for a home with some of these features—or wondering what updates might make your own home more appealing to buyers? Let’s talk. I’d be happy to help you find (or create) a place that fits the way you want to live.

As a Broker Associate/REALTOR® at EXIT Realty and Associates, I specialize in buying and selling real estate throughout Central Iowa, including Norwalk, Des Moines, West Des Moines, Cumming, Indianola, Carlisle, Waukee, Urbandale, Grimes, Clive, Johnston, Ankeny, Altoona, and Pleasant Hill. I proudly serve Warren, Polk, Dallas, and Madison Counties.

💬 Get honest, straightforward real estate insight from someone who knows Central Iowa. Call me, Jon Niemeyer, at 515-490-4675 — no pressure, just perspective.