A new survey from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) finds that region, demographics and household composition are all factors in determining which features and amenities buyers value in a home.

NAR’s 2013 Profile of Buyers’ Home Feature Preferences surveyed buyers who purchased a home between 2010 and 2012 and found that geography and demography influenced what people want in a home, NAR reports.

Some interesting findings: Repeat buyers, new construction buyers, married couples and families with children tend to buy larger homes while first-time buyers and single women are the most likely to opt for older homes.

Seventy-eight percent of buyers bought a home with a garage, and garages are the most popular with new-home buyers, those buying in the suburbs and Midwesterners. Also popular with Midwest buyers: homes with basements.

Read NAR’s news release on the new survey for details and information on how you can order it, but here are a few of the highlights:

  • Older buyers and single women place greater importance on finding single-level homes. Single men were more likely to value a home with a finished basement.
  • Single men and married couples placed higher importance on having new kitchen appliances.
  • The majority of buyers, 65 percent, said central air conditioning was the most important home feature.
  • Rooms that buyers were willing to pay the most for were basements and in-law suites.