Thinking about renovating your home before selling? While updates can boost value, some changes might actually hurt your chances of getting top dollar—or even turn buyers away altogether. Here are some renovations that might lower your home’s appeal, or worse, might lower your home’s value when it’s time to sell:
1. Adding trendy features that age quickly
A clawfoot tub in the master bathroom or a barn door in the living room might look stylish today, but trends fade. Buyers might see these as dated in just a few years, or even months, leaving them with the cost of replacing them.
2. Converting your garage into a room
An extra bedroom or office sounds great, but many buyers see a garage as non-negotiable. Buyers need a place to park, store tools, or stash holiday decorations.
3. DIY gone wrong
While DIY (do-it-yourself) projects can save money, visible mistakes or low-quality finishes can make buyers question the quality of the entire home.
4. Over-customized home offices
With remote work becoming more common, home offices are a hot commodity. But be careful about going overboard, converting an entire room into a built-in office with custom shelving and desks might turn off buyers who need a flexible space for something else.
5. Swimming pools in the wrong market
Pools may be a selling point in warm climates. But if you’re in a region with short summers, or where pools aren’t common, it could be a liability. Buyers might see extra maintenance, not extra fun.
6. Removing the only bathtub
If your home has just one bathroom and you swap the tub for a sleek shower, you might alienate families with young kids or anyone who loves a relaxing soak. Keep at least one tub in the house!
7. Too much landscaping
A lush garden or elaborate hardscaping looks lovely, but high-maintenance yards can intimidate buyers. Most people want something beautiful and manageable.
8. Unusual flooring choices
Think twice before installing bright-colored tiles, patterned carpets, or cork flooring. While unique, these choices often lack mass appeal, and buyers might see them as another project to tackle. Stick to timeless, neutral flooring options.
9. Knocking down too many walls
Open-concept homes are trendy again, but removing too many walls can backfire. Buyers like open spaces, but they also need defined areas for privacy or functionality like a separate dining room or a quiet home office.
10. Overpersonalized décor
Bold wallpaper, quirky tile, or neon-colored cabinets might reflect your style, but buyers want to imagine their style in the space. Neutral is your friend when selling.
If you’re unsure about what renovations are worth it, remember: less is often more. Focus on updates that appeal to a broad range of buyers, like fresh paint, updated fixtures, and basic repairs. And ask professionals for expert advice.
Thinking about selling your home or buying one that’s move-in ready? My 20 years of experience in the real estate market might help you achieve your real estate goals! I am Shirin Rezania Ramos, a broker associate at Compass, and I’m happy to assist you in achieving your real estate goals. Please do not hesitate to call me at 858-345-0685.
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Shirin Rezania Ramos | 858.345.0685 | www.shirinramos.com | Compass, DRE 0203379
