Ditch the Wallpaper and Swimming Pools
A house isn’t a home until we’ve perfected those personal details—but those are the very ones that could sink resale value! Home theaters and printed wallpaper may be your cup of tea, but new buyers aren’t always interested in the renovations that look good on paper. Let’s dive into which ones scare buyers away and which pull them in!
1. Swimming Pool
We love the idea of a swimming pool, but paying for its maintenance is a whole other story. Don’t be fooled by the promise of an in-ground pool; that summertime paradise often scares new buyers away. Depending on the size and location, homeowners can expect to shell out thousands of dollars annually just for upkeep, and not everyone jumps at the chance.
2. Converted Garage
Two-car garages will always entice new homeowners—converted garages won’t. It might seem like a good idea to turn that outdoor space into an office or a cool hangout spot, but incoming buyers likely won’t share the same sentiment. Leave the garage as is, especially if there’s room for more than one vehicle.
3. Tacky Tiling
Hey, it’s your house. Do what you want with it! If you think those diner tiles look good, no one’s stopping you from slapping them on your kitchen walls…but that expensive project will hurt you come sale time. Don’t even think about new, flashy tiles just before you sell, either; buyers prefer toned-down designs and muted colors.
4. Hot Tub
There’s nothing better than a hot tub on a winter’s day, so surely buyers will be impressed with the addition, right? Think again. Hot tubs are another added expense that most newcomers aren’t keen on. Annual maintenance fees can soar into the hundreds, and not every buyer wants to dish out more fees.
5. Sunroom
Who wouldn’t want to bask in the sun from the comfort of their own home? What about a greenhouse for any potential plant lovers? Sunrooms seem like a great addition at first glance, but experts say they only return about 50% of your investment. They’re not a hot-ticket item, and buyers don’t often jump at the chance to own one.
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6. Home Theater
There was a time when home theaters were all the rage. After all, we could invite friends over and have our own snacks, all while controlling the movie rotation. Naturally, it seems like a good idea to have or install one, but most buyers aren’t avid cinephiles. You’re looking at one of the worst ROIs and a gaudy add-on that wrecks resale value.
7. Converted Bedroom
When you live alone or have a small family, converting a spare bedroom into an office space seems like a great use of space. However, many buyers want bedrooms over anything else, so leave them as they are when it comes time to sell.
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8. Luxury Kitchen
Believe it or not, luxury kitchens can actually sink resale value—not to mention your savings account. Not every neighborhood craves luxurious kitchens, and dumping all that money into an expensive reno can tank resale value.
9. Wallpaper
Wallpaper has a certain charm to it, but don’t assume that new buyers will prefer it over a fresh coat of paint. Not only is wallpaper more expensive, but it’s also more outdated. Be safe and stick with neutral tones over loud accent walls.
10. New Roof
It’s not that a new roof necessarily hurts resale value, it’s that it actually doesn’t offer much in the grand scheme of things. Though you should take care of any faulty roofs, don’t expect too many buyers to be wowed by a new one. A solid roof is a pretty standard item on the checklist.
That’s not to say that you shouldn’t invest in your house before selling it! Let’s dive into a few renovations that attract the most attention.
1. Bathroom Makeover
A good bathroom makeover can make or break resale value. Renos like new counters and vanity sinks make the most of the real estate and provide sought-after benefits. Just don’t go crazy with the remodeling—keep that tub installed because ripped up porcelain can deter buyers.
2. Kitchen Renovation
Luxury kitchens may be off the dining room table, but modest renovations always entice incoming buyers. Islands, light fixtures, and bigger sinks score big points for practicality and aesthetic appeal.
3. Fresh Paint
Remember what we said about fresh paint? It’s time to zero in a little more on why that matters! Neutral tones allow buyers to properly envision a space as their own—they don’t have loud colors to detract from their daydreams or someone else’s personality on display. Painting rooms is also a pain, so it’s one less thing for them to worry about.
4. Curb Appeal
The inside may look incredible, but don’t forget about the landscaping. Trimmed hedges and manicured lawns give a much better presentation than overgrown bushes. It’s easy to assume that green grass won’t play too big a part in the final price, but pristine care changes how a house looks for the better. Invest in some plants or refurbished doors (more on that later)!
5. Finished Basement
Finishing the basement is a big job, but it’s also one of the top reasons people bite. Whether it’s a big family or someone looking to rent out the space, a finished basement offers all kinds of possibilities. Incoming buyers are also more likely to offer a little extra on the house.
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6. New Garage Door
Garage doors seem like small potatoes compared to fully remodeled kitchens, but they also boost curb appeal. Before buyers even get a foot in the door, they get to enjoy smaller finishing touches that paint a bigger picture—and score a better offer.
7. Refreshed Siding
As far as ROI is concerned, refreshed siding is one of the best investments before putting up that for-sale sign. It might cost upwards of $15,000 to get the job done, but the resale value climbs enough that you’ll likely recoup your losses.
8. Practical Mudroom
People want a place to rest their muddy shoes, which is why investing a little extra in your mudroom makes sense. Those first few steps into a new house make all the difference, and extra storage space or even a cute bench could kick it up a notch.
9. Stone Veneer
Stone veneer costs a pretty penny, but it’s one of the best investments you can make. The timeless look and sleek style grab buyers’ attention right away, so look into a good color scheme for incoming homeowners.
10. New Front Door
What greets buyers first? The front door, of course! While doors are surprisingly expensive, they also increase curb appeal and potential offers on your home. With so many patterns and colors to choose from, that little detail might just earn you bigger bucks.
