When preparing to sell your home, it's essential to make strategic decisions that will help increase its appeal and value. Many homeowners make the mistake of focusing on home improvements that don’t always offer the best return on investment or even detract from their home’s worth. Here are the ten most common home improvement pitfalls to avoid before listing your property.
1. Swimming Pools, Storage Sheds, and Hot Tubs: Do They Add Value?
Many homeowners assume that installing luxury features like a swimming pool, a storage shed, or a hot tub will raise the value of their home. In reality, these improvements often fail to deliver the desired return on investment.
- Swimming Pools: While they may seem like a desirable feature, not everyone is a fan. For some buyers, a pool is a maintenance hassle, and for others, it may even be a safety concern if they have small children. If you don’t already have a pool, adding one before selling is rarely a good idea.
- Storage Sheds and Hot Tubs: Popularized in recent years, features like "she-sheds" or man caves may be trendy, but they don’t necessarily appeal to a broad market. Similarly, a hot tub might be enticing for some but a deal-breaker for others. These additions could end up costing more than they’re worth.
2. Landscaping: What Works Best?
Well-maintained landscaping can dramatically boost your home’s curb appeal. However, not all landscaping features are created equal. While gazebos, fountains, and arches (Option A) or flower beds and climbing vines (Option B) can be beautiful, the safest bet for most buyers is well-tended lawns, window boxes, and cleared walkways (Option C). These features have broad appeal and make the home look inviting without overcomplicating the outdoor space.
3. Textured Walls and Ceilings: Why They Should Be Avoided
Textured walls and ceilings might have been popular in certain design eras, but they are a major headache when it comes to selling a home. They’re difficult to paint over, many buyers dislike the look, and they can even create the impression that something is being hidden. If your home has textured surfaces, consider updating them to something more neutral and clean.
4. Strong Smells: A Turn-Off for Buyers
The smell is a powerful sense, and a strong, unpleasant odor can make a buyer turn right around. Strong cooking smells, perfumes, flowers, and cigarette smoke (Option D) are the top offenders. To make sure your home smells inviting and neutral, consider using an ozone generator to eliminate odors. Just be sure to air out the house before any showings!
5. Pet Hair: A Hidden Issue for Potential Buyers
Pet hair can negatively impact your home’s sale value, especially for buyers with allergies. Pet hair can also spread easily throughout a house, and even traces of pet dander can cause problems for allergy sufferers. If you have pets, be extra diligent about cleaning up pet hair and dander before showings.
6. Paint Colors: Which Ones to Avoid
You may love bold colors like eggplant red and black or soothing shades of green, olive, or sage (Option B), but these colors can negatively impact your home’s appeal. When preparing to sell, it’s best to stick to neutral, universally appealing tones. Stick with whites, beiges, and light grays to create a blank canvas that allows buyers to imagine themselves in the space.
7. The Best Home Upgrade: Hardwood Floors
If you’re thinking about upgrading your flooring, pulling up the carpet to reveal hardwood floors (Option C) is one of the best investments you can make. Hardwood floors are highly desirable and can boost your home’s value significantly. However, refinishing the hardwood may take some time and money, so be prepared for the effort involved.
8. Cleaning: Go Beyond Spot Cleaning
A clean home makes a lasting impression on buyers. Spring cleaning (Option C) may not be enough—every nook and cranny of your home should be spotless. Pay attention to details like power washing the windows and clearing out clutter. A clean home not only appeals to buyers but also helps you get organized for your upcoming move.
9. Staging: What Works Best?
Staging is an essential part of showcasing your home’s best features. While some sellers might feel tempted to stage with sentimental, family-friendly decor (Option C), enhanced but impersonal staging (Option A) works best. The goal is to create a space where potential buyers can picture themselves living, without being reminded of your style. A neutral, well-staged space allows buyers to envision their belongings in the home.
10. CMA: Why It’s Essential to Know Your Home’s Value
Before setting a listing price, it’s crucial to understand the true market value of your home. A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is the best way to get an accurate assessment of your home’s worth. Unlike estimates from automated websites like Zillow or Trulia, a CMA is prepared by a qualified real estate agent who has intimate knowledge of your local market and the condition of your property. A CMA ensures your home is priced appropriately for the market, attracting serious buyers and setting you up for success.
In Conclusion
Avoiding these common home improvement pitfalls can help ensure that your home is priced correctly, presents well, and attracts the right buyers. If you're unsure about where to start, a qualified real estate agent can guide you through the process, from offering suggestions on improvements to pricing your home effectively.
Kelly is a full-time Senior Real Estate + Relocation Specialist.
She + her dog GG live in Long Beach, California.
She + her dog GG live in Long Beach, California.
