It is common to think that all home improvement projects will increase the value of your home and will help guarantee to attract more buyers or give you a good ROI, but that is not the case. So if you find yourself with the goal of renovating to eventually sell, then you’d be wise to avoid the following upgrades:
High-end landscaping
Similarly, investing in expensive landscaping and water features doesn’t always pay off, as buyers can see them as a hassle.
Luxury upgrades
It depends on your real estate market and your specific neighborhood, but super high-end touches like professional-grade appliances and marble countertops may not be something buyers are willing to pay extra for.
Swimming pools
Pools are a polarizing topic for buyers — some buyers love a home with a pool, but many others see it as a safety issue or a huge maintenance burden.
What to fix before selling a house
Small repairs and maintenance are the areas you want to focus on and are often needed to show buyers that you’ve taken good care of the home. These small efforts can make a big difference when it comes to how long it takes to sell your home and how much it sells for. And it can streamline the negotiation process since your buyer won’t have to request repairs as a result of their inspection.
Consider tackling these projects before taking on bigger improvements:
- Replace broken mechanicals, like your HVAC system or appliances.
- Remove peeling wallpaper and repaint.
- Take care of weeds and overgrown landscaping.
- Repair broken or leaky plumbing.
- Replace cracked tiles.
About Danielle Verboski