If you’re planning to sell your home you’re probably thinking about what you can do to increase its value. But did you know that not all home improvement projects can significantly increase your property value? So before you start a project, spend money, and put forth the effort to improve it, consider this list of the most common projects that may not be worth investing in.
1. Overly Sophisticated Decor – A bold patterned wallpaper? Or perhaps overly eccentric decor? Yellow green walls? Bright orange furniture? A splash of creativity and color can indeed add personality and character to a space. But it’s different when you’re trying to sell a property. When selling your home, it’s better to use warm, muted tones on the walls, neutral furniture, and simple decor. This makes it easy for potential buyers to envision their own plans for the property.
2. Quirky Tiles – If you’ve thought about replacing your tile flooring or backsplash with a quirky tile design with a goal to make your property stand out, think twice. The design may look amazing to you but it could drive away potential buyers. Avoid anything that’s too glaring or harsh. Keep it neutral and simple.
3. Swimming Pools – This is more on the expensive side, but if you are indeed planning on adding a pool, you might want to save that money for something else. Swimming pools may possibly add value, of course, especially if the property is in an area where it’s sunny and warm all the time. However, if you live in a place, where the winter months can be brutal, like New Jersey or Pennsylvania, a swimming pool might not be a wise investment. Thousands of dollars will have to be set aside for the maintenance of the pool alone, which is quite impractical for something that you can only use for a few months in a year.
4. Landscaping that’s too fancy or intricate – If you’ve read our previous blogs, we did mention (many times) that landscaping can boost your curb appeal. This is very true, but keep in mind that potential homebuyers need something they can modify themselves to suit their taste. If you’re investing in landscaping, save time and money by not going overboard. Go for a simple, plain look. Aim for a well-maintained outdoor space instead, making sure the grass is mowed, the trees and shrubs are pruned properly, and the weeds and dead plants are removed.
5. Elaborate lighting and fixtures – Though updating your lighting fixtures can help increase the value of your property, you don’t have to opt for the super ornate designs. Instead, upgrade to more energy-efficient lighting, a more practical option. Many homebuyers are now on the lookout for eco-friendly options, and you can easily add this feature to your home with LED bulbs or solar outdoor lighting, for instance.
6. New Windows – Replacing all the windows in your home can cost you thousands of dollars. And in many cases, it may be unnecessary. Don’t throw your money out the window with unnecessary replacements. Instead, inspect each window and only replace or repair the ones that are in a bad condition. These windows are usually the ones that don’t close properly or have broken glass or locks.
7. Extras – Extras such as a mini outdoor playground or a sunroom may not be appealing to some people. When you make home improvements, consider ones that the majority can use. A playground, for example, will not be a valuable addition if the prospective homebuyers do not have children.
8. Special rooms, such as a home theater or home library, etc. – If these room conversions sound like exactly what your family needs, it’s a different story if you’re planning to sell your home. Homebuyers want more flexibility. They want to be able to add their personal touch to the property, so keep it simple and leave extra rooms as is so they won’t have to do a major renovation when they move in.
9. Wall to wall carpets – Unlike other flooring types, carpets can house allergen, bacteria, and other dirt and debris when not cleaned properly. And because it’s demanding and high-maintenance, many homeowners and homebuyers now prefer non carpeted floors. For some texture and warmth, try neutral area rugs instead.
10. A DIY paint job – Painting looks easy. Just grab a paint roller and paint over the existing paint, right? Unfortunately, this is a common misconception. Painting is a complex process. It needs proper wall preparation (which is a whole different job) to ensure a quality and long-lasting finish. Plus, you need to know what type of paint is best for the area you are painting and the best type of tool you can use for the application. Sure, depending on your skill level and experience, a DIY paint job may be acceptable. However, if it’s your first time, we suggest that you skip the DIY route and let a professional do it for you.
If you’d rather sell your home and skip the home improvement part, that’s possible with We Buy Any House Fast. Talk to one of our real estate experts today at 800-976-SOLD and get a fair market offer on your home in 24 hours!