October 7, 2024: Top 5 Home Improvements That Will RUIN Your Sale!
Welcome back, everyone! A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a blog about the best home improvements to make when you’re selling your house—those that really give you the best return on investment. If you haven’t checked it out yet, it’s definitely worth a read, especially if you’re thinking of listing your home soon. But today, we’re flipping the script and talking about the home improvements that won’t pay off. Some of these might even surprise you.
Selling your home already comes with certain costs, and if it’s older or more dated, you’ll want to spruce it up to attract potential buyers. We’ve all seen those perfectly staged, magazine-ready homes that look crisp and professional, but not every update will help you get top dollar at closing. In fact, some upgrades can end up costing you more money than you’ll ever recoup—and in some cases, they might even lower the value of your home. Today I’m going to walk you through which home improvements to avoid before listing your home. Let’s dive in!
1. Pools: Great for Personal Enjoyment, Bad for ROI
If you’re considering installing a pool before selling, stop right there. I get it, pools are awesome for personal use—my family and I love ours—but they’re not the best investment if your goal is to boost your home’s market value. Pools are incredibly expensive to install and maintain, and while some buyers may find them appealing, many won’t even consider a home with one. You’ll be cutting out a large portion of your potential buyer pool (pun intended!).
Above-ground pools add zero value to your home. In-ground pools, while they might add some value, generally don’t cover even half of what you’ll spend on installation. Add in the time it takes to build and the potential for weather delays, and you’re looking at a significant timeline shift that could push back your sale. Instead, leave the backyard as-is, market it as a blank slate, and let potential buyers dream about the possibilities.
2. Solar Panels: A Long-Term Investment You Won’t See Back
Solar panels are another upgrade you might want to skip if you’re planning to sell soon. While energy efficiency sounds appealing, the financial benefits of solar panels take years—sometimes decades—to fully realize. Panels are expensive, often financed, and buyers are rarely willing to take over that loan. If you still owe money on them, that’s going to come out of your pocket at the closing table.
Imagine trying to sell your home with a large solar panel loan attached—most buyers won’t bite. You’ll likely end up having to pay off the remaining balance yourself, which could take a huge chunk out of your profits. Not to mention, depending on your home’s size and orientation, the energy savings may not be as substantial as advertised. Bottom line: skip the solar panels unless you plan to stay in your home long-term.
3. DIY Projects: Avoid the Temptation
I know, it can be tempting to tackle home improvements yourself, especially if you’re handy or love a good weekend project. But if you’re not a pro, avoid DIY upgrades at all costs. Buyers can always tell when something wasn’t done by a professional. A poorly laid floor, streaky paint job, or uneven cabinetry is going to stand out and lower your home’s appeal—and its value.
It’s worth paying a professional to do it right. For bigger projects, like installing new kitchen cabinets or laying flooring, your best bet is to hire a licensed contractor. And if you don’t know who to hire, that’s where your real estate agent comes in. We’ve got connections to trusted contractors who can get the job done right and on budget.
4. Cutting Corners on Quality
Speaking of hiring professionals, don’t skimp on quality either. Cheap materials can actually lower your home’s perceived value. Buyers will know right away if you’ve used low-quality finishes, and they’ll factor that into their offer, or worse, pass on your home entirely.
Let me give you an example from my own experience. Recently, I worked with a seller who decided to install some budget LVP (luxury vinyl plank) flooring throughout their home to save money. Unfortunately, the result was flooring that looked more like plastic than wood, which downgraded the entire aesthetic of the house. Buyers could tell immediately, and it made them think they’d need to replace the floors after moving in. If you’re going to make updates, choose materials that fit your home’s style and neighborhood without going too cheap. Remember: buyers love move-in ready homes that don’t require additional work.
5. Going Overboard on High-End Appliances
Upgrading appliances like your refrigerator or oven might seem like a good idea, but there’s no need to go for the latest and greatest models. Appliances should fit the style and price point of your home, but there’s no need to install a top-of-the-line smart fridge that can tell you the weather while you grab a glass of water.
Most buyers aren’t expecting high-tech gadgets. Basic, well-functioning appliances will do just fine. If you’re in a higher price point or flipping an investment property, providing basic appliances can appeal to buyers who might not have any of their own, but there’s no need to go overboard.
6. Not Keeping Up with the Rest of the House
Finally, be sure that any updates you do make flow with the rest of the home. There’s no point in giving one room a complete facelift while the rest of the house remains untouched. A home that feels cohesive and well-maintained will always attract more buyers, and you’ll be more likely to get multiple offers.
In summary, when preparing to sell your home, focus on updates that will truly boost your market value and avoid those that won’t. Pools, solar panels, and low-quality DIY projects are some of the biggest culprits that won’t give you the return you’re hoping for. And remember, if you’re unsure where to invest your money, your real estate agent is there to guide you every step of the way.
If you’re thinking of selling in the Kansas City area, I’d love to help you make the most out of your home sale. You can request a free home valuation, and I’ll give you a personalized list of improvements to maximize your sale price.
Let’s put Kansas City’s number one marketing plan to work for you!