10 “Must-Have” Renovations That Actually Make Your Home Harder to Sell

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There are some home renovations that sound like they will add value, but they actually make your house harder to sell. Buyers can be picky about what they see as a future burden or comfort, and even well meaning improvements don’t always have the broad appeal you’d expect.

If you know which renovations will scare off buyers, you can save yourself time, money, and headaches when you finally put your home on the market. Here are some “must have” renovations that may not be selling points after all.

Too Much Marble in Luxury Bathrooms

Shower room against washbasin and mirror between shiny lights in bathroom with assorted perfume in bottles on shelves
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Marble bathrooms are beautiful but it is a lot of upkeep. Marble is porous and stains quite easily especially in bathrooms where you have lots of moisture, products, and soap. Not all buyers want to spend time sealing and polishing their bathroom counters and walls, and marble is too much work for too many. And, if buyers are going to remodel anyway, your expensive marble won’t be a big deal.

Open Shelving in the Kitchen

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Open shelving is trendy right now, and it can give a kitchen a light and stylish feel. But not everyone wants their plates and pantry things out on display every hour of the day. Moreover, if items aren’t perfectly arranged, open shelves can also make the space feel cluttered, which might have buyers second guessing.

Converted Garages

Modern interior design of new spacious fitness gym for home sport training and heavy weightlifting in garage of big house
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If you’re working from home, turning your garage into a home office or guest room can seem like a great idea. But most buyers want a garage for its original purpose: Cars, bikes and tools are stored. It’s a huge downside to lose this space, particularly in areas where parking is restricted. Unless you live in a neighborhood where garage conversions are common, think twice about giving up this useful space.

Bold Wallpaper and Paint Colors

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Everyone’s tastes in color are different and what you love, a bright green or a deep red accent wall, may be viewed as just another thing to repaint by a buyer. Large rooms or main areas can be a hassle to remove and bold wallpaper can seem too personal for many buyers’ tastes. If you’re considering resale, neutrals have broader appeal, so maybe a fresh coat of light paint is the way to go.

Landscaping Features That Are Elaborate

Home Upgrades That Ain't Worth It
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Beautiful lush gardens, koi ponds, backyard waterfalls can be high maintenance for buyers. A lot of people like a yard that isn’t too much work, that’s easy to maintain, rather than something that needs constant care. Some buyers will fall in love with the landscaping, and others will see it as an extra expense they’d rather not have. A few shrubs or flowers on a basic lawn can often be appealing to a wider audience.

Excessive Smart Home Tech

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Smart home tech likes smart fridges, automated lighting, touch screen panels throughout the house are not for everyone. Some buyers find too much tech overwhelming, or even intimidating. Perhaps they are concerned about keeping it, or changing out old systems. A basic smart thermostat is a bonus, but some buyers may feel like they’re moving into a tech lab rather than a home when they load up on gadgets.

Swimming Pools for Cold Climates

Exterior of patio with wooden doorway and tangerine trees near swimming pool and furniture
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In warm climates, pools are desirable, but in areas where it’s only warm for a few months it can feel like more of a hassle than it’s worth. Pools can be turnoffs for many buyers due to the upkeep, winterizing and safety concerns around them, plus they are seen as an expensive addition that they won’t get much use out of. If you live in a cooler area, consider whether it’s worth the time and money to build a pool when there’s a decent chance of decreasing buyer interest.

Home Theatres

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Perhaps a private theatre will be ticked off your list of dreams for your forever home, but there are few buyers searching for a 900 SF dedicated screening room. It’s not only a space that could be used more flexibly (like for an office or guest room), it takes up valuable square footage. They are also expensive to maintain and some buyers won’t want to pay for that. Make it cozy, but leave the decision of what that extra room will be up to the buyers.

Over The Top Kitchen Renovations

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While huge, restaurant style kitchens with the specialized appliances might be the chef’s dream, for the average buyer it can be overdone and impractical. High end upgrades such as professional grade stoves can be intimidating or unnecessary, and large commercial appliances can be scary for people who don’t love to cook. Kitchens with regular appliances and that are nice and functional have wider appeal.

Converting a Bedroom into a Closet

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A luxurious way to use space is transforming a spare bedroom into a walk in closet – for you. Buyers, however, often want the option of more bedrooms, and taking one away for a giant closet can steer families away who need that additional room. Walk in closets may be attractive, but keeping bedrooms as bedrooms will generally bring in a broader pool of buyers.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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