If you’re thinking about putting your house on the market this September, you’re making a good decision as now is great time to list! However, you may be wondering if there are things you can do that will make it more attractive to buyers.
Most real estate agents recommend projects like adding potted plants to your walkway or adding a fresh coat of paint to your front door, as things like this can enhance your home’s curb appeal. Others suggest that updating fixtures in your kitchen and bathrooms is a worthwhile venture.
On the other hand, if you’re wanting to do a full-scale remodel before you put your home up for sale, there are things you may want to stay away from. Remodeling choices can have an enormous impact on a home’s appeal and value, so you’ll want to make sure you’re spending your money wisely.
Carpet in the bathroom
This may seem like a strange thing to address, but some people are still drawn to it. One buyer we spoke with said that when she was searching for homes, she was excited about viewing a newly remodeled property. It had a big, open kitchen and expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows in the master bedroom. What she didn’t expect, she said, was learn that the master bathroom floor had been redone with plush, beige carpet.
Although this didn’t deter her from buying the home, she had the carpet removed within weeks of moving in. The money previous owner spent on the install went straight down the drain.
Getting rid of your bathtub
If you’re planning on redoing your bathroom, you’ll want to think twice before you sign off on a design that nixes the tub. Although many homebuyers are drawn to walk-in showers, some still need a full bathtub.
Buyers who have small children, pets or simply like the idea of winding down in the bath with a glass of wine after a long day at the office, may pass on homes that don’t have at least one.
Wallpaper
Although wallpaper was all the rage in the 1970s and 1980s, today, it tends to be off-putting. When house hunters see a home with newly installed wallpaper, they tend to question how much time, effort and money they’ll need to spend to have it removed. If you’re still determined to freshen up the walls in your home, it’s best to stick to paint. Neutral colors are your safest bet.
Open shelving
If you’re thinking about redoing your kitchen with open shelving before you put your home on the market, this is another project you’ll want to skip. When it comes to open shelves, people either love it or hate it. Since there’s no guarantee that this type of remodel will draw in house hunters, it’s best to spend your money elsewhere.
Getting rid of closet space
Some homeowners think that eliminating closet space to increase the usable footage in a bedroom is a great idea. Others see it as an abomination. If you’re going to remodel your bedroom, stick to simple upgrades, such as new flooring, ceiling fan and window coverings. Never, ever remove closets in advance of a sale.
All-white kitchens
The all-white kitchen craze was hot in the 1990s and has even been seen in some of today’s updated “coastal” décor. However, it is not desired by everyone. One house hunter we spoke with told us about a newly remodeled kitchen he saw in a house he recently viewed. The floor was redone with white tile, the walls were painted white and the wood, kitchen cabinets had also been repainted white. “It looked less like a kitchen and more like an operating room,” he said. “The design and layout were great, but the 100% sterile look was overwhelming.”
This can be especially true for buyers who have small children—as they’re bound to envision what the room will look like once it’s covered in tiny handprints. Buyers with pets may think the same thing- because white tile floors look terrible once they’re covered in paw prints.
If you want to redo your kitchen, be sure to ask your real estate agent about design trends that are popular in your area. For example, replacing laminate countertops with granite or quartz is often beneficial. Adding wood or wood-like tile flooring is usually a safe bet, as are projects that involve upgrading your faucet and cabinet hardware.
In closing
Remodeling your home in advance of sale has some upsides if you stick to things that are likely to attract buyers. For more information on what’s current and desirable in the area you live in, be sure to speak with a local real estate agent.
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