Selling Your House? Here’s What Not To Do
Expensive and Unnecessary Pre-Sale Upgrades
Finishing the Basement
Underpinning and finishing are costly, and the ROI rarely offsets the investment.
Additions
Expensive and time-consuming, even when done with permits. Let Buyers decide on additions like sunrooms.
Metal Roof
While durable, the payback isn’t realized during resale. Stick to traditional roofing if needed.
Hot Tubs and Pools
Buyers won’t recoup the cost of a new hot tub. If yours isn’t working, consult your agent about removing or replacing it.
Solar Panels
These are a long-term investment. New Buyers may not value them as much as the cost you’ve incurred.
Converting Bedrooms
Avoid reducing bedroom count (e.g., turning a bedroom into a closet). It diminishes perceived value.
Furnace, AC, Windows, Insulation
These essential but invisible upgrades rarely appeal to Buyers unless broken or failing.
Wallpaper
Trendy but polarizing. Stick to neutral accent walls rather than full-room wallpapering.
New Kitchen Appliances
Expensive and unlikely to yield ROI unless current appliances are broken or unsightly.
New Countertops
Replace countertops only if they’re visibly damaged or outdated and likely to deter Buyers.
Built-in Closets or Shelving
High-cost additions like custom built-ins rarely increase resale value enough to justify the expense.
Crown Moulding
While attractive, it’s a low-priority upgrade with little financial return.
High-Maintenance Landscaping
Opt for low-maintenance options to avoid turning off Buyers who prefer more straightforward upkeep.
New Carpets
Buyers generally dislike carpeting. Replace with vinyl or engineered hardwood if necessary.
Replacing an Owned Hot Water Tank with a Rented Tank
Rental contracts can be expensive and unappealing to Buyers.
Built-in Electronics
While nice to have, the cost of built-in speakers isn’t justified for resale purposes.
Anything Too Trendy
Avoid the latest design trends for costly renovations; save them for staging to appeal to modern tastes.
