Personal touches on your home’s decor can do wonders for its value. But know that some choices might actually do more harm than good. Some decisions can detract from your home’s aesthetic, leaving potential buyers unimpressed, and we’ve seen that these on our list are some of the worst choices to make.
Carpeting in High-Moisture Areas
Bathrooms or kitchens with carpet can be very unappealing, as these high-moisture rooms are prone to mold and mildew, which can easily develop in carpets. Tiles or hardwood floors are far better options for these spaces, providing a more hygienic and attractive look.
Popcorn Ceilings
Outdated and unappealing textures such as popcorn ceilings can quickly turn off potential buyers. These ceilings can also hide problems such as cracks or water damage, raising the suspicions of viewers. A smooth, flat ceiling is much wiser, creating a cleaner, more modern look that appeals to more people.
Excessive Built-In Fixtures
If you overload your home with built-in furniture and fixtures, this can limit potential buyers’ flexibility to get creative. They’re difficult to remove or repurpose, making the home far less versatile, so freestanding furniture is a better option, providing more options for future owners to customize the space.
Overly Personalized Decor
It’s great to personalize your home but don’t go overboard because, as Nasdaq points out, overly-personal decorations put off potential buyers. Bold colors and unique patterns reflect personal style, but they make it difficult for others to imagine living in the space, so keep things neutral when possible.
Dark Wall Paint
Shadows and confined spaces can be created by dark-colored walls, making your home look gloomy. Light, neutral colors are typically preferred by potential buyers because they make rooms feel larger and more welcoming, so choose lighter shades to enhance the value of your home.
Outdated Wallpaper
House viewers could judge your home as outdated if they see old-fashioned wallpaper patterns, and they’ll consider the removal process to be a task that may not be worth the hassle. Instead, choose neutral, painted walls, helping to modernize your home and save future owners the hassle of removing wallpaper.
Too Many DIY Projects
It can be very rewarding to work on DIY projects, but be careful; amateur home improvement projects can be spotted easily. Poor craftsmanship can raise concerns about the quality and safety of the home, and professional finishes are usually preferred, helping to maintain the home’s value and appeal.
Cluttered Spaces
This should go without saying, but rooms filled with clutter can cause potential buyers to feel cramped and overwhelmed. Open, uncluttered spaces allow potential buyers to see the room’s full potential and visualize their own belongings in the space, so keep your decor minimalist decor to avoid this problem.
Bright, Neon Colors
Overly vibrant wall colors can be incredibly off-putting, even if you like it. Potential buyers generally prefer muted tones that allow them to imagine their own style in the space, so ditch the neon paint, as it will be too much for the eyes of most viewers.
Themed Rooms
While some people love themed rooms, it can be off-putting for many adults who wish to buy your home. Such specific themes won’t suit everyone’s tastes, making it harder for potential buyers to connect with the space. So, you might want to redecorate if you’re a fan of themed rooms.
Outdated Fixtures
When preparing to sell your home, it’s wise to modernize any old-fashioned lighting fixtures and hardware, as they can make a home feel dated. Modern, stylish fixtures will greatly enhance the look of your home, making it feel more contemporary and appealing to a wider audience of buyers.
Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Some homeowners are surprised to discover that carpeting throughout an entire house can be a major drawback. A lot of people prefer hardwood or laminate flooring, which is easier to clean and is far more durable. People love carpets too, though, so try to find a balance.
Low-Quality Renovations
It’s never wise to cut corners on renovations, as they will inevitably lead to noticeable flaws. Cheap materials and shoddy workmanship can turn off potential buyers completely, so don’t cheap out; invest in high-quality renovations to ensure your home retains its value and appeal.
Lack of Natural Light
If you block the natural light of your home with heavy drapes or dark window treatments, you’ll make your home feel dim and uninviting. Light, airy window treatments are far more welcoming, bringing natural light into your home that will put a smile on the faces of potential buyers.
Mismatched Styles
Just like with themed rooms, inconsistent decor styles can create a disjointed feel throughout a home. It’s much smarter to maintain a coherent design style throughout your entire property, helping to create a more harmonious environment. Buyers will appreciate this greatly, adding to their perceived value of the property.
Excessive Wallpaper Borders
Another old fashioned home decor trend is wallpaper borders, which make a room feel like a time capsule. New tenants will also need to remove them before they can consider repainting or redecorating, which is likely a hassle that they’ll be unwilling to go through.
Personal Collections on Display
If you’re into collecting as a hobby, don’t put your collectibles on display when hosting an open house. They may fascinate you, but they’ll be distracting to potential buyers. They need to be able to imagine their own belongings in the space, so store them away if you’re selling your property.
Neglected Exterior
First impressions matter so an unkempt exterior can seriously deter potential buyers before they even enter the house. Regular maintenance and updates to landscaping, paint, and outdoor fixtures can significantly enhance curb appeal. Don’t overlook this, as it will stick in the minds of any visitors.
Too Much Furniture
Clutter doesn’t just involve small items; rooms overcrowded with furniture can also feel small and uncomfortable. Limiting furniture to essential pieces helps create a more spacious and inviting atmosphere, and potential buyers need to see the room’s full potential, which is easier with less clutter.
Fake Finishes
If you try to mimic high-end finishes with fake, synthetic alternatives, prepare to turn off potential buyers. They’re not stupid and will recognize your cover-ups, preferring genuine materials like stone or wood. Authentic finishes add value and appeal, so don’t cheap out on them.
Poor Lighting
The easiest way to ruin the value of an otherwise beautiful home is to install insufficient or harsh lighting. This will negatively impact the perception of your home more than you could ever imagine, so try to perfect the ambient light of your home before putting it on the market.