More is not always better. In fact, when it comes to home improvement, more can sometimes be worse, especially when it comes to unique design elements. When counseling your clients on home upgrades for a top sale, make sure they know how to not waste money on home upgrades:
DON’T LOSE BEDROOMS
When it comes to bedrooms, the more the merrier. Condensing rooms is a bad idea when you want your home to fetch top dollar. Avoid the temptation to turn that extra bedroom into a walk-in closet, or to make that small bathroom bigger by using a spare bedroom for extra space. For example, three smaller bedrooms are better than two larger bedrooms or a bathroom that’s bigger at the expense of a spare bedroom.
SKIP THE POOL
Contrary to what you might be thinking, adding a swimming pool is not only expensive but is also considered by many to be a liability. This is particularly true when it comes to families with children. In addition to being a safety hazard, a pool requires extra expense, time and energy to maintain. So skip the pool. One caveat: If you live in a place like Arizona, a pool may be a necessity. In that case, make sure you add safety fencing around the pool as part of the package.
AVOID LOUD COLORS
Definitely freshen up the paint inside and out but avoid using paint colors that are overly colorful, too intense, or just plain bright. Stick with light-colored neutrals like off-whites, grays and earth tones. This will allow buyers to see the home as a blank slate where they can then add their own unique finishing touches if desired. It will also be less distracting, allowing buyers to focus on the primary features of the home instead of what color it’s painted.
JUST SAY NO TO CARPET
Today’s buyers want floors that last a long time and are easy to keep clean. When it comes to your floors, opt for LVT, engineered wood, tile and laminates. Shoot for durability and water-proof/scratch-proof flooring materials. Area rugs are the preferred option for adding style and comfort to a room but without the disadvantages of wall-to-wall carpet.
GO EASY WITH LANDSCAPING
Skip going overboard with elaborate landscaping, including too many fountains and statues. At the minimum, have a freshly cut, green lawn. Your goal should be simple, low maintenance and tidy.
SKIP OVERLY FANCY FINISHES
Finishes include floors, walls, countertops and cabinetry. Finishes should be tasteful and show quality, but avoid going over the top. Some buyers will prefer to splurge on their own high-end finishes that better represent their individual taste.
PASS ON THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
Back in the 1990s central vacuum systems and room intercoms were all the rage. Now they just date a home and add to the fuss of having to remove them. The latest-greatest technology is tempting, but because it changes so rapidly your best bet might be to take a pass.
NO TO HEATED FLOORS
Installing heated floors is not only expensive but it’s also expensive to repair when those systems fail. Having heated floors will most likely not be the deciding factor on whether someone buys your house or not. Your money is better spent elsewhere.
DON’T OVERDO IT
Multiple fireplaces, kitchen sinks, and showers as big as a small room are not adding value in comparison to cost. Sometimes too much is just too much, and doesn’t move the needle with it comes to adding to your sales price.
MOST OF US DON’T WANNA SAUNA
A sauna can sound like a good idea but for the most part, it’s not. It adds expense in the form of higher energy bills and simply becomes a wasted room that could be used for something else. Unless you live in the North Pole, steer clear of sauna hype. A sauna will not add noticeable value.
Instead, encourage your sellers to shoot for a home that is sensible, bright, clean and decluttered. These simple upgrades will appeal to a broad swath of buyers. Sensible upgrades matched with the right sales price should have a home flying off the shelf for top dollar in record time. For more ideas, check out this list of upgrades that deliver.