Realtors Say These Are 7 Ways You’re Destroying Your Home’s Value

Ready to keep your home’s value soaring? There are a few common slip-ups that could drag it down without you even realizing it. Real estate pros, who have their fingers on the pulse of market trends and buyer must-haves, have pointed out some typical missteps homeowners make.

Getting to know these can be a game changer, helping you sidestep expensive mistakes and protect your investment. These are 7 unexpected ways you might be undercutting your home’s value.

Bad Home Additions

Thinking about adding some extra square footage to your home? That’s a solid way to boost your home’s value—if it’s done right. But here’s the thing: if your new addition sticks out like a sore thumb or chops up the flow of your home, it might do more harm than good.

And don’t even get me started on eating into your outdoor space too much. It’s worth it to chat with an architect to make sure any new extensions blend seamlessly with your existing layout and style, keeping your home’s atmosphere balanced and attractive to potential buyers.

Converting Bedrooms

It’s tempting to transform that unused bedroom into a home office or a cozy den, but you have to remember that bedrooms are big selling points, especially for families or anyone looking for a little extra space.

If you’ve knocked down walls or made major changes, consider how easy it would be to switch it back when you decide to sell.

Going Overboard with Trendy Upgrades

Sure, that avant-garde chandelier or trendy kitchen might feel chic now, but fast-forward a few years and it might scream “outdated!” When you’re sprucing up your space, think classic—those looks have staying power.

Stick with simple and elegant upgrades that enhance rather than dominate your home’s character. This way, your decor stays appealing longer, and your home remains a hot ticket item in the ever-changing real estate market.

DIY Disasters

We all love saving some money with a bit of DIY around the house, but there’s a catch. If your weekend projects look a bit, well, homemade, it might turn off potential buyers. Using the wrong materials or a hasty job that looks out of place can suggest that the house might need more work.

Buyers lean towards homes that feel polished and professionally finished. So, if you’re going DIY, make sure it’s done right to keep your home’s value steady.

Don’t Overlook the Little Things

Little issues around the house, like a dripping tap or a small crack in the tile, might not seem like a big deal, but they can give buyers the wrong idea. These small signals suggest that maybe the home wasn’t maintained properly. It instantly makes them think, “If they ignored this, what bigger problems are lurking?”

Fixing these minor annoyances can make a surprisingly big difference. It shows that you’ve kept everything in tip-top shape, making your home more appealing to buyers who won’t need to worry about hidden surprises.

No Curb Appeal

First impressions can make or break a home sale. If the exterior of your home looks a bit messy, with peeling paint or an overgrown yard, buyers might take one look and walk away. These things tell potential buyers how well you’ve kept up with home maintenance overall.

Cracked driveways and broken fences? They scream neglect and can make buyers wonder what else is in disrepair, potentially shaving thousands off your property’s value.

Over-personalizing the Space

It’s nice to make your home a reflection of your personality, but remember, what works for you might not appeal to everyone. You might love that neon-green kitchen or the elaborate mural in the living room, but when you’re ready to sell, these personal touches can turn off potential buyers.

They struggle to see themselves in the space, which can drag down your home’s market appeal. Keeping decor neutral and avoiding extreme customization can help secure a better offer when it’s time to move on.