Home Features That Can Sink Your Sale Price: What Buyers Dislike

Selling a home can be a complex process, and while many focus on upgrades that boost value, certain common features can inadvertently lower a home's sale price. Understanding these potential detriments is crucial for sellers aiming to maximize their profit in today's real estate market. Even in a strong market, poor renovation choices or outdated elements can lead to lower-than-expected offers.

Key Takeaways

• Certain common home features are perceived as dated or signal a need for future repairs, negatively impacting buyer offers.
• Materials like laminate and tile countertops, along with specific cabinet styles, are often viewed as old-fashioned.
• Features that suggest high maintenance or wasted space, such as elevators or large, unused fitness centers, can also deter buyers.
• Conversely, modern, high-quality materials and convenient additions can significantly increase a home's appeal and sale price.

Features That Lower Home Value

According to Zillow's trend expert Amanda Pendleton, many design choices can signal to potential buyers that a home is dated and may require significant future investment. This perception can lead to lower offers. Features that are often viewed negatively include:

• Laminate Finishes: Often seen as a budget-friendly but less durable option, laminate flooring can reduce a home's sale price by up to 1.10 percent.
• Tile Countertops: These are frequently perceived as old-fashioned and are difficult to clean due to grout lines, potentially lowering the sale price by 1 percent.
• Roof Decks: While outdoor space is desirable, rooftop decks can be seen as high-maintenance and less safe for children or pets compared to traditional patios or backyards.
• Elevators: Despite their convenience, elevators are often associated with high maintenance costs and potential repair expenses, leading buyers to offer less.
• Fitness Centers: Unless the buyer is a dedicated fitness enthusiast, a large home gym can be viewed as wasted square footage.
• Bamboo Flooring: This material can appear dated, especially if it has a yellow or orange tone, and is more susceptible to water damage than other flooring options.
• Oak Cabinets: Similar to other wood cabinets, oak can be perceived as dated, potentially signaling that the home hasn't been well-maintained.
• Security Systems: While important, an abundance of visible security features can sometimes be a personal choice for buyers, who may prefer to select their own systems.
• Walk-In Closets: For some buyers, a very large walk-in closet might be seen as an inefficient use of space.
• Wood Cabinets: While not all wood cabinets are problematic, orange-toned or paneled styles are less desirable than lighter, cooler-toned options like Shaker-style cabinets.

Features That Boost Home Value

Conversely, certain features can significantly enhance a home's appeal and command higher prices. These often include modern, high-quality materials and convenient additions:

• Countertops: Soapstone counters can add 3.5% to a home's value, followed by quartz (2.6%) and onyx (2.3%).
• Cabinets: Walnut cabinets can increase a home's sale price by 2.2% when highlighted in a listing.
• Appliances: Mentioning "new appliances" can contribute to a home selling for 2.7% more than expected.
• Entertainment Features: Items like pizza ovens (adding 2%) and ice machines (adding 1.7%) can create a "wow" factor.
• Pot Fillers: These convenient kitchen additions can add 2.2% to the sale price.
• Induction Cooktops: Growing concerns about gas stove safety may be contributing to the appeal of induction cooktops, which can add 1.9% to a home's value.

Sellers are advised to emphasize existing desirable features in their listings rather than undertaking costly renovations solely to increase sale price, as the return on investment for last-minute additions may not be guaranteed.

Sources

• 10 “Everyday” Home Features That Quietly TANK Your Sale Price, House Beautiful.
• 6 Kitchen Features That Can Majorly Boost Your Home’s Value, According to Experts, House Beautiful.
• 10 House Features Linked to Higher Home Sale Prices: Zillow, Money.
• 10 Features That Can Increase Your Home's Sale Price, Money.