If you’re in the midst of selling your home, you’ll know how stressful it can feel. This is especially true when it has certain features that might make buyers hesitant to commit. Even if you think you should be good to go, you might be surprised at some of the design choices that could put potential buyers off. So, let’s take a look at a few home features that could make it harder to close the deal and how you can address them.
Outdated Kitchens
You know what they say: the kitchen is often the heart of the home. So it’s no wonder buyers are quick to notice when it feels stuck in another decade. If your house has features like laminate countertops or outdated cabinetry, you could be in trouble. These can be deal-breakers for many, while modern kitchens with clean lines and neutral finishes tend to attract more interest.
But don’t panic if a full renovation isn’t possible. Even small updates like new hardware or a fresh coat of paint on cabinets can make a big difference.
Carpet in Bathrooms
Gone are the days when many people saw carpeted bathrooms as cozy and warm. Today, it’s typically viewed as outdated and straight-up gross. It’s understandable that buyers worry about moisture and bacteria buildup in spaces where carpet doesn’t belong, especially as this can contribute to more mold and mildew.
If your bathroom is carpeted, consider swapping it out for tile, vinyl, or another waterproof material that will appeal to a more modern audience.
Popcorn Ceilings
Did you know that many textured ceilings from the past contain asbestos? It’s no wonder, then, that many people are put off by the sight of features like popcorn ceilings. They’re also considered to be dated and challenging to clean by many. If you’re ready for an upgrade, remove those popcorn ceilings and modernize them with a smoother option.
Tiny Closets
Tiny closets may sound cute, but they’re anything but practical. These days, buyers want plenty of storage space, so small closets are seen as a big drawback. While you can’t always expand closet space without significant renovations, adding built-in organizers or clearing out excess clutter can make smaller closets feel more functional.
Dated Bathrooms
This one’s pretty self-explanatory: if your bathroom feels dated and uninspired, your buyers aren’t going to be thrilled when they see it. Features like pink sinks, brass faucets, or floral wallpaper are pretty tough to overlook. But the good news is that simple updates, like replacing hardware, adding a new mirror, or repainting walls, can go a long way in making an older bathroom feel fresher.
Overly Personalized Decor
Everyone wants to make their house feel like a home, so there’s nothing wrong with personalizing your decor. But sadly, when you’re trying to sell, these same design choices can have a very different effect. Buyers want to imagine themselves living in a home, and overly specific decor can make that harder. Brightly colored walls, bold wallpaper, or themed rooms might reflect your personality but could be putting off potential buyers.
A Lack of Natural Light
It’s hard for a dingy, poorly-lit room to feel appealing. If your house doesn’t get much natural light, buyers may feel like they’re stepping into a cave rather than a home! Adding mirrors, replacing heavy drapes with lighter ones, or upgrading light fixtures can make spaces feel brighter and more open.
Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Yes, a lot of people still love the cozy appeal of carpeting in this day and age. But for the most part, buyers prefer hardwood, tile, or laminate for their durability and easy maintenance. Carpeting throughout the home, especially if it’s worn or stained, can be a deal-breaker for many.
Unusable Outdoor Spaces
Everybody loves the option of outdoor space, but what’s the point if you simply can’t use it? While a yard or patio can be a major selling point, if the outdoor space feels neglected or unusable, it could be even more likely to deter buyers. Overgrown landscaping, damaged decks, or lack of seating areas can make the space feel as if it’s more work than it’s worth.
Outdated Flooring
Just like the outdated bathrooms we mentioned earlier, outdated flooring choices like linoleum in kitchens and shag carpet in living rooms can be an instant red flag. These days, buyers are often drawn to modern options like hardwood, luxury vinyl, or polished concrete.
No Dedicated Workspace
Remote work is more popular than ever before, so it’s no wonder many buyers are looking for homes that include a dedicated workspace. A lack of an obvious home office or even a quiet nook can make a property feel a lot less practical. If you have an underused space, like a spare bedroom or corner, staging it as an office can help buyers see its potential.
Over-the-Top Landscaping
Sure, a well-maintained yard can add a lot of curb appeal, but landscaping that’s overly intricate or difficult to maintain can feel more overwhelming than attractive. For instance, large ponds, extensive gardens, or elaborate topiary could seem like a burden to those without a green thumb. If this is a concern, you can simplify your landscaping or emphasize its low-maintenance features to make it seem more appealing.
Outdated Windows
Old, single-pane windows not only look dated but also make buyers concerned about their energy efficiency. If it seems like your home might require expensive upgrades to keep heating and cooling costs in check, buyers will be less likely to commit. Highlighting any recent window replacements or offering some credit for updates can help ease those concerns.
Small Kitchens
Small kitchens can be quaint and cozy, but when they lack counter space, storage, or seating it can make buyers feel cramped, especially when they have a family to feed. While expanding the kitchen might not be an option, clever storage solutions like hanging pot racks or installing pull-out shelves can help maximize the space.
Low Ceilings
If you’re on the shorter side or have simply gotten used to your space, you probably wouldn’t mind a low ceiling. But to other people, homes with low ceilings can feel claustrophobic, especially when they’re found in living or dining areas. While you obviously can’t change ceiling height, painting them a light color and installing low-profile light fixtures can make the space feel more open.
Swimming Pools
This may sound like a strange one because many buyers love the idea of a private pool, but it’s important to note that others may see it as a liability or an ongoing expense. This is especially true in regions where the swimming season is short. If your home has a pool, emphasizing its maintenance records and safety features can help ease your buyers’ concerns.
Lack of Energy Efficiency
As we mentioned earlier, energy efficiency is very important to buyers these days. So if your home lacks energy-efficient features like updated insulation, LED lighting, or Energy Star appliances, it may feel outdated and unappealing to eco-conscious buyers.
Highlighting any green upgrades, like solar panels or a smart thermostat, can make your home more attractive and offset potential concerns.
Poor Location
Now we know you can’t wave a magic wand and change your home’s location, it’s still important to know that if it’s on a busy street, near industrial zones, or far from amenities, it may be harder to sell. The good news is that you can prepare for this issue by focusing on highlighting the home’s interior features or unique selling points, like a large yard or recent renovations, to shift the conversation away from what you can’t control.
Outdated Lighting Fixtures
Do your light fixtures feel like they belong in another era? Old, dated lighting fixtures, like brass chandeliers or ornate sconces, can instantly age a home and make it feel less inviting. However, it’s not hard to fix this issue.
You can update to simple, contemporary fixtures or even just swap out outdated lampshades for fresh, neutral designs to make a noticeable difference in how your home feels.