Design Trends That Make it Difficult to Sell Your Home

If you’re like me, you love pouring over some of the latest design trends in various magazines and home websites; however, while you obviously want your house to look its best, opting to follow some of the hottest styles can be somewhat detrimental when it comes time to sell your property.

In past blogs, I’ve attempted to emphasize the importance that buyers place upon picturing themselves in a home, so it’s worth repeating since an abundance of individualistic touches can get in the way of that process. Sure, you may love the black and white stripped wallpaper in your dining room, but it’s worth remembering that when you’re ready to sell your home, removing those sorts of trendy dashes may be necessary.

Think of the home you’re selling as a blank slate that can be made into someone else’s dream property; therefore, in an effort to expedite things, take note of the latest trends which may turn off potential homebuyers.

WALLPAPER: While bold, graphic patterns are increasingly becoming the latest interior design trend, wallpaper is certainly subject to personal taste, which means buyers may view its removal as frustrating and time consuming. To make things a bit more buyer-friendly, consider replacing wallpaper with a neutral paint color.

BOLDLY PAINTED WALLS: Boldly painted walls are another trend commonly used by decorators, but the reality is that most people prefer walls to come in more neutral tones. Luckily, repainting is cheap and generally easy to complete on your own; however, many buyers may not want to bother with the extra work. If you can see yourself selling in the near future, consider decorating with more appeasing tones and add pops of color through your decorations.

GLEAMING GOLD: While mixing silver and gold may seem like the “thing to do,” too much gold can give your home an outdated feel. For the most part, replacing things like faucets and door handles is relatively inexpensive, so try opting for a more appealing finishes such as brushed nickel or brass.

CARPETS: Many designers love to add soft carpets that bring texture and warmth into a room; however, the majority of today’s buyers prefer hardwood floors since the assumption is that carpets trap undesirable odors, dirt, and germs. If you find a buyer who particularly loves carpet, it’s much easier for them to have it installed on their own than it is for them to spend their time removing your carpeting to expose the hardwoods underneath.

POOLS AND HOT TUBS: Yes, a pool may seem like an extremely lavish addition, but having one truly narrows the number of buyers who will be interested in your property. Generally speaking, pools can be expensive to maintain and represent potential safety hazards for families with small children. Furthermore, it’s important to note that these same sentiments may also extend to hot tubs since they can been seen as somewhat unsanitary and difficult to remove.

LAVISH LIGHT FIXTURES: Bringing light into your home is a great idea if you’re looking to appeal to a wide array of buyers, but it’s important to remain somewhat prudent when eyeing an extremely modern or ornate light fixture. Instead of installing a showpiece that will steal the spotlight from your space, try to remember that the purpose of beautiful lighting is to enhance your home, not detract from it.

CONCLUSION

If you’re looking to sell your home in the near future but know that it may need a few adjustments, consider seeking the advice of a knowledgeable Realtor who can help you make the most cost-effective decisions based upon your particular area.

Making sure your property is market-ready doesn’t have to break the bank, so feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience. I’d love to help you along the way.

Pam Evans | Hello Pam Evans Real Estate | www.HelloPamEvans.com | 678-778-6551

DGE