Uncovered: Worst Home Improvements for Homeowners

   Although you may not be currently contemplating selling your current home, every repair or improvement or upgrade that you perform will have an impact on the saleability of your home. By all means, you need to consider your style and desires when making an upgrade, but in the back of every homeowners head is the thought...will this increase the value of my home? Will this help me sell my home later on? It may not even be a conscious thought, but I promise you it is more than likely there. And the reason that it's there is that your home is an investment! Most responsible investors consider the effects certain actions will have on their investment. So, with that in mind, I'd like to share with you a few of the worst home improvements that you, as a homeowner, can make. Here we go!

Worst Home Improvements for Sellers (or Future Sellers)

1. Pools

          While pools are potentially attractive to you and your family, overall they are a HUGE turn off            for buyers in Central Kentucky. The initial investment is quite substantial with potentially                    reaching over $20,000 and it can be a real stumbling block for buyers due to the cost of                        maintenance and insurance. Plus, here in Kentucky the season of use would be incredibly                    limited. The trade off isn't worth it to the majority of buyers.

      2.  Master Suite Addition

           As far as return on investment goes (ROI), there are certain improvements are that desirable                 in a master bedroom, as well as some that are far less. Walk-in closets are always in style.                   Buyers are always looking for great storage space. But, on the flip side, huge master                             bathrooms with whirlpool tubs are far less desired. They are expensive and are seen as a                       waste of space. 

   

       3. Window Replacement

            Now, let me explain. Of course new windows look great and typically provide greater                          efficiency, right? Sure! But, unless you are planning to stay in your home for around 10 years              post installation, then the ROI just isn't there. It's definitely a long-term payoff. So, proceed                  with caution. But, it is an improvement that will provide an immediate improvement in curb                appeal.

       4. Sunrooms

           Sunrooms are beautiful and add usable year-round space to your home. I love                                       them...because I love natural light and nature. But, with that being said, it is not a very wise                 investment. Your return is less than 50%. Experts suggest adding a deck that costs much less               and give you a better investment return.

        5. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

            Eeeww. Sure carpet can look nice...at first. But life certainly happens and it can end it                          showing signs of wear very quickly. It harbors allergens and germs. If you just love carpet, by              all means have it in your home, but don't install it with thoughts of increasing your home's                  value. Honestly, it will probably be removed after the close and replaced with hardwood                      which is cleaner and easier to maintain.

   So, there you are. While all of these items aren't "bad" or even "undesirable", it is good to keep these things in mind for the long term. Some folks choose what they like because they are living in the space...I respect that, especially if this is a long term stop for you. But, if you are thinking of selling sooner than later, definitely keep these things in mind as you remodel, upgrade, and renovate.

Until next time,
Melissa Hall, Realtor
Rector Hayden Realtors