Don’t pour money into renovations that won’t pay off. A Birmingham realtor shares the four home updates that sellers should skip—and the affordable alternatives that actually attract buyers.
If you’re preparing to put your house on the market, it’s natural to want to make it shine. But a top realtor cautions that not all upgrades increase your sale price—some can actually cost you money. Mimi Nolen of The Boehm Nolen Group in Birmingham, Alabama, has seen sellers make expensive mistakes, assuming every dollar spent on renovations adds directly to the sales price. “Real estate just doesn’t work that way,” she says.Southern Living Here’s where to cut back and where to invest for maximum impact.
Full-Gut Kitchen Renos
While a complete kitchen overhaul might be appealing if you plan to stay put for a decade, it’s a poor investment when selling. Nolen advises focusing on minor updates instead: “Painting the cabinets, installing new hardware, and adding good lighting can deliver a lot of impact for a fraction of the cost.” These small changes refresh the space without the massive price tag of a full renovation.
Outdoor Overhauls
Elaborate landscaping, outdoor kitchens, and water features are expensive additions that rarely recoup their cost. “Big, elaborate gardens, outdoor kitchens, or water features—things like that that are really pricey,” Nolen says. Instead, focus on neat hedges, fresh sod, and a thorough pressure wash to boost curb appeal affordably.
Bold Design Choices
Personalized touches like dramatic tile or statement wallpaper may reflect your taste, but they can alienate buyers. “Clean, bright, and well-maintained” is the universal appeal, Nolen advises. Stick to neutral, timeless finishes that allow buyers to envision themselves in the space.
A Brand New Roof
You don’t need to replace a roof that’s still in good condition. “If you’ve got, you know, five or ten years left on your roof with no leaks, you should be okay there,” Nolen explains. Only replace a leaking roof; otherwise, let the next owner handle it.
Ultimately, buyers make an emotional decision within minutes of walking into a home. “At the end of the day, buyers walk into homes and make an emotional decision about your house, truly within minutes,” Nolen says. “And small cosmetic improvements have a bigger impact than major construction.” Focus on the details that spark that immediate connection.
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