House with for sale sign in the yard

Giving your home a fresh look can be exciting, but some popular updates don’t help when it’s time to sell. What gets attention online isn’t always what buyers want. Before you start a big project, think about how others may see it later. Here are nine changes that could make your home harder to sell or lower the price you get.

Overly Bold Paint Colors

Woman painting an orange accent wall
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Bright shades and wild accent walls are fun now, but they can be a turnoff for buyers who want a blank canvas. It’s better to stick with neutral, timeless colors that make your space feel bigger and more inviting.

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Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

Carpet installer rolling out new carpeting
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Installing new carpet in every room may seem cozy, but most buyers prefer hardwood, laminate, or vinyl floors. Wall-to-wall carpeting is often seen as dated and harder to clean, which could make your home less appealing.

Removing Closets for More Space

Closet containing a capsule wardrobe
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Taking out a closet to expand a room or create an office might help your current setup, but storage space is a top priority for buyers. Missing closets mean less room for clothes, coats, or even cleaning supplies.

Extreme Themed Rooms

Child's themed bedroom
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A pirate-themed bedroom or sports cave might suit your taste, but over-the-top themes can be hard for others to imagine as their own. Keeping designs flexible lets future homeowners picture their own lives in the space.

Luxury Bathrooms with Too Many Custom Features

Fancy white bathroom
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A jetted tub or waterfall shower may sound luxurious, but complicated or pricey upgrades can scare off buyers. Most want easy-to-use fixtures and a look that feels sleek instead of specialized.

Converting Bedrooms Into Something Else

Spin class room in luxury gym
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Turning a bedroom into a gym or home theater often cuts into your home’s value. Most buyers look for the number of bedrooms first—and fewer bedrooms mean a smaller pool of interested shoppers.

High-Maintenance Landscaping

Landscaping crew laying down sod
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Fancy gardens and intricate hardscaping can be beautiful, but buyers often worry about the time and money needed to keep them up. Simple lawns and easy-care plants are usually a safer bet.

No-Bathtub Bathrooms

Empty public restroom
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Replacing all tubs with showers may sound modern, but families with kids often need a tub. Keeping at least one bathtub in the home appeals to a broader group of buyers.

Too Much Built-In Technology

Woman adjusting thermostat
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Smart home features are popular, but overloading a house with gadgets can actually turn off buyers. Tech moves fast, and what’s cool today might be outdated soon. Stick to basics and let new owners add upgrades they want.

Focusing on Timeless Over Trendy

Outside of house with a car in driveway and a pretty sky
Image Credit: Patryk_Kosmider via Deposit Photos.

Home improvements are best when they blend style with broad appeal. Trendy choices can make selling harder, while simple, timeless updates can add real value. Think about what future buyers need, and you’ll create a space that stands out—for all the right reasons.

10 Ways To Make Your Home Look Fabulous for Less

Blonde woman sitting on the floor painting a wall
Image Credit: Poznyakov via Deposit Photos.

Making your home look amazing doesn’t have to break the bank. Implementing some simple yet effective ideas, you can transform your space into a stylish haven without overspending. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or overhauling your entire home, there are plenty of ways to achieve a high-end look on a budget. These 10 tips will help you maximize style while minimizing costs. 10 Ways To Make Your Home Look Fabulous for Less