RVA Home Seller’s Guide: Upgrades That Sell

Upgrades to Skip

• Converting an extra bedroom into a home office: While home offices are in high demand, converting a bedroom can actually decrease the value of your home. Buyers are looking for homes with more bedrooms, not fewer.

• Upscale deck or extensive landscaping: While a nice deck or patio can be a selling feature, going overboard with an expensive deck or extensive landscaping can be a waste of money. Buyers are more likely to be impressed by a well-maintained yard than an elaborate landscaping design.

• Swimming pools: Pools can be a major selling point in some climates, but they’re not a good investment in Richmond. Pools are expensive to maintain, and they can deter some buyers who don’t want the hassle.

• DIY project fails: If you’re not a skilled DIYer, it’s best to leave home improvement projects to the professionals. Poorly done DIY projects can actually detract from the value of your home.

• Sun room addition: Sun rooms can be a nice feature, but they’re not for everyone. They can be expensive to build and heat/cool, and they may not appeal to a wide range of buyers.

• Murals and wallpaper: Bold wallpaper and murals may reflect your taste, but they may not appeal to potential buyers. It’s best to stick with neutral paint colors when you’re selling your home.

• Back-up generator: A back-up generator can be a selling feature in some areas, but it’s not a necessity in Richmond. Most power outages in the area are short-lived.

• Converting a garage into a gym: Like converting a bedroom into a home office, converting a garage into a gym can decrease the value of your home. Buyers are looking for homes with garages for storage or parking.

• Personal and custom renovations: Custom renovations that reflect your personal taste may not appeal to a wide range of buyers. It’s best to stick with classic upgrades that will appeal to a majority of buyers.

• Sauna, steam showers, and heated floors and towel bars: These high-end features may seem luxurious, but they’re not essential for most buyers. They can also be expensive to install and maintain.

• Over-the-top tech: While smart home features can be a selling point, going overboard with expensive tech can be a waste of money. Buyers are more likely to be impressed by a well-maintained home than a home with all the latest gadgets.

• Wall-to-wall carpeting: Wall-to-wall carpeting is outdated and can be a turn-off for many buyers. Hardwood floors or tile are a better choice for most homes.

• Fireplace mantles: Unless your fireplace mantle is outdated or damaged, there’s no need to replace it. Most buyers don’t care about the style of the fireplace mantle.

• Taking away a bedroom: As mentioned earlier, buyers are looking for homes with more bedrooms, not fewer. Don’t take away a bedroom in an effort to create a larger living space.

• Building an outbuilding: An outbuilding can be a useful addition to your property, but it may not add much value to your home. If you’re considering building an outbuilding, be sure to weigh the costs and benefits carefully.

• Replacing the electrical system: Unless your electrical system is outdated or unsafe, there’s no need to replace it before selling your home. Most buyers won’t be concerned about the age of the electrical system.

• Installing new interior doors: Unless your interior doors are outdated or damaged, there’s no need to replace them before selling your home. Most buyers won’t be concerned about the style of the interior doors.

Focus on Improvements That Matter

Instead of wasting money on upgrades that won’t add value to your home, focus on improvements that will make your home more appealing to buyers. Some of the best upgrades for Richmond homes include