When it comes to purchasing a home, potential buyers are becoming more particular about the aesthetics and functional design of the property. Outdated interior features can significantly reduce the number of home buyers interested in your property. These outdated features detract from the home’s appeal and leave buyers feeling uninspired or hesitant.
Today’s home buyers prefer move-in-ready properties to those that require costly renovations and time-consuming upgrades. In today’s market, where contemporary design and up-to-date amenities are desired, homes that fail to meet these expectations can linger on the market. As a result, it is critical for sellers to address these concerns in order to increase the property’s appeal and marketability and ensure that they get the most value for their investment.
Addressing outdated interior features can be time-consuming and expensive, depending on the type and size of the project. Rather than starting right before you put your property on the market, start several months in advance to ensure you have enough time to plan and complete your projects. This way, you can avoid the stress of last-minute repairs and ensure that you are market-ready when the time comes.
Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings were popular in the mid-twentieth century. This textured ceiling style, which was popular from the 1950s to the 1980s, was not only attractive but also practical due to acoustic insulation between floors, the ability to conceal ceiling imperfections, and its low cost of application.
Buyers today prefer smooth, untextured ceiling surfaces, so popcorn ceilings are unappealing to prospective home buyers. They dislike the appearance of popcorn ceilings and are concerned about the potential cost of removing the popcorn texture.
Consider removing the popcorn texture from your ceilings before listing your home for sale. You can either do this yourself or hire a professional. The first step in removing popcorn ceilings is to test for asbestos, which was a common ingredient in ceilings installed prior to 1980. If asbestos is present, you must use special safety equipment to reduce health risks while completing the project.
Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Most potential home buyers are turned off by wall-to-wall carpeting, especially if it is stained, torn, or of an unappealing color. While good-quality carpet is still acceptable in bedrooms, most home buyers prefer a more durable flooring option. Hardwood is unquestionably the most popular because of its natural color and texture, but other options, such as tile or luxury vinyl, are also popular. Durable floor options are especially valued in main living spaces such as living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens.
Replacing carpet throughout your home is an expensive proposition, and depending on your circumstances, it may not be worthwhile. If you do think that the benefits will outweigh the costs for your situation, consider just replacing the carpet with another option in only the most visible rooms of your home.
Sliding Barn Doors
Sliding barn doors, which were once a trendy design feature, are a turn-off for many potential home buyers. Sliding barn doors were once celebrated for their space-saving design and rustic aesthetic. They grew in popularity and were used by every home flipper and countless influencers, losing their unique appeal. With their widespread use, their functional shortcomings became apparent. These doors do not seal as tightly as other types of doors, making them unsuitable for bathrooms and bedrooms where privacy is essential.
To update the style and functionality of the areas with sliding barn doors, consider replacing the most problematic spaces with traditional hinged or pocket doors. This will be particularly beneficial for bedrooms and bathrooms.
Dated Wallpaper
It may be time to replace that dated bathroom wallpaper that was so trendy in 1990. For prospective homeowners, outdated wallpaper can be a problem since it gives the entire house an outdated vibe and can be intimidating if they think about having to remove it themselves.
Depending on the area and the time and money it will cost to remove it, it might be best to remove the wallpaper before listing your home. Smooth, clean, and freshly painted walls will reassure potential buyers that there is nothing lurking behind the dated wallpaper. Or, if the dated wallpaper is in a small room, consider removing the old wallpaper and replacing it with an easy to apply wallpaper that is fresh and modern.
Archaic Technology
A home outfitted with the latest and greatest technology gadgets from the 1980s will be a major turnoff to prospective buyers. Homes with outdated technology, such as old thermostat systems, insufficient electrical outlets, and built-in sound systems with all of the wires visible, will appear overwhelming to buyers accustomed to smart technology.
It is better to either replace the outdated technology with new systems or in some cases, just remove the system altogether. Replacing the systems will show the buyer that you care about the details of the house and reassure them that the house can handle the new systems. If you do not want to replace certain systems that are not critical to the house’s operation, such as sound systems, it is better to remove them than leave them for the new buyers to handle.
Tile Countertops
Tile countertops were popular in the 1980s and have recently made a comeback in kitchen design. Even though they have a certain retro charm, there is a reason why this kitchen countertop lost its appeal in the first place. Tile countertops have grout lines, which can be difficult to keep clean. Dirt and grime naturally find their way into the cleavages, resulting in less sanitary and visually appealing surfaces.
Consider replacing the tile countertops to entice more home buyers. For the most widespread appeal, choose modern materials such as quartz, granite with a light color and tight grain pattern, or marble. If replacing the tile countertops is not an option, thoroughly clean the surfaces to present a clean and tidy countertop surface to potential buyers.
Dated Light Fixtures
Depending on their style, outdated light fixtures can make your entire home appear out of date. Unless your home has cool, retro lighting that has come back in style, you may want to consider replacing some of the most visible light fixtures.
When replacing lighting, keep in mind the areas that will have the greatest impact. Common living areas will be the most visible, so think about a new dining room chandelier, kitchen island pendant lights, and powder room wall sconces. You can replace these lights to update the appearance of your home without replacing all of the light fixtures. Choose lights that complement the common metal color and style of your home, so that your new fixtures blend in with the existing colors and fixtures.
Dark Kitchen Cabinets
Dark wood kitchen cabinets are a kitchen cabinet style that is regaining popularity, but they remain a deterrent to modern home buyers. This is because the dark wooden cabinets of the past were not the same as those of today. They have heavy molding and outdated cabinet doors, as opposed to the sleek, flat cabinet fronts that are common in contemporary dark wood kitchens today.
Most home sellers are unlikely to find it time or cost effective to renovate their entire kitchen. Instead of remodeling your entire kitchen, simply paint the cabinets to brighten the space. To appeal to the most potential home buyers, choose a light but warm neutral such as off-white, beige, or greige. Adding modern hardware will complete the updated look.
Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding glass doors are an effective way to visually and practically connect your indoor and outdoor spaces. However, sliding glass doors, particularly older door designs, are regarded as outdated and problematic. They pose potential security risks and do not provide optimal insulation, which can result in higher energy costs. Additionally, the hardware can deteriorate and cause difficulty when opening and closing them.
It is best to replace old sliding glass doors with modern sliding door designs or even classic French doors. This will modernize and elevate the appearance of the room, while also providing buyers with a more secure and functional door design. If replacing the door is not an option, make sure to replace any hardware features or elements that are preventing the door from working properly.
Old Appliances
Old appliances, particularly in the kitchen, deter potential home buyers because they are difficult and expensive to replace. They are also unattractive; due to the popularity of cooking shows and food influencers, buyers have a higher expectation of an appealing kitchen.
To address this issue comprehensively, consider replacing outdated appliances before putting your home on the market. If replacing all of the appliances before listing the home is not possible, consider including an allowance that allows buyers to purchase their own after the sale is completed, or service all of your appliances to ensure they are in the best possible condition when you sell.
