10/06/2026
After 26 years in real estate, you start noticing which home upgrades buyers appreciate and which ones can quietly make a property harder to sell.
If resale matters, these are 10 things I would think twice about doing in my own home:
1. Choosing highly personal paint colours. Deep reds, black walls, and bright colours can narrow the appeal. I would keep the main spaces neutral, bright, and easy for buyers to imagine as their own.
2. Converting the garage. Extra living space can sound appealing, but many buyers still value parking and storage. I would keep the garage functional and improve the organization instead.
3. Spending too much on landscaping. Elaborate landscaping can become another maintenance job for the next owner. Clean, simple curb appeal usually has broader appeal.
4. Installing appliances far above the neighbourhood standard. Expensive appliances do not automatically create the same increase in resale value. I would choose quality, energy efficient options that fit the home.
5. Removing too many walls. Open layouts can work, but buyers also value privacy and flexible rooms. Sometimes a wider opening gives you the openness without losing the function.
6. Bold kitchen trends. They can date quickly. Instead, choose timeless cabinets and neutral finishes.
7. Trendy flooring everywhere. Styles change. Instead, use durable hardwood or neutral LVP.
8. DIY bathrooms. Poor workmanship can hurt value. Instead, hire a professional for kitchens and bathrooms.
9. Adding a pool in a mid priced area. Some buyers see maintenance, not value. Instead, consider a patio, fire pit, or pergola.
10. Ignoring maintenance. Buyers care about the roof, HVAC, windows, plumbing, and other major systems. Keep them updated.
The most exciting upgrade is not always the smartest one. I would focus on choices that are functional, timeless, and appropriate for the neighbourhood.
Save this before starting your next home project.
