How NOT to De-Value Your Home

     When homeowners start thinking about selling, one of the first questions I often hear is:


"What should we do to get the house ready to sell?"
or
"We might sell in a couple of years—what projects should we start?"

Surprisingly, my answer is usually very simple:
Clean and declutter. That’s it.

     It may sound counterintuitive, but many of the projects homeowners believe will add value often don’t — and some may actually hurt your resale value. Let’s take a closer look at a few common mistakes sellers make:

Garage Conversions: A Common Pitfall

     Converting a garage into a living space or in-law suite rarely adds value to a home. In fact, it often does the opposite. While it may serve a personal need in the short term, most buyers want a functioning garage. Losing that space can turn away potential buyers and may require costly reconversion down the road.

Overpersonalization: Keep It Simple

     It’s great to make your home reflect your personality — while you live there. But if you're thinking about resale, avoid overly personalized décor. I once toured a home that had a full-blown cow theme — cow wallpaper, cow figurines, cow prints everywhere. The extreme theme actually detracted from the home's appeal. Remember: buyers want to envision their style in the space, not yours.

DIY Disasters: Hire the Pros

     Some homeowners tackle do-it-yourself projects with the best intentions — but poor workmanship can make things worse. I’ve seen everything from 2x4s used as baseboards to botched tile work that ultimately needed to be ripped out and redone professionally. Sloppy DIY jobs create more work (and cost) for future buyers, and that’s a red flag.

Luxury Upgrades: Think Twice Before You Splurge

     High-end upgrades may look gorgeous, but they often fail to yield a return on investment. I personally faced this temptation when selecting tile for a bathroom remodel. The tile I loved was $35 per square foot — before installation — and would have cost around $7,000 just for materials. Beautiful? Yes. Worth it for resale? Not at all. If you’re doing upgrades purely for your enjoyment, go for it. But don’t expect luxury finishes to translate into higher offers when you sell.

The Bottom Line:
     Before listing your home, focus on what really matters: clean, decluttered spaces that allow buyers to envision themselves living there. Avoid unnecessary projects that won’t increase your home’s value — and may even hurt it.

     When in doubt, reach out to a local expert (like me!). I’m always happy to walk through your home and help you make smart, simple decisions that get you the best return.