I’m a Real Estate Agent: 6 Home Features I Tell Buyers To Avoid
The typical home buyer spends most of their time deciding on the features they want instead of the ones they don’t want.
That’s understandable, because one of the joys of buying a house is finding all the cool stuff that can make it a dream home. But once you’ve ticked off your list of wants, it’s time to focus on stuff you’re better off not having around.
Here are six home features buyers should, according to real estate experts.
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Pricey Outdoor Entertaining Areas
It might sound nice to wander into a backyard featuring pools, outdoor kitchens and theaters — but many buyers eventually regret it, according to Cappy Hagman, Realtor and broker at Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston.
“They are very expensive to maintain and most people don’t end up getting the use out of them that they thought they would,” Hagman told MoneyLion. “On resale, very few people get back what they put into them and they can hurt an appraisal.”
Pot Fillers
Pot fillers are installed in the wall above the stove and let you pour water directly into pots without having to carry them from the sink.
“People think it’s a great idea to add one but they are expensive and can cause huge damage to your wall if they aren’t installed correctly,” Hagman explained. “Unless you’re filling a 10-quart stock pot every single day they are a waste of money.”
If something goes wrong during installation, you may have an expensive repair on your hands later. The cost to repair water damage to walls can cost anywhere from $400 to $2,700 or more, according to a blog from Luxuryhome.
All-Glass Shower Enclosures
All-glass showers have a certain elegance when they’re brand new. But the appeal quickly fades when it comes time to maintain them.
“[They’re] ridiculously hard to keep clean and soap scum and water streaks just ruin the vibe,” Hagman said. “It’s also surprising to find out how much you actually enjoy having some privacy.”
Beyond that, all-glass shower surrounds can be dangerous.
“I’ve had several clients slip, fall and come crashing out of the doors,” Hagman added. “Half-tile walls are [safer and] more practical.”
Aging Windows
Old windows that are in disrepair will likely require buyers to make “money sucking” improvements, according to a blog from Park City Real Estate.
“Not only does it signify an expensive need for window replacement. It also makes [buyers] begin to wonder if the home is energy efficient and if they would end up paying more in utility bills than necessary,” according to Park City.
The cost to replace windows can range from about $4,500 for small projects (eight to 10 windows) to $45,000 or more for large projects (18 or more windows), according to Pella, a manufacturer of windows and doors.
Trendy Colors and Decor
Hagman strongly recommends that buyers steer clear of “the latest trendy thing” when it comes time to purchase or decorate a home.
Trends can quickly change, which means you’ll either have to spend money on a makeover or face problems when it’s time to sell. It’s better to avoid them altogether.
“When the trend rolls on down the road — and it will — you won’t wake up one day hating that your house looks like a mausoleum and you don’t have $40,000 to fix it,” Hagman said.
Cheap Carpet Pads
If the home you’re buying has carpet, check the carpet pad below it to make sure it’s not the cheap kind.
Low-quality pads can “wreck the life of the carpet,” Hagman said. Ideally, you want a higher-priced option that extends the life of the carpet, thus saving money on having to replace the carpet.
An added bonus: High-end pads ”feel great” to walk on.
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This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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