Whether you’re thinking about listing your home, trying to increase its value for your own benefit, or you’re house hunting, think about the factors that will actually ruin your value. Read these 10 tips so you can avoid lowering your home’s value.

1. Your yard is dead (or overgrown).

There’s nothing that will turn a potential buyer away quicker than poor curb appeal. If the plants are dead (or the grass is overtaken by tall weeds), this is a red flag that other maintenance and upkeep may have been neglected.

2. You got soaked when you bought the swimming pool.

Buyers love a pool, especially in unbearably hot climates. However, if you splurge on a pool in areas with short summers, you’re not likely to get much (if any) of your investment back.

3. The 50s called, and Grandma wants her porcelain sink back.

No one wants to get themselves ready in Grandma’s bathroom. That pink tile and seashell shaped porcelain sink probably should be replaced and updated when you move in (or before you sell).

4. You added the steam sauna, didn’t you?

Fancy upgrades don’t always mean higher home values. Upgrading your home too much (or where it won’t matter) won’t always net you the best bang for your buck. Make those spendy splurges wisely. 

5. That red backsplash seemed like a good idea…at the time.

While a lot of buyers can look past minor color choices they don’t love, most aren’t going to feel right at home walking into a room that feels anything but relaxing. Be wary of the colors you’re using.

6. Your house still looks like the Brady Bunch lives there.

We’re looking at you, dingy wallpaper, old, threadbare carpeting, and dusty 70s curtains. Buyers are typically looking for move-in ready homes, not ones that need a major update.

7. You didn’t tackle those small repairs before selling.

An extensive to-do list is going to drive everyone but a handyman away, so make sure to tackle that to-do list before you try to sell. Better yet, if you can anticipate what the inspection report will suss out before your home hits that market, you’ll save even more money.

8. Get your neighbors under control.

When the houses next door are loud, run down, or look like hoarders may have taken over, this is definitely going to pose a problem for your home’s value. As a tip, find out from your local borough, municipality, or HOA how you can handle troublesome neighbors. Or maybe even ask if you can mow the lawn for them. 

9. You didn’t consider the location.

Location is everything! If you live in a bad school district, near the highway, or if your house is located near billboards, power lines or graveyards, buyers will definitely think twice! 

10. Foreclosure city was a bad idea.

Neighborhoods with lots of foreclosures make buyers wonder what’s wrong with the area (and are statistically going to pay less for your home).