Are you looking to increase the value of your St. Louis home by updating it prior to selling?  While there is always room for improvement, be aware that some upgrades don’t ensure a healthy return. We have compiled a list of updates that may seem like a good idea, but in actuality can be a wasted investment.

Adding a Pool

A swimming pool may seem like a huge selling point for your home, but the investment will not match the return. You may also turn off potential buyers who don’t want to deal with the upkeep that a pool requires. In-ground and above-ground pools are expensive and require time and money to maintain and insure. Additionally, they’re a safety concern for those with small children so in the end, this may be a hindrance as opposed to an asset when it comes to selling.

Murals and Wallpaper

Decorating your home shows your personal taste, and wallpaper and murals may add to the ambiance you’re going for. However, in the buyer's mind, wallpaper and murals look like a lot of work to remove or paint over so it matches their style. When selling, avoid personalizing too much and keep the walls neutral to attract more buyers.

Specialty Built-ins

While built-in shelving is a definite selling point, items such as a built-in fish tank, hot tub, or atrium can be looked at as a negative by people viewing your home. What may seem as a selling point to you may also seem an obstacle to someone else, and a potential buyer may not want to take over the maintenance these items require.

Sacrificing a Bedroom

Creating a new spacious bedroom by sacrificing another isn’t a good idea when trying to increase the value of your home.  While having a spacious master bedroom is a selling point, there is more value in a four-bedroom home than a three-bedroom home. The same goes for renovating a bedroom into a home office – you’ll decrease the number of families that are willing to view your home if the listing shows two bedrooms and an office as opposed to three bedrooms. 

Adding an Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen can be a great selling point, however, you will probably not recoup what you spent. In order to create an outdoor kitchen, you’ll need to add a gas line, water line, as well as appliances, all of which will be very costly. A more simple upgrade, such as a built-in BBQ, is much more cost effective. 

Renovations in any home are a costly investment. When selling your St. Louis home, it’s important to determine which upgrades are for your personal enjoyment and which will appeal to a number of buyers’ needs. Make sure you keep your renovating consistent – if your master bathroom is updated, don’t have your guest bathroom be too outdated. Spend your money wisely and you’ll see a great return. What renovations have you done prior to selling? Share your experience with us.