06/05/2026
Christie's International Real Estate Bluegrass
After 20 years in real estate, I’ve seen a lot of homeowners spend money in the wrong places before selling.
Here are 10 things I personally wouldn’t do to my own home if I was worried about resale value:
1. Go too bold with paint colors
-Dark black rooms, bright reds, trendy colors… they don’t appeal to most buyers. Neutral always wins.
2. Convert the garage into living space
-Most buyers still want parking and storage.
3. Overdo the landscaping
-You don’t need a resort-style yard. Clean, simple curb appeal goes a long way.
4. Overspend on appliances for the neighborhood
-Top-of-the-line doesn’t always mean top return.
5. Remove every wall for an “open concept”
-People still want functional spaces and a little separation.
6. Follow every kitchen trend
-Trends change fast. Timeless kitchens hold value longer.
7. Install overly trendy flooring
-Stick with durable, neutral flooring that works with everything.
8. DIY bathrooms and kitchens without experience
-These are the first places buyers notice poor workmanship.
9. Add a pool in certain price points
-In some neighborhoods, pools can actually limit buyers because of maintenance concerns.
10. Ignore maintenance while focusing only on cosmetics
-A buyer cares more about the roof, HVAC, windows, and big-ticket items than trendy decor.
At the end of the day, the best upgrades are usually the simple, functional, well-maintained ones.
If you’re thinking about updating your home and want to know what’s actually worth the investment in today’s market, let’s talk before you spend the money.
Matt Gerwin, Realtor
Christie's International Real Estate Bluegrass
(859) 621-1432
cirebg.com
