In an ideal world, when you are selling a home in Knoxville after living there for several years, you would expect—or hope—that the value has increased, allowing you to walk away with a healthy profit. That is typically how real estate should work. However, the unfortunate reality is that many homeowners end up inadvertently devaluing their homes because they are working on the assumption that all renovation work adds value. This is true of certain projects such as a kitchen remodel, garage addition, or new windows, but some home improvements may actually lower the value of the property or make it sit on the market for longer when it comes to selling a home in Knoxville.

Let's explore some of the so-called improvements that could lower the value of your home.

Complex Landscaping

Improving your property's curb appeal is always recommended when selling a home in Knoxville. However, it is important to consider that if you opt for complex landscaping such as planting trees, building flower beds, and adding hardscape, this looks beautiful, but these tasks are expensive and won't add much value to your home. It can also be offputting to potential buyers who see a garden they will need to put time, money, and effort into maintaining. In terms of giving your curb appeal a boost, it is sufficient to make sure the lawn is mown, weeds are pulled, and the path or driveway is power-washed. If you feel like a pop of color is needed, consider using pots or hanging baskets instead of landscaping in more permanent flower beds.

Swimming Pools

A swimming pool can be a value add when selling a home in Knoxville, but it can also devalue your home depending on the circumstances. The average residential swimming pool costs $45,280, and that's before you factor in the ongoing maintenance, landscaping, insurance, chemicals, and electricity costs. Some buyers may see a pool as a liability rather than an added amenity. Before you decide to add a pool to your property, this is something that you might want to consider. A pool can add value in the right circumstances, so have a look to see how many homes in your neighborhood have their own pool to get a better idea if it is an expected amenity in your area.

Wall to Wall Carpet

Did you know that 54% of buyers will pay more for a home with hardwood floors? Hardwood is preferred over carpeting, including the fact that carpets are easily stained, don't hide damage well, and harbor a lot of dirt and dust. This is bad news for people with allergies and respiratory problems, so seeing a home that is carpeted throughout is a big turn-off for them. Carpets can also cause problems in terms of color and texture. If you are selling a home in Knoxville and have carpets, it is best to choose a neutral option that will suit the majority of buyers and, if possible, choose alternative flooring in the main living spaces like the kitchen, lounge, and dining room.

Bedroom to Office Conversions

With the increasing popularity of remote working, a home office can be a big selling point when selling a home in Knoxville, but not if it comes at the expense of losing one of the bedrooms. It is better not to make this type of conversion permanent by removing closets and adding built-in desks and bookshelves. Losing a bedroom can reduce the value of your home by 10% or more, so it is better to add a free-standing desk instead. Then, when you are selling a home in Knoxville at a later date, you can stage the room as a bedroom with a desk to show that it can function as both a bedroom and a home office, depending on the buyer's needs.

Adding a Sunroom

The idea of a sunroom is a nice one. Who doesn't like the idea of enjoying a morning coffee in a beautiful sunroom or relaxing with a glass of wine as the sun sets in the evening? However, statistics show that sunrooms are the home renovation projects with the lowest return on investment. Buyers may enjoy that you have a sunroom, but it likely isn't on their 'must-have' list, and it probably won't increase the price they are willing to pay.

In conclusion, when selling a home in Knoxville, it's essential to consider the types of home improvements you undertake carefully. While certain renovations like a kitchen remodel or adding new windows can indeed boost your home's value, other projects may have the opposite effect. Complex landscaping, swimming pools, wall-to-wall carpeting, bedroom to office conversions, and sunrooms can potentially deter buyers and lower your home's market value. The key is to focus on improvements that enhance appeal without overwhelming potential buyers with maintenance or removing desirable features like bedrooms. By making thoughtful, strategic upgrades, you can ensure your home attracts buyers and retains its value in the competitive Knoxville real estate market.

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