12 Years in Real Estate: The 6 Biggest Regrets I’ve Seen Homeowners Make

Your home is likely your biggest asset. 

Don't let a renovation mistake turn into a resale nightmare.

In my dozen years working in real estate, I’ve walked through thousands of homes. I’ve seen the breathtakingly beautiful renovations, the clever pivots, and the absolute disasters.

Most homeowners undertake projects with the best intentions. They want to improve their quality of life and, hopefully, add value to their property. But there is often a massive disconnect between what a homeowner personally loves and what the general market is willing to pay for.

Passion projects are great until it’s time to sell. That’s when I usually get the call, walk through the property, and have to deliver tough news: that expensive upgrade they love actually hurt their home's value.

If you are planning renovations with an eye toward future resale, learn from the mistakes of others. Based on over a decade of observations in the market, here are the six upgrades homeowners regret most when it’s time to sell.

1. Converting the garage into living space

When you need an extra bedroom, den, or playroom, walling off the garage seems like the cheapest way to gain significant square footage without the hassle of building an addition.

  • The Reality: In most suburban markets, buyers prioritize protected parking and storage over a generic extra room. You might gain living space, but you lose utility. For many buyers, the lack of a functional garage is an immediate dealbreaker, devaluing the home compared to neighbors who kept theirs intact.

2. Installing an expensive swimming pool

It’s easy to romanticize the idea of a backyard oasis—summer parties, relaxing weekends, and happy kids. In your mind, it adds luxury.

  • The Reality: In a buyer’s mind, a pool is often viewed as a huge safety liability and a massive monthly maintenance bill. Unless you live in a specific luxury climate or neighborhood where pools are practically mandatory, you will rarely recoup the significant cost of installation when you sell.

3. Splurging on cosmetics while ignoring vital systems

It is incredibly tempting to blow your budget on stunning marble countertops, high-end appliances, and spa-like bathroom tiles while ignoring an aging roof or a 20-year-old HVAC system.

  • The Reality: Buyers fall in love with kitchens, but they buy based on inspections. They will quickly look past the pretty aesthetics if the inspection report reveals they need to spend $15,000 on fundamental repairs immediately after closing. Smart buyers always prioritize "bones" over beauty.

4. Leasing solar panels

Going green is fantastic, and lowering utility bills is smart. But the financial structure of how you acquire solar matters immensely.

  • The Reality: Entering into a long-term lease agreement—rather than buying the panels outright—can significantly complicate a sale. Many buyers do not want to take over your existing lease payments or deal with another credit check during escrow. If the buyer doesn't qualify for the lease transfer, it can derail the entire sale.

5. Excessive or exotic DIY landscaping

Planting an elaborate, exotic garden may look beautiful to a dedicated horticulture enthusiast. You might see a sanctuary that you poured weekends into creating.

  • The Reality: Most buyers see "high maintenance." Elaborate landscaping can scare off the average buyer who sees weekends full of expensive upkeep and hard labor rather than relaxation. "Curb appeal" should generally mean neat, tidy, and low-stress.

6. Going too dark or bold with paint and wallpaper

Deep reds, charcoal blacks, or intense, patterned wallpaper might fit your specific decor vibe perfectly right now.

  • The Reality: While paint is technically an easy fix, buyer psychology is tricky. Buyers often overestimate the effort required to prime and paint over dark colors or remove wallpaper. It makes the home feel like an immediate "project" before they even move in, and many can't visualize their own furniture in such highly stylized spaces.

The Takeaway

Your home is a sanctuary, but it is also an investment. Before swinging a hammer or signing a contract for a major upgrade, pause and ask yourself: Is this for me, or is this for the house's value? If it's just for you, enjoy it—but don't expect a dollar-for-dollar return later.

If you are considering updates and want to know what actually moves the needle in our current market, give me a call before you start. Let's make sure your investment pays off. 

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