8 Outdated Home Trends to Ditch Before Selling in 2024
As we enter a new year, it's essential to stay on top of the latest home trends to ensure your property stands out in the market. However, some trends that were once popular have now become outdated and can actually deter potential buyers. In this article, we'll explore eight outdated home trends that you should consider ditching before selling your home in 2024.
Jacuzzi Tubs: A Luxury of the Past
Jacuzzi tubs were once a symbol of luxury, but they've fallen out of favor with modern buyers. With their large size and impracticality for those who prefer showers, it's time to consider removing your Jacuzzi tub and opting for a more modern shower design.
Linoleum Floors: A Thing of the Past
Linoleum floors were once a popular choice for homeowners, but they're now widely considered an outdated trend. With a staggering 88% of buyers expressing no interest in this flooring option, it's clear that it's time to upgrade to hardwood, tile, or laminate flooring.
Outdated Appliances: A Major Turn-Off
While vintage aesthetics are enjoying a comeback in some areas, outdated appliances are a major turn-off for modern buyers. With 31% of buyers refusing to make an offer on a home with outdated appliances, it's essential to invest in new, modern appliances to improve the look and functionality of your kitchen.
Tile Countertops: A Trend of the 90s
Tile countertops were once a popular option in the 90s and early 2000s, but they've significantly fallen out of favor. With 85% of buyers no longer interested in this style, it's time to consider alternative options like granite, quartz, marble, or soapstone.
Closed-Off Floor Plans: A Thing of the Past
Open-concept floor plans have dominated the housing market for several years, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. With 83% of buyers citing a spacious and interconnected living area as a top priority, it's essential to consider knocking down walls to create a more open and airy feel.
Bold and Bright Colors: A Trend of the Past
Bold and bright accent walls and wallpaper were once popular design choices, but tastes have shifted towards more neutral and sophisticated aesthetics. With 69% of buyers indicating that they're not interested in brightly painted accent walls and 61% not interested in wallpapered rooms, it's time to opt for neutral-painted walls that appeal to a larger pool of buyers.
Dog Wash Stations: A Luxury Not Worth the Investment
While pet-friendly homes are in demand, dedicated dog wash stations within the house are not a universally desired feature. With 58% of buyers expressing no interest in this addition, it's essential to consider converting the space into a mudroom or extra storage.
Popcorn Ceilings:
A Textured Finish to Avoid Popcorn ceilings were once a common construction element, but they're now considered outdated and can even contain asbestos. With 40% of buyers refusing to make an offer on a home with a popcorn ceiling, it's essential to remove this textured finish to broaden your buyer pool.
By ditching these outdated home trends, you can increase your chances of selling your home quickly and for the best price. Remember to stay on top of the latest trends and make informed decisions about necessary updates to ensure your property stands out in the market.
Luxury Homebuyers' Must-Have Features and Biggest Turnoffs
A recent survey commissioned by Redfin reveals the biggest must-have home features for luxury homebuyers, as well as the biggest turnoffs. The survey, which was conducted by Qualtrics in April-May 2024, polled roughly 300 Redfin Premier agents.
Must-Have Features for Luxury Homebuyers
According to the survey, the top must-have features for luxury homebuyers include:
Double vanities: 86% of luxury homebuyers rank double vanities as a must-have when searching for a home.
Kitchen islands: 74% of luxury homebuyers consider kitchen islands a must-have feature.
High-end appliances: 67% of luxury homebuyers rank high-end appliances as a must-have feature.
Biggest Turnoffs for Luxury Homebuyers
The survey also revealed the biggest turnoffs for luxury homebuyers, including:
Outdated kitchens: 54% of agents reported that an outdated kitchen is a very common reason for a buyer to decide not to make an offer.
Outdated bathrooms: 44% of agents reported that an outdated bathroom is a very common reason for a buyer to decide not to make an offer.
Lack of curb appeal: 48% of agents reported that a lack of curb appeal is a very common reason for a buyer to decide not to make an offer.
Additional Insights from the Redfin Premier Agent Survey
Agents were asked: How common is it for luxury buyers to ask for each of the following bathroom amenities?
Bidet: 4% of agents reported that luxury buyers are very likely to ask for a bidet, while 31% reported that they are somewhat likely to ask for this feature.
Integrated sound system: 14% of agents reported that luxury buyers are very likely to ask for an integrated sound system, while 45% reported that they are somewhat likely to ask for this feature.
Steam shower: 8% of agents reported that luxury buyers are very likely to ask for a steam shower, while 50% reported that they are somewhat likely to ask for this feature.
Heated floors: 17% of agents reported that luxury buyers are very likely to ask for heated floors, while 44% reported that they are somewhat likely to ask for this feature.
Agents were also asked: How common is it that a buyer decides not to make an offer after encountering the following features in a home they tour?
Outdated kitchen: 54% of agents reported that an outdated kitchen is a very common reason for a buyer to decide not to make an offer.
Outdated bathroom: 44% of agents reported that an outdated bathroom is a very common reason for a buyer to decide not to make an offer.
Lack of curb appeal: 48% of agents reported that a lack of curb appeal is a very common reason for a buyer to decide not to make an offer.
Overly textured walls: 31% of agents reported that overly textured walls are a very common reason for a buyer to decide not to make an offer.
Methodology
This survey was commissioned by Redfin, the technology-powered real estate brokerage. Roughly 300 Redfin Premier agents responded to the survey, which Qualtrics conducted in April-May 2024.
The relevant questions were:
How common is it that a buyer decides not to make an offer after encountering the following features in a home they tour?
How desirable are each of these home trends for buyers?
How common is it for luxury buyers to ask for each of the following bathroom amenities?
Disclaimer
Individual results may vary. This is not intended as a substitute for the services of a licensed real estate agent, or licensed and bonded home services professional or appraiser.
Citations:
https://www.kiplinger.com/real-estate/luxury-homes-high-end-amenities-rich-buyers
https://nowbam.com/design-trends-luxury-homebuyers-love-and-loathe-in-2024/
https://www.redfin.com/blog/outdated-home-trends-in-2024/
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/luxury-homebuyers-want-double-vanities-123000347.html
https://themortgagepoint.com/2024/07/02/luxury-homebuyers-reveal-their-most-sought-after-amenities/
https://www.redfin.com/news/real-estate-commissions-survey-2024/
https://www.redfin.com/news/homebuying-tradeoffs-safety-survey-2024/
https://www.redfin.com/blog/outdated-home-trends-in-2024/