As a real estate agent, you’ve likely encountered clients who’ve been dazzled by certain home features, only to find that those same features aren’t as great as they imagined. While it can be tempting to sell a trendy or flashy feature, it’s just as important to guide buyers toward decisions that will boost long-term satisfaction and value. Here’s a breakdown of five overrated home features that often lead to buyer’s regret, paired with practical alternatives worth considering.
1. Over-the-Top Luxury Bathrooms
There’s something undeniably appealing about a gleaming, spa-like bathroom with massive soaking tubs, rainfall showers, and high-end finishes. But while these features photograph well and feel indulgent, they often come with hidden downsides, including high maintenance and increased utility costs. Large bathtubs, in particular, can become underutilized fixtures – a statement piece rather than a functional addition.
What to Look for Instead:
Encourage your buyers to focus on practical, well-designed bathrooms with easy-to-clean materials and storage solutions. Features like double vanities or a spacious, walk-in shower are often more functional investments than trendy luxury touches.
2. Open-Concept Spaces
Open floor plans are a buzzword buyers love to hear. While they can create larger, brighter spaces, many homeowners eventually discover they miss the privacy and sound control of traditional layouts. Having a kitchen that flows directly into a living room may look appealing on a tour, but could lead to noise issues, messy appearances, and a lack of defined spaces for activities.
What to Look for Instead:
Rather than emphasizing all open spaces, suggest homes with a good balance. Partially open designs or strategically defined areas with sliding doors or arches give buyers the versatility and privacy they may need as circumstances (and households) evolve.
3. Elaborate Landscaping on Small Lots
Beautifully landscaped yards with water features, expensive plants, and custom lighting can seem like a dream to buyers. The reality? High-maintenance landscaping can quickly outweigh its curb appeal, especially on smaller lots. Buyers may struggle with ongoing upkeep or feel that the elaborate yard makes the space look cramped.
What to Look for Instead:
Point your clients toward outdoor spaces that prioritize functionality. Low-maintenance landscaping using native plants or simple hardscape features, such as a patio or deck for entertaining, often works better. These options allow buyers to enjoy their yard without constant maintenance headaches.
4. Dedicated Media Rooms
Media rooms were all the rage a few years ago, but their glamor is fading quickly. With changing preferences for flexible living spaces, many buyers find these single-use rooms unnecessary. A media room might sit unused, especially if the family prefers to gather in a living room or other multi-functional area for entertainment.
What to Look for Instead:
Recommend homes with multi-purpose spaces. Flex rooms or finished basements that can transform into a home office, playroom, or gym offer far more value and adaptability, catering to evolving lifestyles.
5. Trendy Kitchen Designs
From over-the-top backsplashes to unusable kitchen islands, trendy kitchens are often more about appearance than utility. Designs that prioritize “wow-factor” but fail to account for practical use, such as limited storage or awkward layouts, can frustrate homeowners over time.
What to Look for Instead:
Suggest buyers focus on kitchens that combine timeless style with functionality. Key features like ample counter space, durable materials, efficient layouts, and enough cabinets will always stand the test of time. Classic designs allow homeowners to tweak aesthetics without full renovations.
The Bigger Picture – Long-Term Value Over Short-Term Trends
Real estate, at its core, is both an emotionally charged and financially significant decision. Trends come and go, but what endures is a home’s functionality and ability to support a family’s needs over the years. By guiding your clients to think strategically about their purchases, you’re not just helping them find their dream home – you’re ensuring that they’ll love that dream years down the road.
When working with buyers, remind them that investment-friendly features, such as energy efficiency, quality construction, and adaptable spaces, offer far more value than fleeting design fads. Your role as a knowledgeable guide can make all the difference in helping clients avoid regret and secure a home that truly ticks all the right boxes – now and in the future.