7 Ways People Wind Up Destroying The Value Of Their Homes, According To Realtors

January 24, 2026

Every homeowner wants their property to appreciate, but many unintentionally make choices that chip away at long-term equity. Realtors say it’s often not the big, dramatic mistakes that hurt the most. It’s the slow, subtle decisions that quietly erode home value over time. From DIY projects gone wrong to neglected maintenance, these seven issues can scare off buyers and shrink your resale price faster than you’d expect.

1. Ignoring Routine Maintenance

Realtors consistently say that deferred maintenance is one of the biggest killers of home value. Small issues like peeling caulk, minor leaks, or cracked siding may seem harmless, but they signal neglect to potential buyers. Once buyers assume the home hasn’t been cared for, they start mentally subtracting thousands from their offer. Even worse, small problems often snowball into major repairs when left unaddressed. Staying on top of routine maintenance is one of the simplest ways to protect the value of your home.

2. Overpersonalizing Renovations

Your home should reflect your personality, but realtors warn that overly customized upgrades can backfire. Bold paint colors, unusual tile choices, or quirky built-ins may appeal to you, but turn off the average buyer. When buyers see features they’ll need to undo, they factor the cost of reversing them into their offer. This can drag down the value of your home, even if the renovation itself was expensive. Choosing timeless, neutral designs keeps your home appealing to the widest audience.

3. Removing Essential Features

Some homeowners remove closets, bathtubs, or bedrooms to create open spaces or expand other rooms. While the change may feel more functional for daily living, it often reduces the home’s official utility and marketability. Realtors say removing a bedroom is one of the fastest ways to tank home value, especially in competitive markets. Buyers rely on bedroom and bathroom counts when comparing listings, and losing one puts your home at a disadvantage. Before removing any major feature, consider how it affects your home’s classification and resale potential.

4. Neglecting Curb Appeal

First impressions matter, and the exterior sets the tone for the entire showing. Realtors say buyers often decide how they feel about a home before they even step inside. Overgrown landscaping, peeling paint, and dirty siding send a message that the property hasn’t been cared for. Simple improvements like trimming shrubs, pressure-washing, and refreshing paint can dramatically boost appeal.

5. Poorly Done DIY Projects

DIY projects can save money, but only when they’re done correctly. Realtors frequently encounter uneven flooring, crooked tile, and amateur electrical work that instantly raise red flags. Buyers worry about what they can’t see when the visible work looks sloppy, which lowers trust and home value. Even small imperfections can make buyers assume the entire home has hidden issues. When in doubt, hiring a professional protects both safety and resale potential.

6. Converting the Garage

Many homeowners convert garages into gyms, offices, or extra living space, but realtors say this often backfires. Buyers almost always prefer a functional garage for parking, storage, and weather protection. Losing that space can significantly reduce the value of your home, especially in areas with harsh winters or limited street parking. Even if the conversion is well done, buyers may view it as an inconvenience rather than an upgrade. If you need extra space, consider temporary or reversible solutions instead.

7. Ignoring Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency has become a major selling point, and buyers now expect homes to have reasonable insulation, modern windows, and efficient HVAC systems. When a home is drafty or expensive to heat and cool, buyers immediately start calculating future costs. Realtors say outdated systems can drag down home value because buyers anticipate big upgrades shortly after moving in. Even simple improvements like sealing gaps or adding attic insulation can make a noticeable difference. Investing in efficiency pays off both in comfort and resale appeal.

Protecting Your Investment Starts With Smart Choices

Realtors agree that maintaining home value isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency, awareness, and avoiding decisions that limit your future options. Small improvements, thoughtful upgrades, and regular maintenance go a long way toward preserving your equity. When you treat your home like a long-term investment rather than a short-term project, you make choices that benefit both your lifestyle and your wallet. Buyers notice when a home has been cared for, and they reward that care with stronger offers.

Have you ever made a home improvement decision you later regretted? Share your story in the comments.