I’m a Real Estate Expert: 6 Bedroom Details That Will Turn Homebuyers Away
Written by
Heather Altamirano
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Details matter, especially when selling a home, and one of the main things potential buyers can be sticklers for is good bedrooms. There are some key features that can make or break a sale, and the wrong characteristic could instantly kill the deal.
“As a luxury real estate broker, I can tell you this: bedrooms sell more than sleep; they sell lifestyle,” said Yawar Charlie, director of estates at Christie’s International Real Estate of Southern California. “Buyers don’t just want four walls and a door; they want a space that feels aspirational, comfortable and move-in ready.”
Whether you’re getting your house ready to put on the market or curious what turns off buyers, here are six discouraging bedroom details, according to real estate experts.
Also see five luxury features only rich homebuyers look for.
Popcorn Ceilings: An Outdated Eyesore That Hurts Home Value
Popcorn ceilings are not attractive, are hard to clean and make a room look smaller. Additionally, a popcorn ceiling may indicate that your home contains asbestos, which was commonly used in homes built before 1980, posing a major health hazard and a turnoff for buyers. Removing a popcorn ceiling is labor-intensive, but worth it.
“Nothing says outdated faster than popcorn ceilings,” Charlie said. “Buyers don’t picture cozy nights in bed; they picture calling a contractor and cutting a check. It’s dusty, messy and a huge visual red flag.”
Poor Bedroom Lighting Can Kill the Mood — and the Sale
Lighting isn’t just about making sure you look good when you leave the house. It sets the entire mood.
“A bedroom that feels dark or gloomy instantly turns buyers off, no matter the size,” Charlie said. “People crave light, brightness and flexibility because no one wants to pay top dollar for a room that feels like a cave.”
Lauren Hurwitz, a licensed Realtor with Compass in Westchester County, New York, and owner and CEO of MediaHouse, agreed that bad lighting is a problem, but it can be quickly resolved.
“It’s a cheap and easy fix,” she said. “Go to the store and get a converter kit to make them into LED lights instead of old school high hats.”
Wall-to-Wall Carpet Turns Buyers Off — Here’s What To Do Instead
Carpets used to be a desired perk, but these days they’re a nuisance. Carpet is not pet- or kid-friendly and can be a horror depending on color and quality.
“Wall-to-wall carpet used to be a luxury statement, but now, it just makes buyers wonder what stains and allergens are hiding underneath,” Charlie said. “Hardwood or sleek engineered floors read clean and modern, while carpet screams rip me out.”
Cramped Closets Can Be a Deal-Breaker for Buyers
Closets are a vital element in a desirable bedroom, and when you have a small closet or one that’s full of things, buyers become less interested.
“Buyers want to see a walk-in or at least a thoughtfully designed space for their wardrobe,” Charlie explained. “If a closet can barely hold a week’s worth of clothes, it’s a deal-breaker, especially in luxury.”
“As a seller, pack up what you won’t need after your anticipated closing,” Hurwitz said. “It will make the closet look bigger and make buyers believe the closet is more spacious than they are.”
Bold Bedroom Paint Colors Could Cost You the Sale
Color is a fun and easy way to spruce up a house, but buyers might not have your exact style, so keeping it simple is advised.
“Bold, quirky paint choices may reflect personality, but buyers don’t want to inherit your creativity,” Charlie said. “The second they see neon green or deep purple walls, all they see is a paint job waiting to happen. Neutral palettes give them a blank canvas to imagine their own lives.”
Outdated, Dusty Bedroom Furniture and Curtains Make a Bad First Impression
First impressions are everything, and when buyers see a bedroom, they want to imagine peace and relaxation, not dusty furniture and curtains.
“Put money into staging and at the very least take down old and dusty blinds or drapes, even if you don’t want to replace them,” Hurwitz said.
In a competitive market, buyers want to see homes that look and feel fresh, clean and well maintained, not filthy and cluttered.
Ultimately, the bedroom is one of the most personal spaces in a home. Bedrooms are where buyers imagine themselves recharging and living their day-to-day lives. By removing outdated features and focusing on light, space and cleanliness, you can turn a potential deal-breaker into a major selling point.
“If it feels neglected, dated or poorly designed, buyers will mentally check out,” Charlie said.
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