Vintage, Not Old: Tips for Increasing Your Older Home's Appeal

Old doesn’t have to mean outdated.

When it comes to selling a home, many factors can impact its value, from location and size to the condition of the property. One of these factors is how old the house feels, and most of the time has nothing to do with structure or fixed aspects of your home, but with small design cues that put potential buyers in the past, not in the future they want to build.

Popcorn Ceilings

Popcorn ceilings, also known as textured ceilings, cottage cheese ceilings, or stucco ceilings, were popular in the 1970s and 1980s but are now considered outdated and unappealing. Popcorn ceilings can be difficult to clean and maintain because the texture traps dust and dirt, which can make the ceilings appear dingy and unattractive, especially after decades of being installed.

Popcorn ceilings that were installed before the 1980s may contain asbestos, a hazardous material that can cause serious health problems if it is ingested or inhaled. While asbestos is not harmful if it is left undisturbed, any renovation work that involves removing or disturbing popcorn ceilings can release asbestos fibers into the air. This can be a concern for potential buyers who are worried about their health.

Wallpapers

Just like with popcorn ceilings, some wallpaper patterns can look outdated and unappealing to modern homebuyers. 

When it comes to selling your home, you want to make the space as appealing as possible to the broadest possible range of potential buyers. Wallpaper is a highly personal design choice and bold floral prints, busy patterns, or wallpaper with metallic finishes may feel outdated and may make a house look old and unappealing to potential buyers.

On the renovation side, removing wallpaper can be a time-consuming and messy process that may damage the walls underneath, even exposing issues not known by you. If a potential buyer is concerned about the condition of the walls after the wallpaper is removed, it may make them reluctant to make an offer on your home.

Outdated Fixtures

While a complete renovation is probably not necessary, outdated fixtures affect your home's appeal on both an aesthetic and functional level.

Outdated lighting, electrical, and plumbing can detract potential buyers who may be looking for a home that feels modern and up-to-date. Few things can be more appealing than a yellow plastic or fading metal sheet light socket. On the functional side, older fixtures may not function as well as newer models, for example, an outdated light fixture may not provide enough light or may be difficult to use, while an old plumbing fixture may leak or not work properly.

Older lighting, electrical, and plumbing fixtures may not meet current safety standards, which can be a major concern for potential buyers: an outdated electrical fixture may not be grounded properly, while an old plumbing fixture may have lead pipes that can be harmful to human health.

Simply Homes - The Easy Fix!

At Simply Homes, we buy houses as-is. No renovations, no listings, no stress. We’re the opposite of old, we use state-of-the-art technology to offer you the fairest prices for your home in seconds. Just visit Simply Homes' website and enter your address to find out if we are interested in your property. 

Skip the reno. Sell to Simply.