The #1 Worst Thing You Can Do for Your Home’s Value

The #1 Worst Thing You Can Do for Your Home’s Value

If you’re selling your home in the Chicago suburbs, there’s one mistake that can cost you more than any other:

Letting Your Home Look Neglected

You don’t need to remodel your kitchen or replace every outdated finish to get top dollar. But if buyers feel, even for a moment, that a home hasn’t been properly cared for, they will lower their offers or skip it altogether.

A clean, well-maintained home gives buyers confidence. A neglected one makes them wonder: “What hidden problems am I not seeing?”

Why Neglect Costs You Thousands

In competitive markets like Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, and Lombard, buyers are often comparing multiple homes in one day. They’ll spend more on a home that feels move-in ready and less on a home that feels like work. Neglect hurts your sale price because it:

1. Leads to Immediate Lowball Offers
   Buyers mentally calculate repair costs and then subtract even more as a “hassle discount.”

2. Raises Red Flags About Bigger Issues
   If paint is chipped and floors are stained, buyers wonder if the roof, furnace, or plumbing have also been ignored.

3. Keeps Your Home on the Market Longer
   Homes that don’t feel cared for sit longer, forcing price reductions over time.

The good news? Most of the fixes that protect your home’s value are simple and inexpensive.

The Top Signs of Neglect (and How to Fix Them Fast)

1. Dirty or Damaged Surfaces

• Why It’s a Problem: Scuffed walls, dirty carpets, and scratched trim make buyers assume the entire home is worn out.

• Fix It Fast:

  • Deep clean carpets or refinish hardwoods.

  • Touch up or repaint walls in neutral, bright colors.

  • Scrub baseboards, doors, and trim until they shine.

2. Overgrown Landscaping and Poor Curb Appeal

• Why It’s a Problem: Buyers often form their first impression before they even walk inside. Overgrown bushes and patchy lawns make the whole property feel uncared for.

• Fix It Fast:

  • Trim bushes and mow the lawn.

  • Add fresh mulch and sweep or power wash sidewalks and driveways.

  • Paint or clean the front door for a welcoming entryway.

3. Burned-Out Bulbs and Dark Rooms

• Why It’s a Problem: Poor lighting makes rooms feel small, dingy, and older than they are.

• Fix It Fast:

  • Replace every bulb with bright, soft-white LEDs.

  • Open blinds and remove heavy window treatments to let natural light in.

4. Small Repairs Left Untouched

• Why It’s a Problem: Loose doorknobs, squeaky hinges, and dripping faucets send a clear message: “If the small things aren’t fixed, what about the big things?”

• Fix It Fast:

  • Spend a weekend tightening, oiling, and replacing small parts.

  • Make sure doors close properly, faucets don’t leak, and handles feel sturdy.

5. Cluttered, Overfilled Rooms

• Why It’s a Problem: Clutter hides a home’s best features and makes rooms feel smaller.

• Fix It Fast:

  • Follow the 90/90 rule: If you haven’t used it in 90 days and won’t in the next 90, pack it or donate it.

  • Clear surfaces, remove excess furniture, and organize closets to show off storage space.

What Buyers Care About Most

Buyers are quick to forgive dated finishes, like darker cabinets or older tile, if the home feels clean, bright, and structurally sound. They want to feel that the home has been maintained and that they can move in without tackling a long list of repairs.

The Bottom Line

The #1 worst thing you can do for your home’s value is ignore basic maintenance and presentation. A home that feels neglected costs you time, reduces buyer confidence, and almost always sells for less.

Spend your time and money on cleaning, decluttering, lighting, and basic touch-ups, these details protect your home’s value far more than a rushed, expensive remodel.

Have questions about buying or selling in DuPage County? We’re happy to help, just reach out!