Aimee Herring
- Home office: “If you convert a bedroom into an office, your home will be listed as having one less bedroom―big mistake,” says CNN’s Gerry Willis. Barbara Corcoran, founder of the Corcoran Group, a Manhattan real estate firm, agrees: “People try to envision a room for little Jenny but can’t make the leap past your piles of messy papers.”
- Concrete patio: “It’s almost guaranteed to crack,” says Corcoran. “And there’s no good way to repair it. Plus, it reflects light, causing a harsh glare.”
- Green marble counters: Steer clear of boldly colored finishes and materials. “Loud patterns can be off-putting, so don’t do anything radical,” says Vern Yip, a designer and the host of HGTV's Deserving Design. “If you’re going with granite counters, choose solid black.”
From Real Simple: When to Do It Yourself, When to Hire a Pro
- Tennis and basketball courts: Not everyone is a sports fan, and these eat up large amounts of yard space.
- Wall-to-wall carpeting: “It’s a personal choice that likely won’t appeal to the majority of buyers, especially if it has stains on it,” says John Gidding, a designer on HGTV’s Designed to Sell.
More from Real Simple:
Renovation Handbook: Windows and Doors
How to Paint a Wall
Types of Windows
Types of Doors
