Gone are the days of jetted tubs and tile countertops. Today’s homebuyers crave clean lines, open spaces, and modern amenities. Whether you’re preparing to list your home for sale in Boston, MA, or are curious how to appeal to those looking for a rental house in Miami, FL, read on. This article breaks down eight outdated trends, along with insights from Redfin Premier agents on which trends could be turning off potential prospects.
By understanding these outdated elements you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about necessary updates and prioritize improvements that will generate more interest when it’s time to list your home. Now, let’s get started.
1. Ditch the jacuzzi tub
Once a symbol of luxury, the Jacuzzi tub has fallen out of favor with many modern buyers. With its larger size and impracticality for those who prefer showers, it may be time to remove your Jacuzzi tub and opt for a more modern shower design to appeal to a wider audience.
In a recent Redfin survey, Redfin Premier Agents shared that 58% of buyers are not at all interested in this feature.
Opt for a sleek shower or a deeper, multipurpose soaking tub instead.
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2. Replace linoleum floors
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Linoleum floors were once a popular and practical choice for homeowners. However, they are now widely considered an outdated home trend.
With a staggering 88% of buyers expressing no interest, it’s clear that this flooring option can significantly deter interest. Upgrading to hardwood, tile, or laminate flooring can offer a more modern appeal and pique buyer intrigue.
3. Upgrade outdated appliances
While vintage aesthetics are enjoying a comeback in some areas, old appliances should be upgraded. Modern buyers expect modern conveniences, and outdated appliances can create a negative impression.
Premier agents report that 31% of buyers won’t even make an offer if the appliances are outdated. Investing in new appliances such as a stainless-steel refrigerator can drastically improve the look of your kitchen.
4. Swap tile countertops for a modern look
Tile countertops were a popular option in the 90s and early 2000s. Now, tile countertops have significantly fallen out of favor.
According to Redfin’s survey, 85% of buyers are no longer interested in this style and have instead turned their heads to granite, with 51% of buyers expressing interest. Other alternatives to tile countertops include quartz, marble, soapstone, or any other pleasant combination that compliments your kitchen’s design.
5. Open up your floor plan
Open-concept floor plans have dominated the housing market for several years, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down.
A spacious and interconnected living area is highly desirable, with 83% of buyers from the Redfin survey, citing it as a top priority. If your home has a closed-off floor plan, consider knocking down walls to create a more open and airy feel.
6. Embrace neutral colors
Bold and bright accent walls and wallpaper were once popular design choices, but tastes have shifted towards more neutral and sophisticated aesthetics.
Based on the Redfin Premier agent survey, 69% of buyers indicated that they are not at all interested in brightly painted accent walls and 61% are not interested in wallpapered rooms.
Neutral-painted walls can appeal to a larger pool of buyers and help them envision a space to which they can bring their interests.
7. Rethink the dog wash station
While pet-friendly homes are in demand, dedicated dog wash stations within the house are not a universally desired feature.
58% of buyers expressed no interest in this addition. Unless a dog washing station is already present, consider converting the space into either a mudroom or extra storage.
8. Remove popcorn ceilings
Popcorn ceilings, once a common construction element, are now considered outdated and can even contain asbestos.
Redfin Premier agents found that a significant 40% of buyers will not make an offer if a home has a popcorn ceiling. Removing this textured finish can be a worthwhile investment to broaden your buyer pool.
Additional insights from the Redfin Premier agent survey:
Agents were asked: How common is it for luxury buyers to ask for each of the following bathroom amenities?
| Amenity | Very likely | Somewhat likely | Not at all likely |
| Bidet | 4% | 31% | 65% |
| Integrated sound system | 14% | 45% | 42% |
| Steam Shower | 8% | 50% | 42% |
| Heated floors | 17% | 44% | 39% |
Agents were asked: How common is it that a buyer decides not to make an offer after encountering the following features in a home they tour?
| Feature | Very common | Somewhat common | Not at all common |
| Outdated kitchen | 54% | 43% | 3% |
| Outdated bathroom | 44% | 53% | 3% |
| Lack of curb appeal | 48% | 47% | 5% |
| Overly textured walls | 31% | 50% | 19% |
Individual results may vary. This is not intended as a substitute for the services of a licensed real estate agent, or licensed and bonded home services professional or appraiser.
Agent survey methodology: This is according to a survey commissioned by Redfin, the technology-powered real estate brokerage. Roughly 300 Redfin Premier agents responded to the survey, which Qualtrics conducted in April-May 2024. The relevant questions were:
- How common is it that a buyer decides not to make an offer after encountering the following features in a home they tour?
- How desirable are each of these home trends for buyers?
- How common is it for luxury buyers to ask for each of the following bathroom amenities?
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