9 Things You Should Keep to Sell Your Home Faster, Real Estate Agents Say

To increase the value of our home, we’re often advised on what to get rid of—whether that’s clutter, popcorn ceilings, or carpeting. However, there are certain features that you don’t need to let go of at all.

In fact, you might be surprised to learn that fixtures you already have in your home are just what you need to boost its appeal and get it snatched off the market.

Ahead, we tapped three real estate experts for the top items you should keep in your home—so that you get a speedy and satisfactory sale.

Wood Floors (Even If They’re Scratched)

Natural wood floors are becoming an expensive rarity—so scratches, stains, or even old materials shouldn’t be a reason for replacement.

Johana Williams, a regional manager with Utopia Property Management, says keeping natural wood floors will always be worth it, because you can either refinish them yourself or your buyer can refinish them if they want later.

“Many buyers will be able to visualize the floor after it’s been refinished, and those same buyers will be happy to have purchased a home that already has natural hardwood built into it,” Williams says.

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Landscaping Accessories

You might assume that an outdoor space should be a blank slate when selling a home—but personal touches can make a positive impression. Williams shares that lights, fountains, bird baths, and sprinklers can make potential buyers feel more at home.

“Buyers want to be able to picture themselves living in a space, so keeping all your landscaping fixtures is proof that the outdoor part of the property was maintained and utilized.”

Family Photos

Family photos might be the first thing you hide away before an open house—but there isn’t a need to.

“I tend to tell my clients to keep their family photos displayed if they are comfortable doing so,” says Victor Byrum, a licensed realtor at Transaction Alliance. “While less is more in terms of decoration, I find that keeping the photos out provides a warmth to the home tours that you can’t get any other way.”

Original Details

Architectural details from years past are hard to replicate, adding unique value to your home despite their aging roots. Robert Bell, a real estate agent in New York City, says don’t ditch the details—repair and highlight them!

“From original door knobs and hinges to distinctive crown molding, respect the history of your home.”

Shelves

While an open, airy setup makes a good first impression, it shouldn’t come at the expense of storage space.

“If you have shelves—either built-in or free-standing—in your garage, laundry area, or basement, I definitely advise against removing them from the space to try to make it look bigger,” Williams says. “It’s important that your potential buyers are able to visualize how functional the space will be.”

Williams adds that most buyers will be investing in some storage anyway, so it’s a bonus if they walk in and see where they can stow items as soon as they move in.

White Walls

According to Bell, light sells property as much as location. So if your walls are white, it’s best to let them shine since the color is bright and reflective.

“The only caveat to this rule is an interesting accent color to highlight a particular architectural element.”

Outdoor Furniture

Furnishings used for al fresco entertainment or lounging—like patio sets or chaises—can lure people to your property. In Williams’ experience, buyers are now prioritizing exterior features more and more as they shop, largely because this is one of the main draws of a home versus an apartment lifestyle.

“So anything you can keep in your yard to highlight its usability as a space will be a good idea.”

This also includes kitchen areas, outdoor showers, hot tubs, and even basketball hoops, swings, or treehouses for kids.

Non-Structural Walls

While open concept spaces reigned popular in homes for many years, there’s a shift away from the trend. So, you don’t need to knock down walls to boost your home’s appeal.

“You probably don’t need to go building walls before you sell, but I would definitely advise against investing time and money into transitioning the space to open concept, at least for right now,” Williams says.

Mature Trees

When it comes to landscaping, mature trees are seen as a plus for buyers.

“I’m not referring to trees that hang over the home, but nice trees somewhere on the property always tend to make potential buyers excited about family time in the backyard,” Byrum says.