10 “Innocent” Home Finishes That Can Make Your House Look Cheap (and How to Fix Them Fast)

You know the saying: “The devil’s in the details.”
When it comes to selling your home, those “little things” you barely notice? Buyers notice them first.

Sometimes it’s not the location, the size, or the layout holding back offers — it’s that your home feels less expensive than it should. And that’s often because of small, everyday finishes that quietly signal low value.

Let’s break down 10 sneaky culprits (with real examples and easy fixes) so your home screams upscale instead of starter kit.

1. Thin Laminate Flooring

🚫 The Problem: Feels hollow and “clicky” underfoot.
👀 Example: That echo-y sound when someone walks in.
✅ Upgrade: Swap for luxury vinyl plank or engineered hardwood for a solid, rich feel.

2. Fake Granite Counters 

🚫 The Problem: Peeling edges and patterns that look printed.
👀 Example: Edges lifting near sinks.
✅ Upgrade: Quartz, butcher block, or quality laminate with sealed edges.

3. Loud, Bright Paint Colors 

🚫 The Problem: Fun for you, polarizing for buyers.
👀 Example: Neon green kitchen, bubblegum pink bedroom.
✅ Upgrade: Stick to warm neutrals like greige or soft beige — universally appealing. To truly benefit from virtual staging, keep these best practices in mind:

4. Cheap Cabinet Hardware 

🚫 The Problem: Lightweight and shiny = low-end feel.
👀 Example: Handles that bend easily.
✅ Upgrade: Matte black, brass, or brushed nickel with a solid weight.

5. Hollow-Core Interior Doors

🚫 The Problem: Flimsy, loud, and obviously cheap.
👀 Example: Doors that feel paper-light when you push them.
✅ Upgrade: Solid-core or paneled doors for instant sophistication.

6. Dated Light Fixtures 

🚫 The Problem: Screams “update me” the second buyers walk in.
👀 Example: Brass dome lights from the 90s.
✅ Upgrade: Go modern — farmhouse pendants, industrial black, or sleek minimalist styles.

7. Glossy Wall Tile  

🚫 The Problem: Reads “low-cost” next to matte finishes.
👀 Example: Shiny white tiles in bathrooms.
✅ Upgrade: Matte or textured subway tile adds depth and luxury.

8. Basic White Appliances   

🚫 The Problem: Makes a kitchen feel dated instantly.
👀 Example: White fridge in an otherwise upgraded kitchen.
✅ Upgrade: Stainless steel, black stainless, or panel-ready appliances.

9. All Open Shelving

🚫 The Problem: Looks unfinished and reduces useful storage.
👀 Example: Every wall replaced with floating shelves.
✅ Upgrade: Mix closed cabinets with a few styled open shelves.

10. Matchy-Matchy Bathroom Fixtures 

🚫 The Problem: Too uniform feels “builder basic.”
👀 Example: Everything brushed nickel, no variation.
✅ Upgrade: Mix metals thoughtfully — black faucet with brass mirror, for example.

Why This Matters

These aren’t deal-breakers — but they are deal-changers.
Buyers start mentally deducting upgrade costs before they’ve even left the showing. That can mean fewer offers… or lower ones.

Our Secret Weapon: AI-Powered Marketing

At Todd Schroth Selling Team, we don’t just list your home. We use AI-driven marketing to:

• Highlight your home’s best features

• Strategically downplay anything that could hurt its value

• Reach the exact buyers most likely to fall in love with it

When you’re competing in today’s market, smart marketing makes all the difference.