Think Twice: 7 Things Sellers Remove That Actually Help Homes Sell in Ann Arbor

When getting a home ready for the market in Ann Arbor, the common advice often revolves around neutralizing: decluttering, depersonalizing, and removing anything that might distract potential buyers. However, this approach can sometimes go too far. In the eagerness to make a home “market-ready,” sellers frequently eliminate or replace features that genuinely enhance a buyer’s interest and perceived value.

Here are seven elements that are worth keeping, even if they seem outdated, personal, or unconventional. These details can add emotional appeal, signal quality, or make the home more livable—factors that often matter more than a blank slate.

1. Original hardwood floors, even if scratched

Hardwood flooring remains one of the most desired materials among buyers in Ann Arbor. Sanding and refinishing original wood floors is often more cost-effective than a full replacement. According to HomeLight’s year-end agent survey report for 2024, refinishing hardwood floors boasts the highest ROI of any pre-sale project, with homeowners recouping an estimated 147% of the project cost on average.

Buyers typically recognize that floors show some wear. What’s more important is the material itself. Wood, even with minor imperfections, is generally preferred over laminate or carpet and contributes to a sense of quality and durability. A few scuffs are rarely a dealbreaker.

2. Architectural character like medallions, moldings, and built-ins

Features such as ceiling medallions, crown molding, arched doorways, built-in bookshelves, and vintage trim work may not suit every buyer’s taste, but they offer something more valuable than modern uniformity: a sense of place.

These architectural details can be costly to replicate and are often hard to find in new construction. While minimalism is a popular trend in staging, removing original design elements can strip away the very character that makes a home memorable. Keeping these features doesn’t hinder a sale; in fact, it can help your property stand out in a competitive Ann Arbor market.

3. Mature landscaping and established outdoor elements

Some sellers mistakenly remove large trees, stone borders, or even perennial plants in an attempt to simplify curb appeal. While overgrown landscaping might need some pruning, mature trees and native plantings add significant perceived and actual value.

Landscaping and tree-value guides suggest that a mature tree can be appraised at $1,000 to $10,000 in value, though the specific impact can vary greatly based on species, condition, location, and market. Buyers often respond emotionally to settings that feel settled and private. Replacing natural elements with mulch and lawn can backfire if the yard ends up feeling stark or underdeveloped.

4. Statement lighting and non-builder fixtures

While some light fixtures can be too specific to personal taste, swapping everything out for builder-basic lighting can make a home feel flat or unfinished. Decorative pendants, mid-century sconces, or antique chandeliers, if clean and functional, often give rooms a sense of completion and quality.

If a fixture is unusual but matches the scale and function of the room, consider keeping it during the listing period. The goal isn’t to cater to every possible style preference but to avoid a space that feels completely stripped down or generic.

5. Functional zones like mudrooms, utility sinks, or laundry nooks

Spaces that support daily life, such as a designated mudroom area, garage utility sink, or laundry folding counter, might seem secondary, but they often influence how livable a home feels. Removing these for the sake of square footage or minimalism can be a mistake.

Buyers appreciate signs that a home was thoughtfully used and maintained. These features don’t need to be overhauled; just clean and present them clearly. The presence of a practical space is often more compelling than a perfectly styled one.

6. Natural materials with visible wear like wood, stone, or brick

Not every surface needs to look shiny and new. Buyers increasingly value authenticity in finishes, even when that means visible aging or imperfections. Original slate floors, exposed brick, or aged butcher block counters can convey craftsmanship and permanence.

Replacing these with newer, lower-cost materials may not create the impact sellers hope for. Especially in older homes, the mismatch between old and new can be jarring. Instead of scrubbing away every sign of age, focus on maintenance and cleanliness.

7. Outdoor lifestyle touches like fire pits, water features, or hammocks

These elements may seem too personal to leave in place, but they often help buyers envision how they’ll enjoy the space. A small patio with string lights and a hammock can evoke a lifestyle, not just a layout. And for many buyers, especially in post-pandemic markets, outdoor space has become a top priority.

Removing these touches can make the yard feel sterile or empty. Instead, tidy up the setup but consider leaving enough to suggest how the space is used. It’s not about decoration; it’s about possibility.

Why this matters

Buyers aren’t just evaluating square footage and upgrades; they’re responding to the story your home tells. A too-blank slate can leave them struggling to imagine life there. When homes blend together, emotion is what tips the scales.

Neutralizing is still useful, but it should be balanced with thoughtful preservation. Ask yourself not just “what should I remove?” but also “what’s worth keeping?”

Some elements can help buyers connect with a home, see its value, or picture their life more clearly, and that connection is what sells.

Not everything needs to go. Let’s build a prep plan that protects your home’s value and its story.