I have read so many blogs and articles that give a great many ideas as to the best way to decorate, remodel, stage, and design your house in order to sell it during this housing market decline.  But what about the things you should not do if you are trying to sell it? 

Let’s face it, no one really knows when the housing market will recover.  Some experts say 2007 some say 2008.  Quite frankly, we are all waiting to see how the economy reacts so make sure your house is ready to sell by only spending money on improvements that will ensure a return on your investment.

Desperate homeowners, in this market, may try to make big changes to their home to create interest and generate a sale but there really are only a handful of remodeling jobs that will increase the value of your home. While it is good to know what to do in order to sell your home it is even more important to know what not to do. The bloggers at constructiondeal.com came up with four renovations to avoid when trying to sell your home. 

"Basement Upgrades – You might be tempted to finish your basement or turn an existing areain your finished basement into a home theater. Or another bedroom. Despite the fact that you may be making the room more livable, more than likely it will not help you sell it and you probably won’t get back the money you spend to do the job. Also note, you normally can’t count a basement bedroom as another bedroom on your listing (depending on window size.)"

"Invisible" Upgrades – Unless needing repairs, don’t replace or remodel anything that can’t be seen. Telling people the house has a new furnace, a tankless water heater, or brand new copper plumbing just doesn’t do the trick. buying a house can be an emotional and visceral experience. Updates need to be visual and visible. Crown molding can be seen — new insulation cannot."

"Swimming Pool Additions – You’ve always wanted a pool, Jacuzzi, or whirlpool spa tub. But not everybody feels the same way. In fact, some people with small children definitely don’t want those upgrades. Others with colder winters and maybe people without the extra income for maintenance might find these additions a deal breaker. Adding a pool in a small yard could remove a child’s or a pet’s play area."

"Specialty Room Additions – Don’t spend any money to convert a bedroom or family room into a home office, gym, den, or home theater. Those rooms are great for your house, if you’ll be staying there a while and you don’t need the space. If you’ve already got a specialty room set up, change it back to the original purpose."