In my previous post, Part 1, I mentioned some outdated furnishings and decorating trends that distract or detract from a home's features.  Those things will leave the home when it sells.  In the meantime, buyers may be able to look around, past or through these to see the home for what it is and the potential it has for their needs and lifestyle.

So now we are talking about the structure itself.  Take away the furnishings and what things in the home will make it seem dated and turn off buyers?  Remember that the most appealing home is one that is move-in ready. 

Wall colors can impact the way buyers perceive the space so the generally accepted practice is to have the walls a more neutral color to make the room move-in ready.  Even though color is more prominent in homes these days and people are becoming more confident in living with it, not ALL buyers will appreciate the effect that bold or saturated colors have on a room.  Stark white walls with one bold accent wall color not only take a room back in time but can make the room feel uncomfortable because of the sharp contrast.  Buyers may think it would take too much time and too many coats of paint to cover that decorative accent and move on to the next house.

Vinyl flooring with a lot of detail can date a kitchen and make the room appear smaller.

             These floor patterns from the 60's were considered very "in" at the time. 

Any flooring that is worn can make a room look tired and dated, even hardwood.  Worn carpet, no matter what color, looks dated. Some styles and textures of carpet can look old, but if they are in good condition the attention can be focused on more pleasing elements in the room.

Some paneling can make a room look dark and dated.  Mirrored walls can look dated depending on the application.  Solid colored red brick walls and fireplace surrounds, often seen in 50's and 60's homes,  are dated looking and are commonly updated by coat of warm white paint.

Spindled room dividers that don't protect from changes in room levels are dated decorative features.  

Now let's go outside and take a look at dated landscaping and other home features.

Things that make a house look dated and destroy curb appeal:

• Old, overgrown shrubs, especially those about to obscure the windows
• Plantings so close to the walkway that you have to push your way through to the front door
• Discolored sidewalks and driveways
• Painted concrete patios or breezeway floors or those with old green indoor/outdoor carpeting
• Worn railroad tie retaining walls
• Edging made of bricks set on an angle
• Overgrown azaleas cut in a severe hedge form
• Trees with heavy limbs in need of pruning (NOT topping!)
• Steppng stones that are disappearing into the yard
• Painted tire planters
• Old roof solar panels
• Faded front door
• Old outdoor light fixtures that are too small in scale for the home
• Light fixtures that contrast with the style of the home
• Leaning fences

Some things that date a home can be easily remedied, while some may require an investment in time and money to bring a home's appearance up-to-date.  Which things are worth it and which things aren't will depend on a seller's time, budget, the price point of the property and the buyer's interest or lack of of interest in the home.  The more motivated the seller, the more likely that updates will be done.