Why Some Homes Feel Cheap vs. Luxurious

Have you ever toured two identical homes in the same neighborhood, with the same floor plan—yet one feels beautiful, well-appointed, and luxurious, while the other feels trashy and cheap? You can’t even believe they’re the same layout. I know you’ve had that experience before. In today’s blog, we’re talking about what makes a home look cheap.

Why This Matters

I don’t say this to ruffle feathers—I’m here to help you sell your home for top dollar. When you go to sell, you don’t want visitors thinking, “Wow, this property feels cheap.” Because cheap feelings lead to cheap offers.

First Impressions: Curb Appeal

The first thing buyers notice is curb appeal.

Do they see themselves living there?
Is the yard tidy and plants well-maintained?
Or are there spider webs, debris in the gutters, and no mulch?

Buyers buy based on emotion. Two identical homes at the same price can sell differently depending on the feeling. Spend time cleaning up your front yard—it sets the tone.

Shoes at the Entry

Many people have a no-shoe policy, which is fine. But when selling, don’t leave shoes piled at the entry. It looks messy—and sometimes, smelly.

If you must keep them by the door, invest in cubbies or closed storage so they’re hidden.

Small Rugs Everywhere

Those little rugs in entries, hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens? They cheapen your home.

Buyers want to see the floors you’ve invested in. When staging for photos or showings, remove the small rugs and mats so your home looks clean and open.

Window Treatments

Window coverings are a big giveaway of whether a home looks cheap or cared for.

Old blinds and broken plantation shutters? Cheap.
Poorly installed shades that cover too much window? Cheap.
Short, flimsy curtains with cheap rods? Cheap.

Stick with natural fabrics like linen or cotton, and ensure they’re properly installed. If you can’t invest in quality treatments, it’s better to remove the bad ones altogether.

Furniture Choices

Some furniture instantly lowers the feel of a home:

Beanbags — fun for kids, but not main seating. Bright colors look messy.
Old La-Z-Boys — bulky, worn, or peeling chairs that dominate a room make spaces feel tired.
Beds on the floor — always use frames and headboards. Stick to simple, neutral bedding for a calm, welcoming look.

Flooring & Carpet

Multiple flooring types throughout a house make buyers suspicious (“Was there a problem here?”). Stick with one cohesive material if possible.

Rippling or dirty carpet also looks cheap—and can be a trip hazard. Get carpets stretched, cleaned, or replaced before listing.

Paint Colors

Paint is one of the most important updates you can make.

Outdated Tuscan yellow or overly dark colors date your home and shrink the space.
Buyers rarely complain about white walls, but they do complain about bold, specific shades.

White photographs well, makes rooms feel bigger, and gives buyers a blank canvas.

Decluttering & Personal Items

Nothing makes a home look cheaper than clutter.

Collections of dolls, awards, unicorns—whatever it is—must go when selling. The goal is to create a neutral space where buyers can imagine themselves, not be distracted by your life story.

Plan ahead: decluttering often takes months, and you’ll likely remove 30–40% of what’s currently in your home.