Do Buyers Like Built-Ins? (Realtors, sales, value, price)

[Ann Alison]

Realtors, please tell me, do (most) buyers like built-ins? I'm preparing to sell a 1957 1800-sq ft ranch in a neighborhood that attracts buyers of all ages. There are no existing built-ins now, save for the kitchen/bath cabinets, of course. I posted the question in another channel and got excellent, though mixed, responses which narrowed down my ideas. The purpose would be for storage AND aesthetics.

If you have time to comment on the following, specifically, it'd be much appreciated:

- a minimal, shallow-depth one to hide electrical panel in the hall where there should be a mirror/artwork instead, and it would open to access the electrical panel;
- shallow bookshelves along a long, blank wall (the rest of the walls are nice paneling) in a long, narrow room
(desk on opposite wall);
- a wall of approx. 15"-deep shelves/cabinets w/glass doors in dining room around double windows;
- an approx. 15"-deep credenza/buffet on dining room wall with a shelf above (like a buffet - bar);
- a partial wall of approx. 8" to 12"-deep, 5'-wide shelving in large living room to mirror doorway to dining room on opposite wall, would accommodate TV and leave room for furniture in front (there's room for TV and furniture in other spots, too).

[adjusterjack]

Do NONE of that.

Waste of money.

It would not add a nickel's value to the price of your house.

And would likely be a turn-off to a prospective buyer.

Let the next owner decide what he/she wants to do with the place based on their own tastes and desires.

[jackmichigan]

If the built-ins were original to the house, I would leave them. To add them in preparation of a sale? No. Even if some buyers might like them, I doubt that you would increase the value enough to recoup your cost.

[Rakin]

If you are in a hot market like most of us, no just sell like it is. let the new owner do as they please. Some people may love the 1950's look.

[rational1]

It will not pay off in the sales price if you pay for these now. Guaranteed.

[MikePRU]

As others have already said . . . don't do it. You're not going to walk away with any additional money because of these proposed built ins and if you did it certainly wouldn't be enough to justify the time/expense of doing so.

[Silverfall]

Buyers do like built-ins, but you are talking about putting too many in. Since you are selling and not doing this for yourself, don't do it. It doesn't add the same kind of value that updated kitchens or bathrooms have. The cost of lumber is too high to make this a good investment for selling preparation.

[jdhall1]

If you are moving, don't spend the $. Let the buyer decide what they want to do

[TeamLynn]

Do not add builtins, you will not get that money back.

If built ins are there already, then I would leave them. Will likely be 50/50 if the buyer wants to keep them.
Sometimes the bookshelves or the built in china cabinets people like.

[Lillie767]

I removed all the built-ins in my new house and replaced them with free standing book cases. The walls are fully painted and I am free to move the furniture, including the bookcases, to new locations. If I had left the built-ins, I would have limited my options for placing furniture.