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Think Twice: 7 Things Sellers Remove That Actually Help Homes Sell in Monroe County, IL

Mandy McGuire

Mandy McGuire entered the real estate industry in 2004...

Mandy McGuire entered the real estate industry in 2004...

Sep 29 7 minutes read

When preparing a home for sale in places like Columbia, Waterloo, or Millstadt, most advice centers around neutralizing: decluttering, depersonalizing, and removing anything that could distract potential buyers. But this strategy can sometimes go too far. In the rush to “make it market-ready,” sellers often remove or replace features that actually contribute to a buyer’s interest and perceived value.

As a local real estate team at the Mandy McGuire Group with Keller Williams Pinnacle, we’ve seen firsthand how certain features—often overlooked or stripped away—can actually help a home sell faster and for more money.

Here are seven elements worth preserving, even if they seem outdated, personal, or unconventional. In many cases, these details add emotional appeal, signal quality, or make the home easier to live in—all things that matter more than a blank slate.

1. Original hardwood floors, even if scratched

Hardwood remains one of the most sought-after flooring materials in Columbia and Waterloo homes. Sanding and refinishing original wood floors is often less expensive than full replacement. According to HomeLight’s year-end agent survey report for 2024, refinishing hardwood floors has the highest ROI of any pre-sale project, with homeowners recouping an estimated 147% of the project cost on average.

Buyers generally understand that floors show wear. What matters more is the material. Wood, even with minor imperfections, is typically preferred over laminate or carpet and contributes to a sense of quality and longevity.

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

Homes in Monroe County often feature unique craftsmanship—crown molding in Millstadt farmhouses, built-in bookshelves in Columbia bungalows, or vintage trim work in historic Waterloo homes. These details provide something more valuable than modern homogeneity: a sense of place.

They’re also expensive to reproduce. Removing original design elements can erase the very character that makes a home memorable. Instead of “neutralizing” them away, showcase them—buyers often fall in love with these local details.

3. Mature landscaping and established outdoor elements

Curb appeal matters, but so does character. We’ve seen sellers cut down mature trees or pull up long-standing perennials in Valmeyer and Hecker properties to “simplify.” The result? Buyers sometimes walk away because the lot feels bare or unfinished.

A mature tree may add thousands in appraised value—and even more in emotional value. Shaded yards, native plants, and stone borders make outdoor spaces feel established and private, which is exactly what many Monroe County buyers want.

4. Statement lighting and non-builder fixtures

A house filled only with builder-basic light fixtures can feel cold and forgettable. Instead, statement pieces—like a farmhouse chandelier in Waterloo, a modern pendant in a Columbia kitchen, or antique sconces in a Millstadt entryway—can help a home stand out.

If they’re clean, functional, and scaled right, leave them in place. Buyers don’t need to love every detail, but they’ll appreciate that the home feels intentional and not stripped of personality.

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

In rural and suburban Monroe County, practical spaces like mudrooms, garage sinks, or laundry folding counters are more than nice-to-have—they’re daily conveniences. Removing them for the sake of “more open space” can actually reduce livability in the eyes of buyers.

Highlight these spaces instead. A tidy mudroom in Columbia or a basement laundry nook in Waterloo often makes buyers feel like the home has been thoughtfully designed for real life.

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

From brick farmhouses in Valmeyer to stone-front homes in Millstadt, natural materials are part of our local architecture. And buyers increasingly value authenticity—even when it comes with a little wear and tear.

Exposed brick, slate floors, or butcher block counters may not look “brand new,” but they communicate craftsmanship and permanence. Replacing them with cheaper modern materials rarely creates the same impact.

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

Outdoor living spaces are a huge selling point in Monroe County. Whether it’s a fire pit in Waterloo, a hammock in a shaded Columbia backyard, or a small pond in rural Millstadt, these lifestyle details help buyers picture themselves using the space.

Instead of stripping them away, edit and clean them up. Buyers want to see possibilities—how they’ll live, gather, and relax there.

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. And when homes in Columbia, Waterloo, and surrounding Monroe County towns start to 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 help buyers connect with a home, see its value, and picture their life more clearly. And that connection is what sells.

If you’re thinking about selling in Monroe County—whether in Columbia, Waterloo, Millstadt, or Valmeyer—our team at the Mandy McGuire Group | Keller Williams Pinnacle can help you prep your home strategically so you protect its value and its story.

Need help preparing your home for the market?

Let’s build a prep plan that protects your home’s value and its story.

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