The Outdated Countertop Material And Color That's Lowering Your Home Value

Thanks to their durability and aesthetic appeal, stone countertops have long been prized as hallmarks of timeless design in kitchens and bathrooms alike. For many homeowners, they symbolize luxury and a smart investment that will stand the test of time. But as the housing market evolves and real estate trends shift, the question of whether granite hurts or helps a home's value remains an important one for anyone considering home improvements with future resale value in mind. According to Rachel Stringer, a professional real estate agent at Raleigh Realty, granite countertops can be one of the materials that feel outdated to buyers, but if you're a seller, you should carefully consider the color and surrounding styling before deciding to replace them.

"I've seen buyers walk into a kitchen and immediately form an opinion based on the surfaces they see," Stringer told House Digest during an exclusive interview. "A countertop that looks fresh, durable, and neutral can make the space feel move-in ready, while a dated or overly bold countertop can make buyers start thinking about renovation costs right away." The real estate expert said it's not just the material that matters. Color also plays a huge role. She finds that light tones like white or soft gray appeal to the widest range of potential buyers, while darker colors only work well when you nail the styling. "Buyers want a kitchen they can imagine themselves living in, and neutral countertops give them the freedom to picture their own style," Stringer explained.

There are several materials predicted among the biggest kitchen countertop trends in 2026, but granite isn't one of them. Even if it's been well-maintained, Rachel Stringer said it can quickly make a space feel dated. "Busy, heavily speckled granite was popular years ago, but today most buyers prefer simpler, more uniform designs," she explained during her exclusive interview with House Digest. "When buyers see these types of surfaces, they might assume the kitchen hasn't been updated in a while, which can, of course, influence their offer."

Along with multicolored and dark green granite, Stringer said there are also other colors and material combinations likely to lower the resale value of a home. "Tile countertops with lines are often considered less practical, and older laminate counters with faux-stone finishes can feel less durable or high-quality." According to the real estate expert, even when these surfaces are functional, buyers often start calculating replacement costs in their heads, which reduces the amount they are willing to offer on the property overall.

Stringer added that black granite is an exception that doesn't automatically lower resale value, but that it depends on the overall look and, more importantly, the lighting. "I've seen kitchens where the black countertops made the space feel a little heavy, especially in rooms with very little natural light ... That said, black granite can look really elegant in the right space." She added that black granite can look sophisticated in kitchens with light cabinets and plenty of sunlight. "Some buyers love that look ... It really depends on the overall vibe of the kitchen and how well it's styled."

So, if you're preparing to sell your house, is it worth replacing granite countertops before calling a listing agent? According to Rachel Stringer, it depends on both your home and the market. "In mid-range homes, black granite is often perfectly acceptable if the kitchen is clean and styled well," she told House Digest during her exclusive interview, adding that these homes can still sell quickly when the rest of the kitchen looks fresh and bright. But if you're planning to sell in a higher-end market, the investment may be worthwhile. "In those cases, swapping it for a lighter stone such as quartz can make the space feel more current and appealing," Stringer explained. 

The real estate expert added that you should carefully consider the cost of replacing your countertops before making a decision. "Homeowners need to weigh whether the investment will generate stronger buyer interest or higher offers." She added that if your kitchen feels dark or outdated, lighter countertops can make a noticeable difference. However, if you already have an attractive space that's bright and well-maintained, keeping darker granite is probably fine.

Outdated countertops aren't the only thing that may negatively sway a buyer. Stringer emphasized that old, mismatched, and dated appliances can also lower your home's perceived value. Instead of bisque or black, she recommended modern stainless steel or matte finishes. The real estate expert also suggested replacing old fluorescent fixtures with modern pendant or recessed lighting. "Even small touches such as a new faucet, under-cabinet lighting, or fresh cabinet pulls can make a kitchen feel current and well cared for."