"Avoid draining your home of its personality to cater to a hypothetical future purchaser over the next five years, according to real estate professionals; heed their advice regarding five design choices to shun for a successful home sale."
When you're a homeowner keen on giving your crib a revamp or an interior designer on a mission to create the perfect space, the shared desire is always to make your home feel unique and expressive of your personal tastes and style. But let's not forget about what appeals to the masses, especially if you're thinking about selling your home soon. Here are some design blunders to steer clear of, straight from the real estate pros:
- Architectural time capsule:While staying true to your home's flavor and architectural epoch is essential, going too far with the motif may make it hard for buyers to see themselves in the space. A home's decor that fiercely embodies a specific decade can prove to be a tough sell. As Ashley Brennan, SVP of Communications at Brown Harris Stevens, explains, "Buyers need to be able to envision themselves in the space. Ego and personal preference need to take a backseat to accommodate deals!"
- Bold and beautiful but too much is a no-no:A dash of color is always welcome, but overdoing it can make the space unbearably vibrant and challenging for buyers to see the room's framework clearly. Choosing a color scheme for the entire home is a huge commitment, so it's wise to opt for a more subdued, warm-toned palette that won't date or be disliked. As Rebecca Hidalgo, CEO of Integrity All Stars Realty, advises, "Avoid bold or controversial color schemes. No vibrant red kitchens or yellow bathrooms. Pastel homes, anyone? These colors are too polarizing and may put off potential buyers, decreasing competition for your property." She suggests sticking with neutral colors like whites, grays, blacks, beiges, and browns, which most people find appealing.
- Custom is nice, but not always practical:Everyone loves a home with character, but buyers don't necessarily drool over overly niche architecture or unusual layouts with quirky rooms. Leon Fisher, a Real Estate Advisor at Zook Cabins, warns, "Niche architectural features like sunken living rooms, conversation pits, or themed finishes might seem original, but these additions rarely catch on by the time you're ready to sell your home." If you want to keep potential buyers interested, opt for simple and functional designs.
- Clinical and void of character:On the flip side, a clinical, sterile residence is also a turn-off. Homes devoid of warmth and character often get overlooked. As Tami Pardee, founder of Pardee Properties, puts it, "Buyers do remember warmth. They remember the vibe, the soul of the home." Yes, when you sell, depersonalize things a bit, but don't make every design decision based on resale. Let the home reflect your essence, and potential buyers will appreciate it.
- Bold wallpaper disasters:When it comes to wallpaper choices, an overly noticeable pattern can deter buyers rather than attract them. Wallpaper removal can be a time-consuming and expensive hassle, so stick to classic and subtle styles that blend effortlessly into various interior design schemes.
- Furniture sheer vastness:Though you might be taking your furniture when you move, certain furniture styles can impact the home's value and appeal to buyers. Huge furniture pieces that dominate a room can make the area feel cramped. Niall Robinson, from Paramount Properties, advises, "Large furniture can make a small room feel even smaller, and buyers may struggle to imagine alternatives." Instead, in smaller rooms, opt for smaller pieces that add personality while keeping the space open and functional.
- When planning for home improvements or interior-design projects, it's crucial to remember that potential investors and buyers value a design that balances personal taste with lifestyle trends, referring to the practice of investing in home-and-garden and lifestyle solutions.
- In the realm of real-estate, it's essential to understand the significance of finance, as certain design decisions, such as choosing bold, controversial color schemes or custom architectural features, may pose challenges in selling homes, affecting the overall investment.
- As you embark on the journey of interior design and home improvements, strive to create a space that exhibits your unique style while keeping in mind elements attractive to potential buyers, ensuring a seamless blend of current lifestyle trends and enduring home values, with the goal of striking a balance between expressing your identity and maximizing real-estate returns.
