I was recently asked to join a private interior design Facebook page. Of course it brings me nothing but happiness to be part of a design community where people post pictures, tips and ask for and offer advice. Recently someone had posted that they had just moved into a place and were wondering what type of updates they should do knowing that the home was probably not their forever home. This is a question that is near and dear to me as a lover of design and a realtor. The short answer would be that it is always about balance. As you are decorating or renovating your short term goal would be to create a home that is YOURS but your longer term goal is to make sure it is not so personalized that it will deter future buyers. When a client asks me this question, I have a number of follow up questions:
- How long do you think you are going to stay in the house?
Interior design trends change over the years and what you do today inevitably will be outdated in 15-20 years even if update to everything a possible buyer wants now.
- What changes are you thinking of making?
Changes such as paint, window coverings and furniture in any room in the home can always be changed prior to selling. Larger changes such as fixtures and flooring can be changed but also is expensive.
- What rooms are the changes in?
Kitchen and baths typically add the most value to your home and I would try to keep those on par with what buyers in your market are looking for.
- What is your budget now and possibly for selling your home?
If you want to personalize your home for when you live in it, do you have a budget to change if when you sell if need be?
- Are you open to making changes to your home prior to selling it in the future if need be?
If you are greatly personalizing your home, keep in mind to get it sold in the future you may need to replace personal upgrades with something more suitable to the current market.
My typical recommendation is to personalize your home with things that can be changed: paint, furniture, art, area rugs, lighting and other decorative items. Fixtures, counter tops, flooring and appliances should remain close to what sells in your market. If you are making very personal changes that are much different from what your market dictates just keep in mind you may need to make additional updates prior to selling. Otherwise it may take a bit longer to sell as you are looking for a buyer with a very similar style or a buyer willing to do work to make the place their own. If you are considering making substantial updates and are concerned about your home’s resale, I would highly recommend getting the opinion of an experienced real estate agent.
In addition to writing for Daigle’s Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth’s clients range from first-time home buyers, to sellers, to short sales, to seasoned investors. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.
