Feng shui experts reveal the one organizational mistake that’s making your home harder to sell – and it’s so easy to fix

When preparing a home for sale, homeowners typically focus on enhancements like improving curb appeal or updating bathrooms, often overlooking the impact of window treatments. However, according to the Home Staging Institute, staged homes with modern updates, including window treatments, can increase a home's value by six to ten percent and significantly reduce the time it spends on the market. Ryan Fitzgerald, a realtor and owner of Raleigh Realty, emphasizes that neglecting outdated or dusty window treatments is a common error that can deter potential buyers. The selection of appropriate window treatments can be overwhelming given the variety available. Fitzgerald advises homeowners to opt for classic and neutral designs such as plantation shutters, roller shades, or Roman blinds. He notes that cellular shades and motorized blinds are also gaining popularity due to their blend of technological appeal and functionality. These choices are generally considered safe bets for home sellers. Investing in new window treatments offers a return on investment (ROI) of approximately 70 to 75%, depending on the type and quality of materials used. However, Fitzgerald highlights that the primary benefit of updating window treatments extends beyond direct financial return. The main goal is to ensure the home appears move-in ready, which can attract more offers and accelerate the selling process. An inviting and updated interior, including well-chosen window coverings, contributes significantly to a positive first impression for prospective buyers. Outdated or neglected window treatments can detract from a home's overall aesthetic and suggest a lack of maintenance, potentially lowering buyer interest. Conversely, modern, clean, and stylish window treatments can enhance a home's perceived value and appeal, making it more competitive in the real estate market. Therefore, considering window treatments as an integral part of home staging is a strategic decision for sellers aiming to maximize their property's marketability and sale price. #HomeStaging #WindowTreatments #HomeValue #RealEstate #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #HomeSelling #PropertyValue

This article discusses a significant design mistake that can negatively impact a home's resale value: wall-to-wall carpeting, especially when used throughout the entire house. Real estate agent Allison Chiaramonte of Warburg in New York notes that most buyers view wall-to-wall carpeting as something that needs to be removed. Even if it appears clean and well-maintained while furnished, it often looks soiled once furniture is moved, making it a detractor for potential purchasers. The preference for hard flooring has grown, with numerous affordable and visually appealing alternatives to traditional hardwood now available, diminishing the appeal of carpet. Flooring has evolved into a prominent design feature, and covering it with wall-to-wall carpet is seen as a lack of flexibility, which modern buyers typically do not appreciate. While wall-to-wall carpeting is generally discouraged, there are specific exceptions. In bedrooms, some buyers still prefer soft flooring, though often in the form of area rugs rather than full carpeting. These rugs typically stop a few inches from the wall, allowing for easier changes in decor and maintaining the versatility of wood flooring underneath. Historically, many New York City co-ops mandated a certain percentage of carpeted flooring to reduce noise, but these rules are less strictly enforced today. For sellers, removing wall-to-wall carpeting can present a challenge if the subfloor is exposed and not suitable for immediate use, or if new wood flooring installation is required. In such cases, Chiaramonte advises clients to have carpets professionally cleaned to present them as fresh, though she strongly recommends avoiding permanent carpeting where possible during renovations for better resale value, suggesting custom area rugs that leave an inch or two of space from the wall as an alternative. Alexis Rodgers, an interior designer and stager in Philadelphia, acknowledges that wall-to-wall carpet is not a selling point for real estate listings. However, she believes it can be appropriate for certain luxury homes, particularly in upstairs bedrooms, to create a cozier atmosphere. It can also serve as a cost-effective solution to cover undesirable existing flooring, such as old, dated tiles, during pre-sale renovations. Nevertheless, Rodgers highlights a key concern for buyers: the hygiene factor. Unless the carpet was personally selected by the buyer, moving into a home with carpets previously used by others and their pets can be off-putting, as they rarely feel as clean as hardwood floors. Beyond aesthetics and personal preference, health considerations also play a significant role in the decline of wall-to-wall carpeting's popularity. Chiaramonte notes that increased awareness of allergies and the prevalence of pets make carpets seem less hygienic to many people. Research from the National Center for Biotechnology Information confirms that carpeted flooring tends to harbor more dust and allergens than hard flooring. Additionally, carpets can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that can cause irritation in some individuals, further reducing their appeal. The article also presents an example of an alternative flooring choice from media personality Ali Levine, who selected wood tile downstairs and wall-to-wall carpeting upstairs in her new home, except for the laundry room and bathrooms. She opted for carpet upstairs for a cozier feel and a soft surface for her baby. However, Levine expresses dissatisfaction with the carpet's quality and stain resistance, especially with pets and a baby, despite choosing a light grey color and specific texture. She acknowledges limited options at the time and is considering replacing it with a better type of carpet or removing it entirely in the future. In another instance, Diane Rutkofsky, who lives in a Texas flood zone, chose Nucore Waterproof Flooring throughout her home after a sewage flood, highlighting the practical benefits of waterproof options in specific circumstances. This type of flooring, a composite wood with a vinyl layer, offers durability and budget-friendliness. The increasing variety and quality of alternatives to traditional hardwood, including vinyl, laminate, and composite options, have rendered wall-to-wall carpeting largely obsolete. Area rugs, in contrast, are more popular than ever, offering a flexible and budget-friendly way to update a room's look without the long-term commitment of wall-to-wall carpet. #HomeDesign #ResaleValue #WallToWallCarpeting #HardwoodFlooring #InteriorDesign #RealEstate #FlooringChoices #HomeRenovation #AreaRugs

When selling a home, the first impression is crucial, as potential buyers form opinions quickly. To maximize appeal and secure offers, it's essential to ensure the home's visuals are pristine and the ambiance is inviting. Home stagers, experts in presenting properties, advise sellers on critical mistakes to avoid. One primary error is displaying personal photos and mementos. Ana Cvetkovic, an Interior Designer and Home Stager at Rowhome Design, emphasizes that staging aims to help buyers envision themselves in the home. Personal items like family photos or college degrees can hinder this process, making the space feel less like a potential new home and more like someone else's existing one. Therefore, removing all personal decor is recommended. Another significant mistake is ignoring underlying problems. Andress Eichstadt, co-owner of Staging Studio, warns against covering up issues such as leaks, cracks, or faulty wiring. While these might not be immediately visible, home inspections typically uncover them, leading to delays or even the collapse of a sale. Being transparent and addressing necessary repairs beforehand builds trust with buyers and prevents last-minute complications. Neglecting curb appeal is also a common oversight. Kyndra Outlaw, owner and home stager at Atmospheric Home Staging, highlights that the exterior is the first thing potential buyers see. A well-maintained exterior, featuring good landscaping, a freshly painted front door, pressure washing, and necessary repairs, creates a positive initial impression and suggests good overall home upkeep. Being too "taste-specific" in decor can alienate a broad range of buyers. Cvetkovic advises removing anything controversial or highly individualized, such as a zebra print rug or art with political or religious statements. The goal is to create a neutral environment that appeals to the widest possible audience, replacing unique items with more universally accepted alternatives. Overpowering scents are another deterrent. Outlaw explains that odors from pets, smoke, food, or garbage can immediately turn buyers away. Sellers should eliminate the source of any negative smells. Additionally, strong air fresheners or personal fragrances can be irritating for buyers with allergies or sensitivities, and may even suggest that the seller is trying to mask underlying odors. Opting for a scent-free environment is generally the best approach. Leaving up holiday decorations, especially if the home remains on the market beyond the holiday season, can also be problematic. While holiday decor can make a home appear cozy in listing photos, Cvetkovic notes that prolonged display can indicate that the house has been on the market for an extended period, particularly in slower selling seasons. Finally, staying home during showings is strongly discouraged. Eichstadt explains that buyers need privacy and space to explore the property freely and imagine themselves living there. The presence of the seller can make buyers uncomfortable and inhibit their ability to connect with the home on a personal level. Therefore, sellers should always vacate the premises during showings to allow buyers to take their time and feel at ease. #HomeStaging #RealEstate #HomeSelling #CurbAppeal #InteriorDesign #PropertySales #SellerTips #HomeMaintenance #NeutralDecor

While some design choices can enhance a home's value and appeal, others, despite their current popularity, might inadvertently decrease its market worth. This article, drawing insights from interior design and real estate professionals, identifies seven decor trends that could deter potential buyers or quickly render a home dated. The core message is that excessive personalization or adherence to fleeting trends can negatively impact a home's value, especially if a sale is anticipated in the near future. One significant trend to approach with caution is "color drenching." Although currently fashionable, overly bold paint choices are seen as highly personal and may alienate buyers who prefer a neutral palette or are unwilling to undertake repainting. While repainting is a relatively easy fix, real estate advisor Missy Derr suggests that such choices can make buyers perceive additional costs, thereby reducing the home's perceived value. However, if selling isn't immediate, personal expression through color is still encouraged. Another trend highlighted is the overuse of fluted panelling and reeded finishes. Interior designer Olga Doykhen notes that what once appeared sophisticated now feels generic and mass-produced, particularly when implemented without considering the home's architectural style. She advises opting for timeless designs and quality natural materials that complement the home's inherent character over trendy, mass-market applications. Surprisingly, over-the-top smart home improvements are also cited as a potential drawback. Missy Derr points out that technology evolves rapidly, making expensive, cutting-edge systems quickly obsolete or irrelevant to many buyers. While energy-efficient upgrades are generally beneficial, highly specialized features like app-controlled faucets or color-changing lighting might not be universally appreciated or understood, thus failing to add significant value. "Instagram Beige" minimalism, characterized by warm, earthy color palettes, also receives scrutiny. Olga Doykhen argues that these spaces, while visually appealing online, often lack depth and personality in person, akin to the once popular "millennial gray." The article suggests that true minimalist decor, when done correctly, can be appealing to buyers. The key lies in creating warmth and invitingness through layered neutrals and contrasting textures (e.g., ivory with espresso, chalk with tobacco, tactile materials like cashmere or oak) rather than monotonous beige. Statement tile, particularly bold patterns in kitchens and bathrooms, is another trend the experts advise against for homes on the market. Derr emphasizes that these areas are costly to remodel, and highly distinctive tile choices, while personal, can be a turn-off for prospective owners who might not share the same taste. A balance between neutral and classic, with timeless shapes and natural materials, is recommended over extreme choices. Conversely, all-white kitchens and bathrooms are deemed too sterile and uninviting, suggesting a need for warm, neutral tones. Excessive open shelving in the kitchen, despite its aesthetic appeal in curated images, is often perceived by potential buyers as impractical, leading to clutter and reduced storage. Rachel Blindauer, an interior and furniture designer, recommends a balanced approach, combining closed and open storage judiciously to showcase only a few sculptural essentials rather than an entire pantry's contents. Finally, accent walls incorporating wood trim or moulding, while a contemporary trend, are viewed as problematic for resale. Derr explains that unless a buyer specifically desires such a feature, they will likely perceive the cost and effort of removal, wall repair, and repainting. This personalized feature can decrease the home's marketability by presenting an immediate renovation task to prospective owners. #HomeValue #DecorTrends #InteriorDesign #RealEstate #HomeStaging #ResaleValue #ColorDrenching #SmartHome #Minimalism