I don't like the phrase "custom home," and I hate "professionally decorated" even more. Very often they both mean "next to impossible to sell."
Architects and spec homebuilders do their best to design product that will appeal to a significant part of the buying market. That's why they are careful to not go off half-cocked with custom colors, weird room sizes and arrangements and accruements that don't add perceived value.
If you buy one of these homes, and you don't go wild repainting the rooms and imposing your own eccentric taste in how its decorated, you can be reasonably assured that if you decide to sell it, that it will sell within a reasonable period.
The custom home and further, the custom home that has been professionally decorated doesn't get this market share. The average buyer, regardless of price range, will not seriously consider purchasing a home that will require removing "the custom, professionally decorated."
Consequently, it seems odd to me that people who gravitate to wanting their new home to be "custom and professionally decorated," also go into the deal knowing that in all likelihood they will want to sell the home within, say, five years or so.
In reality, a "custom and professionally decorated" home needs to be the owner's home for life...or nearly that long, anyway.
The only salvation for these owners is a fine stager, and that advice will most assuredly be accompanied by resistance and some hard feelings.
Copyright 2008 - William S. Cherry
BILL CHERRY, REALTORS
DALLAS
214 503-8563
1 800 314-7110
Now in our 44th Year Selling America
Excellent points, Bill. I see so many homes that have been customized and the owners think the colours etc are 'just great' and yet they wonder why their house isn't selling. Orange or bright purple walls don't cut it for everyone and sometimes can impart a very negative feeling that will stay with the buyer. I always remind my seller clients that 95 % of people do not see beyond exactly what they are looking at, so as far as overlooking all that 'customizing', forget it.
Jo
Miss Jo--
Great hearing from you. I grew a beard years ago. When my daddy saw it, he said, "Why would you grow a beard? There are things about each of us that we can't change, but that cause some people to not like us as well as they could. Why would you intentionally add one?"
The same is true with these mavericks that think they'll be able to force their taste on others. Ford learned with the Edsel.
Hi Bill... I have a friend with a Rotweiller. He always describes his Rotweiler as a "One Person" dog because they tend to bond with one person and are protective of them and bond with that person. Professionally decorated homes are the housing equivalent of my friend's Rotweiller... it's difficult for others to bond with a home that has been professionally decorated or customized for someone else. It's not impossible, but takes time and work.
Steve, I think that's a wonderful comparison. I'll probably use it when appropriate, but I promise to give you credit.
Thanks
Bill