Having vision is “being able to see something as it can be rather than how it is”. That is true in many things but today we’re talking specifically about how having vision can be very helpful in the house hunting process and being able to see past the surface can be beneficial, and is sometimes absolutely necessary!! :)
Unless you are purchasing a brand new home where you get to choose everything and have it finished to your personal taste it is likely that you will find something you would like changed in every single space and then it becomes more about the location, and the basic bones of the home.
That being said, there is no doubt that great staging can make a difference in the appeal of a home and great décor and furniture placement can you show you how can live in a space,large or small, which is something to keep in mind when you are selling by the way. However, we always remind our clients that even when it looks great that they are not likely purchasing the décor so they have to be able to see past that to the space. And when it doesn’t look so great …it’s not your style and you hate the paint colour and the carpet, those things can be changed easily and fairly inexpensively to suit your style. Also, an older home may hold appeal for a number of reasons including size, location, established landscaping and so on but maybe you love the open concept living for example in newer plans so you have to be able to see the potential of reconfiguring space by eliminating walls or possibly redesigning the kitchen to accomplish that.
So whether it is a minor change involving cosmetic details or a major reno, having a bit of vision can allow you to see the possibilities and potential of how you can make any house your home with your personal style!
Check out this article from Real Simple on how overlooking some flaws in a home can be a benefit when purchasing……
http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/house-flaws-00100000125460/index.html
If you are starting to think about purchasing or selling your home we are here to help! And if you find that home requires some updates we are happy to refer you to the right people to help you achieve the results you are looking for.
Happy Home Shopping!
Karin & Jen