This house has a traditional staircase.
Look at this gorgeous fireplace surround the owners had custom made.
The style of the staircase, the trim work, the custom fireplace all complement each other. They work in tandum for this Traditional home.
"....But what about the balusters?"
Wrought Iron balusters are currently on trend. Three realtors and four stagers told the sellers that the balusters needed to be replaced with black wrought iron before the house is put on the market. New balusters (or 'spindals' as we call them in the South) is a very expensive undertaking. The sellers were amazed that I disagreed about replacing the balisters. The staircase matches the style of this house!
Kitchens Sell Homes
This is the seller's kitchen. Kitchens sell homes and this one is pretty lackluster and outdated.
The seller's money would be better spent on kitchen upgrades. I suggested the cabinets be painted, stone countertops installed (they had intended to redo the countertops) and put in a new tile backsplash. The husband is very handy and has a large shop. I suggested, that if budget and time permit, he add a built-in window seat. A window seat will add so much emotional appeal to this kitchen! Don't you think?
I'm a bang-for-the-buck girl. Updating the kitchen is going to have a much better return on investment than the staircase project. These home owners were smart to interview many agents and stagers before putting their house on the market. Professional opinions vary!
Popular design elements do not necessarily equal sinking money into them. For selling, you have to weigh return on investment.
This a great house! Kitchen updates and staging (I'm excited to work some magic in this beautiful home) should equal a speedy sale!
Linda
Wow Linda., thanks for the great advice. I never thought to interview a agent. I marry my house over 31 years ago and probably will never let go of this old house.
ReplyDeleteAnne
Lucky you to never have to go through the sale process! Yes Anne, sellers should interview realtors to see who is the best fit for them. The right seller/agent relationship is very important for getting the best marketing and getting your house sold. As in everything, different agents have different agendas and styles.
DeleteWhat a great opportunity, Linda. This house is going to be stunning when you are done with it. I can't imagine a realtor telling me to change the staircase balusters out - that is such a personal design statement. Good for you for sticking to your guns.
ReplyDeleteThis is a gorgeous house! It isn't going on the market until Spring. The owners are in the process of gathering info and updating. I can't believe how expensive changing the balusters is! I sure wouldn't move if I invested in them!
DeleteRight on Mark! What a waste of money to change the balusters!!!! If the homeowner can work magic on the cabinets and add a window seat, the home will be a hot item on the MLS! Perfect Girl, Perfect!
ReplyDeleteThanks Patty! I've never encouraged someone to build a window seat. Every time I looked at the windows I could 'see' it. I always appreciate your professional opinion on my work!
DeleteThis is great advice - can't wait to see you work your magic!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It is such a great house and the owner's have great furnishings to work with. I'll bring in some contemporary art, pillows, etc. to tweak it.
DeleteWhat a beautiful house!! And I completely agree with your advice! Just by thinking of how I would feel if I was coming in as a potential buyer, I would be completely turned off by wrought iron balusters on the stairs because they wouldn't match the look of the rest of the house at all. They would look like someone had just impulsively jumped aboard a trend train. But an updated kitchen would really make me happy- especially if I saw that it had a sweet window seat! That area is perfect for one!!
ReplyDeleteYou should see the lot the house is on--a twisting drive way leads you through the woods to front door--total privacy! I appreciate you supporting my advice! I'm so glad they decided not to install the balusters. I can't wait to see the kitchen and the window seat!
ReplyDeletewell..I would buy it!
ReplyDeleteWant me to send you the listing info and you can move on down to Raleigh? It is an exceptional house and lot. And the sellers are the nicest people ever!
DeleteLove a window seat. No to the iron spindles...but a black bannister might be nice.
ReplyDeleteThe black bannister is a good idea. I have suggested it in other homes in the past. But this house is SO traditional in style and furnishings I thought it might be distracting. Thanks for the vote on the window seat! I think that space begs for it!
DeleteYes on the window seat and yes on black or dark brown banister.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Update the kitchen where ever you can, it'll pay off.
ReplyDeleteYes, Donna the return on investment is so high for kitchen updates. I always say if there is money in the budget to apply it in the kitchen.
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