HGTV is powerful. I cannot even begin to tell you how many homeowners I speak to who got an idea to attempt a do-it-yourself project as a result of watching a home makeover show. If you are chuckling on the inside, it may be because you are one of them. I use the word ‘attempt’, because while these shows inspire and educate, they also tend to make projects seem simpler than they are.
Reality TV Shows vs. Remodeling in the Real World
Remember, it’s an 10 hour project shown in 30 minutes. TV shows have the power to edit and often have a team completing the handiwork behind the scenes. It’s a reality show, just like any other. I laugh on the inside and try not to show my angst on the outside when I go on a listing appointment with those who lost their drive on a remodel. The results range from unfinished faux painted walls, tile put in place that was never grouted and crown molding that doesn’t completely go around the ceiling. All of these unfinished projects are going to affect the sales price of your home.
It is easier to sell a dated home that is fully functioning and completed, than a home that seems to stop mid sentence. To a buyer, the project needs to be finished. I often have to change the perception of the seller, to see these things with buyers’ eyes, because after a while the seller doesn’t see the projects anymore. They have been living with them for so long; they just tend to blend into the background.
Do-it-yourself Projects
Many home supply stores offer classes on do-it-yourself projects. I often recommend someone take one before making a decision to start a project. We are all good at something, but certainly not good at everything. Have a reality check with yourself when you are watching those reality shows. Get a real education on what’s involved with a do-it-yourself project, before you begin one.
Under contract but accepting back-up offers, 1814 Village Oak Court in Austin’s trendy 78704 zip code offers an ideal balance of living in a suburban area while enjoying the convenience of an urban lifestyle.
This South Lamar area beauty features a well-balanced floor plan, soaring ceiling in living area, 3-sided fireplace borders living and dining, bonus loft space upstairs perfect for home office, cherry wood floors, cherry cabinets, island kitchen w/ granite counters, masonry siding, 3-sided wood burning fireplace, crown molding, flagstone patio, fenced backyard and no home owner’s association.
Listing appointments are more than just about the paperwork, 
Low interest rates, little inventory and plenty of buyers have made it a busy winter. The biggest mistake a buyer can make right now is to not have a plan and thorough understanding of the home buying process. If a home comes on the market these days, that is better than most – whether it is because of features or price, rest assured there are plenty of buyers that are going to go see it – and they all have similar wants and needs in a house. As soon as a new home pops up – everybody runs to it. Like houses attract like Buyers.